Choosing the right shutters for your home isn’t just about adding a functional window covering.
It’s about making a design choice that ties the look of your home together.
You want something that looks good from the outside, adds curb appeal, and still enhances the interior aesthetic.
A common question is whether you can match your shutters to the exterior of your house to achieve a cohesive look inside and out.
The answer is yes — but as we’ll explore, exact colour matching isn’t the only option.
Often, a subtle contrast or complementary shade can elevate your home’s appearance more than a perfect match.
Why matching or complementing colours is important
When done right, matching or complementing your shutters to your home’s exterior can enhance your overall aesthetic.
It adds uniformity to your home’s facade, improving curb appeal, and making your house more attractive.
Whether you are planning to sell or just want to enjoy a more polished look, choosing the right colour for your shutters can make all the difference.
The trick is to figure out whether an exact colour match or a complementary tone will create the best visual harmony for your property.
Factors influencing how colours are perceived
Before choosing your shutter colour, it’s important to know that how you and others perceive colour can change based on several factors.
A shade that looks perfect at one time of day might appear quite different at another, and a colour that seems cohesive from one angle might shift slightly when viewed from another perspective.
- Time of day and lighting conditions: Colour perception changes with natural light. For instance, during midday, colours tend to appear cooler and more vibrant, while in the evening, they may take on a warmer, more muted tone. A shade like Ivory Lace could look fresh and crisp in the morning but softer and more neutral at dusk.
- Glare and reflection: The angle of sunlight hitting your windows and the reflective surfaces around your home can dramatically alter how you see the shutters. For example, Antracite, a darker tone, may seem striking under direct sunlight but appear subdued when reflected through window glare.
- Surroundings and environment: If your house is surrounded by greenery, trees, or even other buildings, these elements will cast reflections and shadows that influence how your shutter colours look. A colour like Sea Perl, a light green shade, might pick up hues from the surrounding landscape, enhancing or altering its appearance depending on the environment.
Choosing the right finish and colour for your shutters
At Shutters Factory, we offer a wide range of colours and finishes that make it easier for you to achieve the look you’re aiming for, whether it’s a perfect match or a complementary style.
Here’s a breakdown of how different colours can be used for different effects:
- Neutral tones for seamless matching: Pure White and shades like Silk White and Lustre are perfect for those looking to create a seamless match with a home’s exterior. These colours work especially well with light-coloured houses or neutral facades, blending harmoniously without creating too much contrast. If your home exterior is painted white or light grey, these colours are a safe choice for a uniform look.
- Subtle contrasts for added dimension: Sometimes, a little contrast is all you need to give your home’s exterior more depth. Colours like Hall Grey, Stone Grey, and Brown Grey are excellent for creating a balanced look that adds interest without overwhelming the eye. For example, pairing Hall Grey shutters with a white house can create a sophisticated, modern aesthetic.
- Bold finishes for a statement: For homeowners who want their shutters to stand out, colours like Golden Oak, Old Mahogany, or Black are ideal. These shades work well on traditional brick or wooden homes where a strong colour adds a sense of character. A home with a dark exterior, like charcoal or deep brown, can look striking with black shutters, creating a dramatic, high-contrast finish.
What look are you going for?
Do you want your shutters to blend in seamlessly or make a bold statement?
With our wide range of colours and finishes, you can find the perfect match for your style and preferences.
Material matters too
It’s not just about colour.
The material of your shutters plays a significant role in how well they hold that colour and how it looks in different lighting conditions.
For example:
- Composite shutters (Mimeo Composite): These are perfect for smooth, even finishes that maintain colour consistency. Available in Pure White, the composite material reflects light more evenly, maintaining a uniform appearance.
- Douglas Fir and Ash wood shutters (Classic and Select ranges): Wooden shutters offer a natural grain that adds texture to the finish. A shade like Old Mahogany on wood will have a richer, more dynamic look compared to composite materials, especially when the sunlight hits the natural grain of the wood.
How to make the right choice for your home
Ultimately, the best shutter colour for your home depends on several factors: the exterior colour of your house, the material of the shutters, and the look you’re trying to achieve.
While matching can create a sleek, cohesive feel, don’t be afraid to explore complementary shades that enhance the architecture and style of your home.
For example, if you have a cottage-style home, you might choose Provence Blue to add a pop of colour and charm to a white or cream exterior.
For modern homes, darker, more subdued shades like Antracite or Black can create a more dramatic, contemporary look.
Pro tip: If you’re unsure which shade will work best, opt for neutral colours. They tend to be more forgiving and can work with a wider range of architectural styles.
You can also book a free consultation with us to see samples in person and test how they look against your home’s exterior under different lighting conditions.