What is a Louvre on a Shutter?

If you've ever lived in a community where shutters are a standard window covering, you've probably seen louvered shutters. A louver (pronounced loo-VER) refers to the individual slats that rotate open and closed to control privacy and light entry.

Adjustable louvered shutters are controlled by a tilt rod that is manually operated to control how far they are open or closed.

Unlike fully solid panels, louvered shutters allow you to let light enter the room or look outside without fully swinging open the hinged shutter panel. The term "louvers" is interchangeable with "slats" when referring to shutters.

While most louvered shutters are adjustable, some are fixed. In addition, louvers are used in various other applications such as transportation and electronics, in which adjusting is not necessary.

Origins of Louvers

Louvers were originally not created as a shutter application but rather a kitchen ventilation application. Louvers originated in the Middle Ages as a way to cover roof holes to allow ventilation while keeping out rain and snow.

They were initially made hastily out of old barrels but later evolved into more elaborate designs and were at one point made of pottery. While fixed louvered shutters have been around for centuries, adjustable louvered shutters were not manufactured until the 1830s to 1840s.

During and after this time, louvered shutters grew incredibly popular in homes in consistently warmer climates before the invention of air conditioning. Since louvered shutters offer superior ventilation, many homes even had louvered doors to maximize airflow in the sweltering summers.

Advantages of Louvered Shutters

Because louvered shutters have been used for centuries, they have been developed to be incredibly versatile, classic, and offer a variety of advantages.

Ventilation

Since louvers were initially designed for ventilation, that ventilation is one of the main reasons louvered shutters are still so popular today. They allow for a nice breeze without compromising privacy or letting unwanted weather (read: rain) in your home.

There's nothing like being inside during a rainstorm and having your windows open. You get the fresh rain air while keeping the moisture out. Only louvered shutters can offer this option.

Energy Efficiency

In a time when everyone is energy conscious and trying to be more eco-friendly, shutters can help in a big way. Because louvered shutters allow for such excellent ventilation, you can keep the sun's warmth out and let the cool breeze in on a nice day.

This setup is a great option to avoid firing up the air conditioner every time it is a bit warm out. In addition to lowering your carbon footprint, using less artificial air conditioning will also translate to savings in your energy bill.

Privacy

One of the main advantages of louvered shutters is the privacy they offer while still preserving light and air. Other window treatments — like curtains — are binary; they are either closed and not letting any light in or open with no privacy.

Louvered shutters are the perfect balance because they are designed to allow air and light in but are slanted in a way that doesn't let outsiders see into your home.

Classic Look

Louvre shutters may have a rich history, but they happen to be a timeless style that just doesn't date. They've been a mainstay of American decor that hasn't gone out of fashion. Louvered shutters are one of the few popular styles in both warm and cold climates.

They can add a classic look to any home, no matter how contemporary. They are also available in a variety of materials and colors so they can match your home style or decor preferences.

Security

In addition to protection from storms, louvered shutters can also provide extra security for your home. The added privacy prevents outsiders from seeing everything inside. In addition, the shutters act as an added layer of protection, making it more difficult for intruders to enter.