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- Why shutters are replacing curtains in modern kitchens
- How Joanna Gaines used shutters to transform a 1950s bungalow kitchen
- Budget-friendly ways to copy the look at home
- Step-by-step checklist for a smooth DIY shutter install
- Hardware, tools, and finishing touches that make a difference
- Where to find inspiration and parts
When a window treatment can double as architecture, it stops feeling like an accessory and starts acting like a character in the room. Joanna Gaines proved this on a recent Fixer Upper episode, swapping curtains for custom interior wood shutters that bring both privacy and a built-in look to a kitchen. The result: a cozy, finished space that reads like a farmhouse classic—without the bulk of drapery or the flatness of typical blinds.
Why shutters are replacing curtains in modern kitchens
Homeowners and designers are rethinking window coverings. Curtains soften a room but can feel temporary. Blinds adjust light well but may lack depth. Shutters offer a middle ground.
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- Built-in appeal: Shutters sit flush with the window, creating a tailored, architectural presence.
- Simple privacy control: Louvers open for daylight and close for evening seclusion.
- Durable style: Well-made shutters age like furniture rather than fabric.
- Flexible looks: They suit farmhouse, cottage, and modern kitchens with equal ease.
How Joanna Gaines used shutters to transform a 1950s bungalow kitchen
On Season 5, Episode 7, Gaines renovated a midcentury bungalow into a cozy cottage retreat. She had a cabinetmaker craft the oven hood and match the kitchen shutters for a cohesive finish.
The shutters were designed to be fully functional. They open to let in morning sun and close for nighttime privacy. Viewers praised the makeover for feeling warm and lived-in. The treatment complements the kitchen’s custom details and reads like original millwork rather than an added third-party fixture.
Budget-friendly ways to copy the look at home
You don’t need a pro cabinet shop to pull off this effect. Creators online have repurposed materials and built shutters that feel built-in.
Two DIY approaches that work
- Repurposed bifold doors: Find matching bifold closet doors at a salvage shop. Trim to window height and keep bottom panels for balanced proportions.
- Board-built shutters: Cut untreated spruce or poplar to size, assemble with brad nails, sand lightly, and paint for a crisp finish.
Both strategies require patience. Expect several rounds of measuring, trimming, test-fitting, and adjusting hardware. When painted and hung, the shutters blend with the trim and look custom-made.
Step-by-step checklist for a smooth DIY shutter install
- Measure the window opening precisely. Note width, height, and depth.
- Choose your material: salvaged doors, pre-made shutters, or raw boards.
- Cut panels to size, keeping proportions balanced for aesthetics.
- Sand and paint in a climate-controlled space to avoid warping.
- Decide on operation: hinged, bifold, or sliding on a barn-style rail.
- Install stops, guides, and a header to ensure smooth movement.
- Leave slight clearance so shutters don’t bind when closed.
Hardware, tools, and finishing touches that make a difference
Small details elevate the final result. Consider these practical additions.
- Mounting system: Choose concealed hinges for a clean look or a barn-rail for rustic charm.
- Decorative accents: Black bolts or iron pulls add character on painted white shutters.
- Paint and protection: Use enamel or trim paint for durability in a kitchen environment.
- Gap allowance: Leave minimal wiggle room to account for humidity and settling.
Where to find inspiration and parts
Sources range from salvage yards to online tutorials. Habitat for Humanity ReStores often have matching bifold doors. DIY channels show cutting and assembly tricks. Cabinet shops can replicate the look if you want a turnkey result.
Whether you want a cost-conscious project or a custom install, interior shutters offer an inviting alternative to curtains. They combine texture, privacy, and a sense of permanence that few other treatments can match.
