Display Dazzling Wall Decor Using Antique Architectural Shutters
Antique architectural shutters impart old-world charm and visual intrigue when incorporated into modern interior design schemes. From their distressed patinas to unique asymmetrical louvers, these repurposed window coverings introduce coveted vintage aesthetics ideal for decorator showcases. We'll explore the captivating world of antique shutters, from sourcing to creatively displaying them as striking wall art. Soon your rooms will boast new decorative dimension with these hallmarks of classic style.
Salvaged from bygone eras, antique shutters reveal the artisan details of earlier architectural movements. Hand-planed woods, forged iron fixings, and weather-worn finishes speak to the lost arts of traditional craftsmanship. Unlike mass-produced modern varieties, these shutters showcase the subtle imperfections of authentic antiquity. Their richly grained planks, smooth worn hinges, and layers of old paint bestow modern homes with rare vintage appeal.
Finding Antique Shutters to Use as Wall Decor
When sourcing antique shutters for statement walls, cast a wide net searching architectural salvage yards, antique shops, estate sales, and online auctions. Focus the hunt by determining the general size, condition level, and decorative style suited to your display goals and overall interior aesthetics.
Where to Source Old Shutters
Prime picking grounds for antique shutters ready for their interior wall debut include:
- Salvage Yards - Check large architectural salvage warehouses for an excellent selection of vintage shutters. These reusable building material depots offer items reclaimed from old homes and demolition sites.
- Antique Stores - Dealers specializing in architectural relics stock salvaged antique shutters alongside other vintage building fixtures and hardware.
- Garage/Estate Sales - Search classified listings for estate and garage sales in historical neighborhoods, where owners are often selling off original period design elements.
- Architectural Salvage Companies - Contact companies that specialize in reclaiming building materials from old structures before demolition. Many sell salvaged goods through their retail warehouses or online.
What to Look for When Selecting Shutters
Carefully examine potential antique shutter candidates with an eye for appropriate size, hardware compatibility, material condition, and aesthetic style. Ideal picks display unique weathered patinas but remain structurally sound for hanging.
Consider key criteria like:
- Wood Type - Opt for sturdy oak, pine, cedar, or cypress shutters typical of antique specimens. Avoid warped boards or wood with active insect damage.
- Size - Measure wall space height and length to gauge optimal shutter proportions for balanced sightlines.
- Hardware - Check hinge mechanisms and hangers to ensure antique shutters mount properly for display.
- Condition - Allow for some aging but avoid broken slats, split wood, missing louvers, or severe rotting.
Prep and Restoration Tips
Respect the well-worn patina of antique shutters while prepping them for installation. Gently clean surface grime then make minor repairs to stabilize materials without losing antique character.
Recommended care guidelines:
- Cleaning Methods - Use mild detergent and soft brush to lift dirt. Avoid pressure washing old paint layers.
- Repair Techniques - Secure split wood slats with wood glue and touch up paint losses.
- Paint/Stain Options - Apply transparent stains or repaint using colors safe for antique woods.
Designing a Shutter Wall Decor Display
Strategically planning your shutter collection wall display boosts visual appeal. Take stock of existing architectural elements then map sightlines to determine optimal mounting locations and arrangements. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules with eclectic groupings of antique shutters. Feel free to break design conventions by leaning shutters or pairing an industrial style with provincial farmhouse pieces. These unusual vignettes create captivating decorator showstoppers.
Things to Consider
Plot shutter placement and orientation by assessing wall space parameters and interior design aesthetics. Determine what works best where to create a cohesive style statement.
- Wall Size/Space - Gauge dimensions to calculate suitable shutter sizes and ideal display density.
- Decor Style - Complement existing interior motif, be it modern rustic or traditional manor house.
- Symmetry/Asymmetry - Alternate symmetrical and asymmetrical sightlines for balanced dynamism.
Mounting Options
Secure shutters directly to wall surfaces using hardware designed to handle their weight and dimensions. Choose attachment methods allowing easy install without damaging antique materials.
- Sawtooth Hangers - Attach mini sawtooth picture hangers to shutter backs for simple mounting.
- Cleat System - Adhere sturdy French cleats to walls and shutter versos without needing nails/screws.
- Shelf Brackets - Display smaller shutters on industrial pipe brackets for a warehouse chic style.
- Floating Shelves - Rest shutters on edge atop modern floating ledges to accentuate their depth.
Arrangement Ideas
Explore eclectic layouts and multi-layered combinations to highlight antique shutters' unique dimensional profiles.
- Grid Pattern - Align rows of same-size shutters on square footage walls for an orderly motif.
- Leaning Stacked Design - Lean groups of shutters atop one another for an artful abstract sculpture.
- Photo Frame Layout - Contrast leaning and hanging shutters to outline negative space like a picture frame.
- Accent Wall - Cluster mismatched shutters across a single statement wall for bold impact.
Decorating and Enhancing Your Shutter Wall Display
Infuse additional decorative details to enrich antique shutters' rustic patina or heighten their sculptural presence.
Additional Decor Pieces
Complement shutter vignettes with neighboring decorative elements to underscore their textural charm.
- Wreaths - Hang vibrant florals or natural grapevine wreaths amidst shutters to accentuate their homespun style.
- Flower Boxes - Adorn shutters with vintage galvanized planter boxes overflowing with cascading blooms.
- Artwork/Mirrors - Incorporate framed prints, oil paintings, or antique mirror panels to reflect shutters' beauty.
Lighting
Strategically illuminate shutters to highlight their rich patinas and cast intriguing shadows on surrounding walls.
- Overhead Lighting - Install directional ceiling fixtures or chandeliers to spotlight shutters.
- Wall Sconces - Flank shutters with elegant vintage wall sconces emitting ambient uplighting.
- Picture Lights - Mount adjustable picture lights above shutters to emulate professional gallery displays.
Finishing Touches
Apply select paint treatments or physical distressing to shutter elements to augment their antiqued aesthetic.
- Stenciling/Paint Techniques - Use stencils or rag rolling methods to add layered color effects.
- Distressing - Gently sand edges or dab white paint to let wood grain show through.
- Hardware Additions - Affix salvaged door knockers or wrought iron handles for extra embellishment.
Fine-tune shutter displays by tweaking scale, placement, and color contrasts. Soon these repurposed relics will impart showstopping wall appeal.
- Play With Scale - Mix oversized and petite shutters for intriguing proportional interplay.
- Complement Architectural Details - Align shutters surrounding windows, doors, and moldings to accentuate these features.
- Balance Dark and Light - Contrast deep-hued stained shutters with painted white companion pieces for vibrant visual energy.
Antique architectural shutters offer rare authenticity that is sought by designers. Beyond their practical origins regulating light and views, these charming castaways from bygone eras impart modern homes with genuine vintage personality. Embrace the imperfections and idiosyncrasies distinguishing antique shutters from mass-produced counterparts. Soon these salvaged relics will shape captivating accent walls reflecting the fine art of repurposing earlier decorative arts traditions.