We just finished installing my new DIY interior wood shutters in my studio/office and I’m in love with how they’ve completely changed the room. I couldn’t wait to share this project, it’s simple but made a huge impact. This is one of those projects I’ve always wanted to do and had no place for them. A few months ago we decided to move the sofa bed out of my office to make my office just my office. That changed everything.
In about 5 minutes I started doing a makeover in my head and one of the first projects on my list was vintage style wood shutters.
I grew up in the northeast where there are lots of old buildings. I’ve always appreciated old style windows, doors and hardware, pretty much anything that had character. Building my own set of old world interior wood shutters for my studio gave me a little bit of the vintage and old world charm that I love.
DIY interior wood shutter like mine are easily a weekend project. Since window sizes are different, I’ve decided to show you how I made my wood shutters rather than share plans for one size.
The length of my DIY interior wood shutters is 4 ” longer than the window, 2″ at each end. We used 1 x 6 pine boards for this project. Be sure to pick through the wood and select straight boards for this project.
1. Outside frame – Install a 1 x 6 board on each side of the window the same length as the window panels to make the outside frame. We used 8 anchors on each panel. I have cement block walls 🙁 which required a masonry bit to drill the anchor holes. Most people will have drywall and wood studs. Be sure to choose the proper anchors for your wall and drill pilot holes on your frame boards.
2. Each panel was made with 4 boards. After doing the math for a 36″ window width, we ripped each 1×6 panel board down to 4 1/2″ wide. Next we squared one end by trimming a small amount off and then measured and cut the board to the length we needed.
3. Horizontal slat supports were made from 1 x 6 boards across the top and bottom of each panel. The boards were cut to length and mounted on the outside frame. Note the screw pattern we followed to attach the support to the boards on each panel. This was to prevent twisting and warping. You’ll notice in the pictures that these edges are angled. This is optional.
4. The hinges attach the side frame to the window panel.
Here’s a few tips that I think are worth mentioning to make building the wood shutters easier.
Stain the wood before assembling the shutters. I used DRIFTWOOD WEATHERED WOOD FINISH – Creates a natural Driftwood Weathered Wood Finish in minutes
(affiliate link) because it was water based, cleaned up easy and gave me the weathered look I wanted. It comes in a powder, and you mix it with water. It’s that easy. 🙂
Since I didn’t own any clamps big enough for the width of the 4 boards, we built a jig to hold the wood slats of each panel together while we screwed the supports onto them. We wedged wood shims into one side at each end to press the panel slats tightly together. 
My dad was visiting and I talked him into making these shutters with me. He used to renovate old homes and is a stickler for details. He said “real” vintage wood shutters have the edges cut like this picture below. I said..”ehh, I don’t need those cuts” … He said “yes, you do”. OK, Dad you were right, they look good 🙂
A word of advice, measure both the upper and lower part of your window width. Do one last check to be sure the wood panels fit and will close before installing them. My windows were built unevenly and the top is narrower than the bottom. We had an extra 1/4′ on the top of the panels and the shutters didn’t close well. I’ll have to trim a little off of the inside edge. It so much easier to do this before installing the panels!
At the last minute I decided I really liked the decorative detail of the horizontal support slats across the top and bottom of each panel. We quickly made an extra set to mount on the inside of each shutter panel. I stained them after my DIY interior wood shutters were installed.
I love them!
They are perfect for letting lots of natural light in when I need it to work, and shutting for privacy or blocking the hot summer sun out.
My new old world inspired vintage wood shutters add lots of character to my studio. I love the hinges and may find a decorative set to install on the inside of the shutter or some other hardware to jazz up the inside of the shutters since they will be open most of the time.
… yes, I know I don’t have any baseboards… yet. It’s on the project house list:)
I’m over the moon excited to have a place that I could fit my DIY interior wood shutters in my home. They’ll work beautifully with my new plan for transforming my workspace into something special. I started out my office makeover with my upcycled metal bakers rack project last month. I have a few more to projects to finish before the big reveal.
I’ve always been awful at keeping secrets and growing up hasn’t changed a thing! I can’t wait to share the rest of my office/studio makeover!
Do you have a special decorative touch you’ve always wanted to add like my shutter project?
Love a good dose of DIY home decor, home improvement, the challenge of woodworking and creative ways to make your home look fabulous?
Me too! I’ll share mine with you!
Click here to have my posts sent to your mailbox fresh off the press.
Social media fan? Don’t be shy say hello! I love when you guys do that!
I’m very interactive with my readers on Facebook and I share lots of extra projects and, useful inspiration for the home and content I don’t share anywhere else.
