https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAi4ZZSyM2Q
It is believed that shutters originated in ancient Greece where they were made of marble and used for ventilation and heat. Wood shutters came into the picture when they were on their way to continental Europe. Shutter wood was a more practical agent and enabled the louvers to move giving more access to ventilation and more control against the elements. The original intent for the use of wood shutters was for protection from the elements as well as protection from enemies.
The first glass windows made were during the Elizabethan era however, because of their expense only the upper half of the window had glass and of course, only those people of means could afford to have glass windows. Shutters made of wood still protected the bottom half of the window.
It was interesting to learn that the original shutters were interior shutters rather than exterior. The window sills were very deep, too deep to accommodate the shutters thereby making them somewhat inaccessible and difficult to reach. Eventually the shutters made their way to America when they when brought here by Spanish colonials. They continued their original use as protection from the elements and enemies.
Although many kinds of shutter woods are used to make exterior shutters the preferred wood is Western Red Cedar. This wood is impervious to insects, that damage wood, fungus and it is naturally resistant to deterioration. Basically, Western Red Cedar is a naturally preserved wood and has a pleasant scent.
If you have an older house perhaps in the style of the Victorian, Elizabethan or Early American eras you may have or want shutters made in the style of those eras and of the same shutter wood used in those days. Resurrecting a bit of history with home accessories such as wood shutters is a great way to make your house the pride of your community. Of course, if you live in New England shutters would not be an addition to your community but they would be an integral part of the community as almost everyone has them even in newly constructed homes.
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