#1: Too Narrow
Whether operable or not, shutters must always be wide enough to cover the entire window when closed.
#2: Too Long
Shutters that overshoot the top and/or bottom of the window look silly.
#3: Attached to the Wall
Historically, shutters were always fastened to the window casing—never to the wall of the house.
#4: A “Flat” Appearance
Improperly mounted shutters lack depth and shadows.
#5: Mismatched Shapes
Shutters should match the shape of the window—not the casing around it.
#6: Improper Accessories
Adding balconies, railings, or window boxes around shutters impedes their ability to operate—and screams “McMansion.”
#7: Closed Louvers
Even if louvers are fixed, they should remain approximately 25 degrees open and have rods for historical accuracy.