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living room scene with wood shutters

Interior Shutters for Doors: A Functional and Elegant Solution

Interior shutters might be the perfect window treatment. Their sturdiness and long-term durability are unmatched. And their easy functionality—just lift or lower a louver to open, close or adjust—makes them perfect for any room in the home.

But did you know that shutters can be used as interior doors? Compared to a conventional door, a shutter is relatively light. And there is a special visual appeal that an interior shutter has that is refreshing—a sort of casual elegance. This look is especially at home in bedrooms, sunrooms, and light-colored or white living rooms as well as studies.

Designers use Graber interior shutters as doors for closets—either as single doors, sliding doors, or bifold doors—as well as coverings for French doors and sliding glass doors. When used to cover glass doors that lead to the outdoors, shutters provide the ability to control the light coming into the room. You can adjust the louvers for privacy and light control, or you can open the shutters all the way for a full view. The color or finish of the shutters can be matched to other interior elements, including wood or composite blinds and the wood trim throughout the room. This type of coordination creates a sophisticated look—and when it comes time to sell your home, the architectural quality of the shutters and the aesthetic cohesion make your home more appealing to buyers.

What Are Interior Shutter Doors?

An interior shutter door is simply a large shutter, made of either wood or a composite material, used in place of a door. They can be placed over a closet and used as a closet door, but they can also be used to cover doors to the outside, such as your sliding glass door. French doors and wide, floor-length windows can also be covered with these large shutters.

living room scene with shutter windows and doors

What Are the Benefits of Interior Shutter Doors?

One of the best reasons for using an interior shutter to cover a door is the look—a shutter has a lighter feel than a conventional door, and the linear pattern of the louvers can be a welcome addition to some room designs. So if you’re trying to achieve a different look or sense of lightness, shutter doors are a great place to start.

When covering a sliding glass door, the obvious advantage of using shutter doors is the ability to control light and privacy. Simply adjust the louvers and you have just the right amount of light and view to the outdoors. This is a great option when you have a garden, city skyline, or beautiful landscape you want to see.

In addition to their light-control abilities, shutters provide some insulation against heat and cold. The wood or composite materials used to construct shutters have good insulating properties that can lead to some energy savings. On top of that, shutters are durable—in fact, they’re the most durable of all window treatments, lasting for decades.

What Are the Downsides of Shutters?

Shutters are more expensive than other window treatments. But the incredible durability and longevity of shutters make them a solid investment. Blinds and curtains offer more range in terms of light control and privacy when compared to shutters. And, measuring and installing shutters can be more of a challenge—although a Graber Dealer has the expertise to make any installation successful. .

  Shutters Blinds Room Darkening Curtains
Durability

Lasts for decades—the most durable of all window treatments

A proven design that is also very durable

Fairly durable, but must be maintained

Light Control/Privacy

Adjust louvers by hand

Rotate wand

Curtains are simply opened or closed

Options

Dozens of finishes and colors

Huge range of slat sizes, colors and textures

Hundreds of fabrics

Cost $$$ $ $

Stylish Ideas for Interior Shutter Doors

Using shutter doors in place of French doors—or over French doors—creates a light but elegant look. You should also consider sliding shutter doors for use across entryways or over sliding glass doors that lead to the outdoors. In humid spaces, like laundry rooms or bathrooms, composite shutter doors are ideal. And in situations where versatile light control or additional privacy options are a concern, double-hung shutter doors add another option.

bedroom scene with french sliding shutter doors

How to Choose the Right Shutter Doors for Your Home

So, when you’re thinking about redesigning a room or just adding some interesting elements, interior shutter doors should be on your list of possibilities. Interior shutter doors can be interesting—the range of finishes lets you match your doors to your interior design vision. If you want your interior shutter doors to pop, you’ll find plenty of beautiful colors. But if you want your shutter doors to blend in with the décor or trim work, you’ll find a full range of wood-grain finishes to choose from.

One of the biggest upsides to choosing shutters for any purpose in your home’s interior is the durability—you just won’t have to worry about these sturdy doors. They’ll instantly become part of your home—not simply window treatments or decorations. So, after you’ve spent some time pondering and dreaming about all the options, contact your Graber Dealer and find out how you can bring your vision to life.

Elevate Your Home with Interior Shutter Doors

living room scene with wood shutters doors and windows

When compared to other window treatments, shutters stand out for durability and simplicity. Their hard materials and time-tested construction allow them to last for decades. And their simple louver adjustment makes them a cinch to use. Interior shutters are available in a range of natural finishes and painted colors—it’s hard not to find a color or finish that perfectly matches your needs. And with sliding and hinged options, you can get just the right functionality for your doors. Professionally measured and installed, Graber interior shutter doors can provide years of flawless performance. Contact a Graber Dealer today.

FAQs About Interior Shutter Doors

Can I Use Shutters on a Door with a Lever Handle?

Shutter doors can be outfitted with a range of hardware, including lever handles. And, if the door you are covering has a lever handle you would like to access, cut-outs can be made on the shutter to accommodate this. Your Graber Dealer can give you all the options—there are many possibilities.

Can Shutters Be Installed on Sliding Glass Doors?

Shutters are an excellent covering for a sliding glass door. The adjustability of the louvers gives you options for privacy and light control, and you have a view to the outdoors when the louvers are open—and a clear view when the shutter doors are fully open.

Do Shutters Increase Home Value?

Many people who own shutters comment on how their shutters are one of the most elegant features in their homes. The fact that shutters feel more like architectural features than mere window treatments means prospective homebuyers will see them as a fundamental feature of the home. No other window treatment can offer such a sense of added value.

How Much Do Interior Shutter Doors Cost?

Interior shutter doors vary with the options you choose. But the most affordable interior shutter doors are made with composite materials—a highly durable material that, when painted or given an imitation wood-grain finish, looks quite similar to wood.

Are Composite Shutters as Good as Wood?

Composite shutters would work any room, but they should absolutely be your first choice for bathrooms. Their ability to stand up to heat and moisture is unmatched. They will not crack, peel, or warp. Real wood is unmatched in its beauty—so if you’re going for an uncompromising level of sophistication, real wood is the way to go.