Shutters in Europe

Traditionally, in Europe, shutters were installed for security, noise reduction, insulation, and to protect the windows to extend their lifespan. These houses are called Swiss chalets and are found in the mountainous parts of Switzerland. The main reason shutters survived throughout history was because they improved the aesthetics of the house. Not only do the Swiss love their shutters, but they also enjoy decorating the windows with flowers.

A three-story wooden house with red window shutters and a stone foundation, surrounded by greenery, under a partly cloudy sky.
A traditional chalet-style wooden house with green shutters and red flower boxes, situated in a mountainous area with lush green hills and a clear blue sky.

Old Japan found similar reasons to install shutters. The main purpose for these sliding door shutters was to protect the house from intruders because the doors were very thin. But like in Europe, they also helped protect the exterior doors, kept the house warmer in winter, and reduced noise coming from the outside.

Traditional Shutters in Japan

Traditional Japanese house with wooden exterior, surrounded by trees and rocks, reflecting in a pond, with a smaller wooden building in the corner.

Why Thermal Shutters?

Aesthetically Pleasing

  • So, the window is not just a hole in the wall


Additional Insulation

  • Windows with thermal shutters closed have an increased insulation​ value of R-10

  • Shutters are typically closed at night when temperatures are lowest


Ability to make a room completely dark and soundproof

  • Research has proven that people sleep better in complete darkness

  • Certain illnesses can be prevented by sleeping in dark rooms

  • Good for daytime sleepers, such as medical professionals


Security

  • Shutters are locked from the inside and will keep law breakers away

  • Provide hurricane and storm protection

How Are Shutters Attached?

Two bar graphs with arrows pointing left and right.

Because the shutters are large and heavy, they needed to be bolted to the structure before the insulation foam boards went up. Here is what the finished hinges look like. Here is how the seal was installed. The house shown here may be the very first house with workable shutters that not only close but are also airtight and help insulate.

A view of a white house wall with a window and a wooden trellis.
White wall with a closed white door and a small pipe or vent below it.
Illustration of a partially open wooden cabinet door revealing interior insulation labeled "1 1/2" Insulation" with a piece of insulation material inside.
Close-up of a building exterior showing brick wall with three small wooden boxes attached to the wall around a window, under an unfinished wooden roof structure.
Close-up of a door frame, revealing an exposed screw and a brass door stop mounted on a textured wall.
Close-up images showing the damaged and repaired corners of a shed door frame, with the left image displaying a broken corner and the right image showing a repaired corner with a lock.

Here, you can see how the shutters seal to the windowsill on the top and bottom of the window. You can also see how it locks from the inside of the house.

The inspiration for matching the back side of the shutters to the walls was to mimic the function of the human eye. As the shutters are closed in the evening, it leaves the impression that the house has gone to sleep for the night, just as our eyes close when we sleep. 

Before and after comparison of a two-story house exterior, showing removal of wooden shutter shutters from the upper level and window coverings from the lower level, with the house's white facade and balcony still intact.
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