The 3 Main Vinyl Shutter Styles: Raised Panel, Louvered, and Board & Batten
- Staff
- 18 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
When homeowners want to improve curb appeal, shutters are often one of the easiest exterior upgrades to make. Vinyl shutters in particular have become extremely popular because they are durable, affordable, and require virtually no maintenance.
One of the most widely used manufacturers is Mid-America, known for producing a large variety of vinyl shutters in multiple styles, sizes, and colors.
Although there are several specialty options available, most homes use one of three main shutter styles: raised panel, louvered, or board & batten. Each creates a different architectural look and works better with certain home designs.
Raised Panel Shutters
Raised panel shutters feature a solid face with one or more recessed rectangular panels. This creates a clean, symmetrical appearance that pairs well with traditional architecture.
They are especially common on brick homes and houses with Colonial, Georgian, or Federal influences. The panel design gives the exterior a more formal and structured appearance.
Mid-America raised panel shutters are available in standard heights from 31 inches to 80 inches, in 4-inch increments (it skips 79"). As with all shutters, larger sizes cost more simply because more material is used.
Widths:
9-1/4"
12"
14-1/2" (standard)
16-1/2"
18"
Other custom widths are available at a steep price increase.
Best for: Traditional homes such as Colonial, Georgian, and brick homes where a clean, balanced look works best.
Pricing comparison: Raised panel shutters are typically priced about the same as louvered shutters and slightly less than board & batten shutters.
Louvered Shutters
Louvered shutters are probably the most recognizable shutter style. They feature horizontal slats that resemble the look of traditional working shutters that could once open and close.
This style works well with a wide range of architectural styles including Colonial, Cape Cod, and many traditional suburban homes.
Mid-America louvered shutters are available in standard sizes from 25 inches to 80 inches tall, again in 4-inch increments.
Widths:
9-1/4"
12"
14-1/2" (standard)
16-1/2"
18"
Other custom widths are available at a steep price increase.
Some specialty designs combine louvered and raised panel sections, which can help match unique architectural details.
Best for: Classic American home styles such as Colonial, Cape Cod, and many traditional suburban homes.
Pricing comparison: Louvered shutters typically cost about the same as raised panel shutters and slightly less than board & batten shutters.
Board & Batten Shutters
Board & batten shutters create a more rustic appearance. Instead of panels or louvers, they use vertical boards connected by horizontal battens.
This design is commonly used on farmhouse-style homes, cottages, and craftsman-style architecture, or modern.
Mid-America board & batten shutters are available in standard sizes from 31 inches to 80 inches, also in 4-inch increments.
Widths: Ranging from 7" to 20-1/2", depending on number of boards and whether closed or spaced. A closed 2-board shutter is 7", a spaced 5-board shutter is 20-12".
spaced 3-board shutters (most common spaced shutter): 12"
joined 4-board shutters (most common joined shutter): 14:
One of the advantages of board & batten shutters is the ability to customize the look. Homeowners can choose open slats with spacing between the boards or closed slats with no spacing at all. You can also get wider shutters, shutters with up to 5 boards.
Best for: Farmhouse, cottage, craftsman, and rustic-style homes, but also can play well off of a modern aesthetic.
Pricing comparison: Board & batten shutters typically cost slightly more than both raised panel and louvered shutters.
Specialty Options and Custom Designs
While the three main shutter styles cover most homes, Mid-America also offers several specialty options that allow homeowners to customize their shutters even further.
Some of these include:
Arched top shutters for curved windows
Combination shutters that mix louvered and raised panel sections
Custom-sized paneling and louvers
Triple panel configurations for taller windows
These options help shutters better match unique architectural features, but will cost more than the stanard shutters.
Cottage Windows
As an aside, cottage-style windows have a taller lower sash and shorter upper sash, creating a slightly different visual balance than traditional windows. When shutters are installed next to cottage windows, the sizing must be chosen carefully so the shutters still look proportional to the window height.
These are examples where custom sizing or specialty shutter configurations can make a noticeable difference in the final appearance.
Shutter Hardware & Accessories
Shutter hardware is another detail that can significantly change the overall look. Even though most vinyl shutters today are decorative rather than functional, adding traditional hardware can give them the appearance of real working shutters.
Common decorative hardware includes:
Hinges
Shutter dogs (S-Hooks)
Shutter plugs or screws
These small additions can add a surprising amount of character to a home’s exterior.
Don’t Forget the Colors
Mid-America shutters are available in a wide range of factory colors designed to complement siding, brick, and trim colors. However, there are essentially infinite colors in the world, and no manufacturer can offer every possible variation.
Because of that, Mid-America also offers paintable shutters.
Paintable shutters allow homeowners to match a specific custom color exactly. In theory, this is the most customizable option available when it comes to color. That said, in our experience, relatively few homeowners choose the paintable option. Most people find a standard factory color that works well with their home’s exterior.
Choosing the Right Vinyl Shutters
Raised panel, louvered, and board & batten shutters each offer a different style, but they all provide the same key benefits: durability, low maintenance, and an easy way to improve curb appeal.
Because Mid-America shutters come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and specialty options, they can work with almost any home design or window type.
Whether you prefer the traditional elegance of raised panels, the classic look of louvers, or the rustic charm of board & batten, the right shutters can dramatically improve the look of a home’s exterior.
The best time to replace shutters is during a siding replacement project. If you live within our service area of MD or PA, call us today at (877) 846-9566 or schedule your free siding consultation online.
