Are Interior Shutters Classy?

Interior shutters have a longer history than the 1960s and 70s remodels many people picture. Before glass windows were common, shutters on the inside kept out weather. Early versions either ran on tracks or hinged vertically. Some slid into pockets built into the plaster wall, and once window openings became more deeply recessed in the 18th century, that recess became a spot to store folding, paneled shutters. This style showed up mostly in Northern homes. In the South, louvered shutters were common by the late 1700s, with a tilt rod that lets you angle the slats to block sun while still letting air through, often called a plantation shutter.

For an 1840s house, either style would have historical footing, so the choice comes down to look and function rather than authenticity. Shutters today are commonly made from hardwoods like cedar, basswood, or poplar, though engineered wood is a reasonable option in some spots. They can be painted or stained to match existing trim.

One practical detail for older houses: shutters can be mounted in their own frame attached to the window casing, which sidesteps the problem of window openings that are not perfectly square, a common issue in older construction. That makes them a workable choice even in a house where the original window openings have shifted a bit over time.