but are more commonly folded over to give the appearance of a single, half-width shutter from the street. So you could achieve the appearance of an operable shutter on a wide window with a single shutter on each side of the window that is 1/4 the size of the window opening. On the other hand, contemporary exterior designers often suggest that you avoid shutters on picture windows or any window that is too large to support an operable shutter (figure 4).

 Figure 4: shutters out of proportion

There is less consensus among the experts on how to deal with unusually narrow windows or windows that are too close to some obstruction or to another window to install shutters on both sides. Some experts recommend a single shutter equal to the width of the window, placed on one side only (figure 5). Others caution against using shutters in these cases.

 Figure 5: a single shutter for each window

We've all seen houses with properly proportioned shutters that just don't look right. The experts would tell you that the problem is with the windows, not the shutters. But unless you intend a major remodel, you have to work with what you've got. Personally, we think that modern shutters are more about aesthetics than functionality. These days, shutters frame the windows and provide a decorative element that improves curb appeal. So you should do what looks good to you. If that means putting a 15-inch wide shutter on a picture window to break up that expanse of blank glass, we say go for it.

Mounting Your Shutters in the Correct Position

 Figure 6: operable shutters mounted
 adjacent to window opening

It stands to reason that, if you should size your shutters as though they are operable, you should also mount them in a position that suggests they are operable. In general, this means that the traditional shutter was mounted adjacent to the window opening into which it would fit when closed (figure 6). On a modern window, this requires that you mount the inside stile of the shutter (the vertical frame piece) over the window frame. Some traditional shutter hinges provide an offset that allows the shutter to sit a few inches away from the window opening (figure 7)

 Figure 7: operable shutters mounted
  a few inches outside window opening

. So it is also possible to achieve an operable look with non-operable shutters mounted against the outer edge of the window frame (figure 8). Often, this gives a cleaner look, provided the frame is relatively narrow.

Choosing the Right Style

Here's where we have to disagree with the purists. After all, the Shutterstile concept is a departure from tradition. In a book on exterior design, we read that your shutters should match the architecture of your geographic region. Raised panel shutters don't belong at the beach. And louvered shutters have no place in Minnesota.

 Figure 8: non-operable shutters
 mounted adjacent to window trim

You can play it safe and use the same color combination you have on the rest of your house. If you have a tan house with dark brown trim, you can't go wrong with a dark brown shutter frame with a tan tile. But anyone who has seen a red door against an otherwise neutral palette knows the impact a splash of color can have.

One-inch red glass tiles on a white PVC shutter create a retro look, much like a 50s diner. Four-inch dark gray tiles on the same white PVC shutter give the look of subtle quality. Blues and yellows in a Mexican tile might look a little bold to some people up close, but from the street, these colors blend into a pleasing pattern that causes the casual passerby to stop for a closer look. Four-inch squares of stone-look porcelain tile in a dark-stained wood frame complement brick and stone houses and give a high end look to vinyl siding.

It's really about you, your personality, and your own unique style.