Great question, actually, and one I asked here myself not long ago. I think the shutters will look better if they match your woodwoork. We're going with Shutter Classic for our shutters. They will custom paint their basswood shutters free of charge, and they will also custom match stain colors for a one-time $125 charge, no matter how many sets of shutters you order. I am posting details below from their site. Our shutters will be custom painted to match the trim in our home. Shutter Classic has been extremely easy to work with so far, although the shutters are still on order and won't arrive for another few weeks or so. They also have some standard stain colors you could check out (and order samples) to see if any match your woodwork. Here is some quoted information from the Shutter Classic web site for their basswood shutters: Custom Stains - You provide us with a physical sample of the stained wood that you want to match. We then do a custom stain match and ship samples of our custom stain match to you for approval. If the stain needs adjusting, we take another pass at it until we get it right. Once we receive your approval, we stain your shutters with the custom formula. There is a $125 one-time flat surcharge for this service for our Basswood shutters. No matter if you order one shutter or an entire houseful, the surcharge is only $125. Include your name and mail your sample to: Attn: Custom Color Shutter Classic 1408 N. Fillmore St. Suite 16 Arlington, VA 22201 Click Here for details on custom paint colors and stains for Crestview, Classic Line, and Alder Plantation Shutters. A few words about wood shutters: Due to the fact that wood is a natural product, wood grains and color tones vary. This is what makes wood stains so beautiful. Stained shutters will have similar variations in color tone and grain pattern - which of course is why people love stained wood. Your shutters may also have these variations from the samples you receive. Here is a link that might be useful: Shutter Classic Web Site

Hi deborah :-) I've had them 3 years, since we built the house. One reason I got the wider (3 1/2 inch) slats was to let in more light. That was one of my concerns but when they're open the light streams in and the view out is still great. I also got the design where the upper and lower is closed and opened independently so the top can be open for light and the bottom closed for privacy if I choose. Since I have them on all the windows I wanted a simpler look. I also like the traditional smaller slats with bifolds but I think it would've been way too much on large triple and double windows. I have no regrets about the style I chose. I considered blinds for my upstairs but I knew once I had the shutters I would be spoiled and want those so I just plunged in and did all the windows. I definitely think they help insulate. Now when you close them, there goes the light but during times when we're not home and all through the night mine stay closed for insulation if the weather is hot or cold out. In nice weather I just leave them open sometimes. They definitely aren't cheap but I rationalized because the only window I do a wt on is the breakfast area where I got the cafe height shutters. So no drapes/curtains to change out, wash, dust, etc. It's definitely for me! I had wanted them for years.

I got mine from Budget Blinds. My sister has them in her kitchen and I think they are a composite of wood and some faux product. It's been a long time, but I think I remember her telling me that they were not completely plastic, but a composite material.

Megan, being able to just open the upper slats could be nice depending on your preference and needs. As I mentioned, we don't have mid-rails, and I like it that way for us. For one thing, I always want all the slats opened or closed, so there's really no need for a mid-rail. I also like the simpler look of the panels without a mid-rail. IMO tilt rods provide a more traditional look with no rods looking more contemporary. For the most part, the only time I actually open the panels is to clean the shutters or windows. Those Swifter Dusters are handy for the shutters! Contrary to the comment above, they are very easy to clean.