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6 Innovative Ideas for Repurposing Old Shutters

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published September 23, 2024

Window shutters are great for allowing light into your rooms. But they can do much more than that. Once they age and need to be replaced, you can turn them into décor that adds character to your home. Repurpose window shutters into stunning home accents with these 6 upcycled shutter ideas.

Examine Your Old Shutters

Before you repurpose your window shutters, it’s essential to assess their condition and characteristics. Their style, design, shape, and material can help you choose the best idea for repurposing old shutters.

Style

Your project's aesthetic will depend on your window shutters' style. A louvered window shutter features horizontal slats. They offer a classic look to any idea you take up. Raised panel window shutters comprise recessed panels and look great with a traditional home.

Board-and-batten window shutters have vertical boards with horizontal battens, offering a rustic appearance. Modern window shutters have clean lines and flat panels, creating a minimalist look.

Design

This highlights the arrangement of the panels and louvers. A spaced design has panels with equal spacing for a clean and open look. In a framed window shutter, the panels are surrounded by the frame, giving it structure. Z-batten window shutters constitute vertical battens with a Z-shape that divides the panels. They offer a contemporary look to any idea you choose.

Shape

The overall shape of your shutter should be considered when choosing to repurpose window shutters. Rectangular window shutters are common and versatile choices when repurposing. Arched window shutters add a touch of elegance to various designs.

Material

The material will help you understand if the idea of repurposing your old shutters will work. Wood is an ideal material to work with and adds warmth and character to any design. Vinyl shutters are durable and resistant to rot and insect infestation. They’re low maintenance and flexible making them easy to work with.

PVC window shutters are lightweight and durable. They’re also easy to handle, making them ideal for repurposing projects. However, they might be more rigid than wood and require specific tools for cutting and drilling.

6 Upcycled Shutter Ideas

Repurpose your window shutters to add personality and functionality to your home. Let’s look at some practical ideas for repurposing old shutters into stylish home accents.

Shutter Mail Holder

A practical and stylish repurpose shutter idea is to create a mail holder. This is perfect if you have some important mail or cards you want to display. The gaps in the shutters work well to store your mail, notes and cards. To make this memo and mail board, clean and sand your old shutters for a fresh look.

Paint or stain it in a color that complements your home. Attach metal hooks to the bottom of the shutters to hang your keys. Clothes pins are perfect for attaching cards, mail, notes and invitations to the slats. Or, just turn it sideways to slide the cards halfway into the slats.

Vertical Shutter Shelf

Repurpose your window shutters by creating a useful shelf to display your prized possessions. Take a single shutter and start by cleaning and sanding it. Apply a finish or coating if needed. Attach sturdy brackets to the back of the shutter and evenly place them for support. Mount them to the wall and style your shelf. You can display collectibles, books and succulents to create an eye catching visual for your guests.

Shutter Room Divider

Transform your old window shutters into a functional and stylish room divider. A room divider is perfect for a quick change of clothes, to hide clutter or simply as a decorative element. For this project, gather at least three plantation shutters. You will also need a screwdriver and some hinges. Attach hinges to the sides of the shutters and join the shutters together. Multiple shutters will help them stay upright. The slats provide adequate coverage to divide rooms and provide privacy.

Shutter Coat Rack

A repurposed shutter coat rack is ideal for hanging your coats and scarves. It provides a convenient spot for your guests to drape their coats on the way in. For this, screw some pegs and knobs onto the sides of your shutters. Mount it sideways on the wall to make an instant coat rack. This easy and quick idea for repurposing old shutters adds character to your hallway or entryway.

Since coats can be pretty heavy, screw the shutters into wall studs instead of your drywall for better stability. You can attach a small shelf above or another shutter with brackets for added storage. This creates a convenient place to keep your hats, purses or gloves.

Decorative Shutter Signs

This repurposed shutter idea welcomes your guests and adds aesthetic appeal to your home. Clean and sand your shutters for an easy base to work with. Paint or stain in your desired color. Choose the design you want to create, whether it’s a welcome board, quote or image. You can use stencils, vinyl lettering or paint to apply your design onto the shutter. Use flowers and ribbons to decorate your aesthetic sign and mount it on your door.

Shutter Headboard

Repurpose your old shutter into a unique and rustic headboard for your bed. Attach rows of shutters together to match the bed’s width. You can join them using brackets or screws and attach them to a wood frame or to the wall. You can consider adding padding and fabric to the back of the shutters. Make sure to clean, sand and stain it in a color that matches your bedroom.

Maintenance and Upkeep Tips

Taking proper care of your revamped shutter décor can help them retain their beauty. Dust and wipe them down regularly to avoid dirt buildup. A mild detergent solution works well with any stubborn grime. Avoid harsh cleaners that can harm the material of your shutters.