The Authentic Colonial Raised Panel Shutter

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In Old Virginia The Raised Panel shutter was a very popular window covering offering both privacy and practical protection from the elements as well as security from possible intruders. In Williamsburg the capital building was fitted with the wooden blinds and raised panel shutters. The shutters were used in the evening for security and additional warmth in the winter, while during the daytime the shutters were folded conveniently out of sight into the window jambs, the wooden blinds then being used to deflect the sun.

In Williamsburg c. 1750 George Wythe built a modern brick home in the Classic Georgian Style. Raised panel shutters typical of the period, were used on the windows exclusive of any draperies or valance. The shutters still exist today and still function as they should. The Wythe House shutters were single hung with three raised panel inserts per shutter panel. Today raised panel shutters are most often hung double creating a top half which hinges open separately from the bottom half of the window. The DeVenco shutter hanging hinge will allow the shutters to hinge back completely flat against the wall when open.

DeVenco reproduces this classic window covering in authentic styling. You may choose “Double Hung” or “Single Hung” both of which are architecturally correct. Additionally, multiple inserts may be installed within a single panel creating the Georgian Style such as was used in the classic George Wythe House or other styles such as the “Old Salem” or “3 panel Colonial” design panels shown below.

In New England and other areas in the east it became popular to combine the raised panel shutter with a louvered shutter within a single window. This design most often consisted of 2 louvered panels flanked by 2 raised panels. This gives the elegance of the raised panel and the light availability of the louvers. This design was very popular in New England from the middle 1800’s through the Victorian period and is still seen today in original Brown-stones, Townhouses, and Row Houses. This Raised Panel/ Louver combination was particularly popular in Brown-stone Architecture thus the name it has acquired; “Brownstone” style shutters.

Brownstone shutters are comprised of the DeVenco Georgian louver shutter and the Raised Panel shutter.

Your DeVenco Raised Panel Shutters will be custom manufactured from your size specifications using any panel configuration you may specify. May we suggest that you sketch your window to scale when designing multiple raised panel inserts in order to properly proportion the sizes before you place your order.

Raised panel shutters are not recommended taller than 74” nor wider than 16” each panel. All shutters are manufactured and assembled strictly according to your specifications. We will paint or stain your shutters exactly to match your sample or we can ship your shutters unfinished, sanded ready for finishing. In either case the shutter panels are fully assembled, hinged and numbered, ready for installation. The cost schedule will give all options for pricing however, if you have window sizes not included in the cost schedule or panel configuration not addressed do not hesitate to call. We are happy to assist by phone. If you have windows which are unusual or other extenuating circumstances please include a sketch or profile of your window and molding. If you have questions regarding the most authentic design for your house or the proper position on the jamb for installation do not hesitate to call. We will offer you the best information we have on the subject.

Our forte is replicating historic designs. We do not manufacture an inexpensive, mass produced, pop-out-of-the-mold, one of six decorator colors, type of product. What we offer is high quality, hand crafted shutters that you will be proud of for years to come; that will be passed on to the next generation and that match as near as possible what the original architect may have specified decades earlier.

Whether you have a new home designed to replicate period architecture or an actual home of period significance, your windows deserve the finest. The windows are often the primary architectural asset of a room. Their treatment is not insignificant to the room or the house. Consider them carefully.

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