Shutters serve many purposes during the summer months...
They shield the house from sunlight -- keeping the inside temperature cooler. And can protect windows from sudden summer storms.
But from an aesthetic point of view, shutters can provide architectural detail and interest in a room -- whether you are looking out or in.
They can even be used creatively to provide extra storage or keep items organized -- thanks to their succession of louvered blades.
Here are some of my favorite shutter ideas.
I hope they will inspire you to think about them in a different way...
1 I love that these shutters were painted a canary yellow against the sky blue walls. (Martha Stewart Living)
2 A shutter is attached to the exteriors of windows -- giving the house facade added detail and protection from harsh conditions if need be. (Martha Stewart Living)
3 Classic shutter doors keep this Southern porch cool during the hottest months. (Martha Stewart Living)
4 This clever screen made from antique shutters makes provides privacy and design interest on a porch. (Martha Stewart Living)
5 Who says windows need shades and curtains? These white shutters provide a clean and modern feel in this bedroom. (Martha Stewart Living)
6 A trio of shutters makes a perfect entryway organizer (Martha Stewart Living)
7 The detail on these shutters is so intricate and striking. (Martha Stewart Living)
8 Floor-to-ceiling Plantation shutters add even mimic the wall molding in the room. Plantation shutters have louver blades that are wider than the typical shutter. (Martha Stewart Living)
9 Shutter dogs are tie-back hardware for the shutter to keep them secure when not in use. (diyshutters.com)
10 I love these brass ones. (diyshutters.com)
11 Four large shutters make a breezy and beautiful armoire. (Martha Stewart Living)
Diyshutters.com is a great resource for many kinds of interior and exterior shutters -- including Plantation and European styles. They also stock a great variety of shutter hardware.
Kevin Sharkey 
From: Jan Erickson | 6/8/11 at 11:48 am
Hi Kevin, What a terrific blog post about shutters! How great to see that they can be used for some things other than outside covers on windows! These photos are fantastic and I'm going to try using shutters in and outside of my house! Thanks for sharing! Have a great day! Jan
From: Carol Bleich | 6/8/11 at 2:07 pm
I love shutters!!! And I love all the different ways you have shown that they can be used. Now to make my plans for using them a reality! PS Thanks for the source also.
From: Rowaida Flayhan | 6/8/11 at 4:23 pm
Hi Kevin, This is beautiful, shutters are fabulous accessories for windows I love the blue shutters, you can find them in red, green or brown in houses in the Middle East especially in the mountains. I am sending you some pics of shutters used in some houses in Lebanon. These pics taken from a book called Heritage Wealth "The Stone" Trésors Du Patrimoine La Pierre
http://t.co/S5Azpyg
http://t.co/ERVIhxV
http://t.co/aGvWZ4b
http://t.co/lF3hWCr
http://t.co/iVrTAHy
http://t.co/S4LsUhx