Follow H2OBungalow on Facebook
Oh heck, just follow me on all social medias. We’ll have some fun…promise:)
Follow H2OBungalow on Instagram
Follow H2OBungalow on Pinterest
I’m on Periscope! @H2OBungalow
I use affiliate links in my posts. If you should make a purchase I will receive an itty bitty commission at no coast to you. Thank you in advance for supporting my blog…my two cats and our boxer dog 🙂
Linking up to these fun parties here: Coastal Charm Show and Share No.253, Funky Junk Interiors, The Scoop , DIY Sunday Showcase , Sunday Features Link Party , Bouquet Of Talent Link Party , Inspiration Monday, Motivation Monday, That’s What She Said, Busy Monday, Melt in Your Mouth Recipe Blog Hop , Munching Mondays, Mix It Up Mondays, Raegun Ramblings, Something To Talk About, Inspire Me Monday , The Scoop, Two Cup Tuesday, Treasure Box Tuesday, Project Inspired Link Party, Snap Creativity Show, The Sits Girls , Brag About It Link Party , Two Cup Tuesday, Treasure Box Tuesday, Project Inspired Link Party, Snap Creativity Show, The Sits Girls , Brag About It Link Party , Share Crafts DIY Projects, Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop, Whimsy Wednesdays, Dream Create Inspire, Wined Down Wednesday, Worthwhile Wednesdays, The Wednesday Round Up, Wake Up Wednesday, Living With Style, Maisondepax, Work It Wednesday , Share Your Style, Create It Thursday, Showcase Your Talent, Think and Make Thusday, Your Turn To Shine, Creative Exchange, Artsy Fartsy Link Party, Idea Box Thursday , Creativity Unleashed, Weekend Retreat Link Party, The Handmade Hangout, Craft Frenzy, Pretty Spaces, Freedom Fridays, Pinworthy Projects, Home Matters Linky Party , The Creative Collection Link Party, Super Saturday, Best DIY Projects and Recipe Party
Debbie @ Refresh Restyle says
Love them! Thanks for sharing at #inspirationmonday! Pinning!
Wendi says
Thank you so much Debbie! I love your party:)
Audra @ Renewed Projects says
These are so beautiful! Who needs curtains? And awesome that they keep the hot sun out.
Wendi says
Audra, they keep the heat and sun out beautifully. Much more that I thought they would. Thanks so much for stopping by & your sweet comment today!
Judy says
“Old proof-readers never die!” First, I absolutely love the shutters. At the end of the shutter instructions, you mention that you do receive an ittsy bittsy commission “at no coast to you”. Should be “cost”, but I am sure by now, you are already aware of this. (I’m very new to this site, but am loving it)
Wendi says
Judy… Thanks so much for the good laugh you gave me & the reminder to fix it. Will you come read the rest of my blog and send me a note when you find more? Seriously, thanks:) I’ve been copying and pasting the lower section of my posts for a long time. Sometimes I change things up a bit. I’m not sure how many weeks that spelling error goes back, so I have lots of checking to do. I found it last week and it’s “on the list”. Thanks so much for your good humored note & visiting my blog. Please come back and feel free to let me know how much you enjoy my projects as well as where my brain jumped right over obvious mis-spells!
Karen says
This is just so darn smart and the finish is gorgeous!
Pinning!
Karen
Wendi says
Wow, thanks so much! I wanted these in my studio for the longest time and jumped at the chance to finally do the project. Thank you for your visit and taking the time to leave such a sweet note:)
Laurie says
These are fabulous! Thank you for sharing with us at the Brag About It Link Party!
Pinning !
Tiffany says
Hi, Wendi ~ I love this project! Such a huge impact! I’m going through my rooms in my mind, trying to figure out where I’m going to put a set of shutters of my own. :0) Thanks for the inspiration! Have a fabulous week!
Wendi says
Thank you so much Tiffany. The shutters changed the room dramatically. I wanted an old world feel and they finished the look. Have fun building a set of your own and please share a pic on my Facebook page @H2OBungalow when you do!
Lela says
These shutters look so great! I wish I had a window with enough wall space around so I could make some too! Great job. I’d like to invite you to share some of your posts at my Inspiration Thursday link party on my blog this week. I hope to see you there!
-Lela @ inthenewhouse.com
Wendi says
Thank you so much Lela! I wanted wood shutters like this for the longest time. I knew they’d be perfect for the style I want in my studio. How about shutters that fold in your windows? Maybe have a hinge so when they are open they don’t take up as much wall space? Small spaces can be challenging! Thank you so much for stopping by:)
Megin says
What a great idea! I love this look.
Thank you for sharing this week at Brag About It link party on VMG206 (Mondays at Midnight).
~ Megin of VMG206
Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique says
They truly do look amazing Wendi. I look forward to featuring the shutters on Shabbilicious Friday tomorrow.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Wendi says
Kerryanne! Yay! Thank you so much! I love your party and totally enjoy all the talented entries…thanks again for featuring mine!
Lou Lou Girls says
This looks incredible! I’m amazed by your talent. Pinned and tweeted. We are so thrilled to have you at our party. Please stop by on Monday at 7, so we can see your amazing projects. Lou Lou Girls
Wendi says
Thank you so much! I had a lot of fun and help making these:)
Mandi says
Stopping by from the Lou Lou Girls linky party. This project is absolutely adorable! Pinned! =)
Wendi says
Thank you for visiting and hosting such a lovely party!
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Those look amazing Wendi!! And that weathered wood finish is the perfect touch!
Pinning!!
xo
Nancy
Wendi says
Thank you so much Nancy! I’ve wanted them for the longest time and finally had a place that fit for wood shutters:)
liz walker says
Wendi, Your shutters are beautiful on your window. I just love how they look. Great job!!!
Wendi says
Thank you Liz… This wasone of those projects that was on the “I want to do” list for so long. It was worth the wait and I’m loving all the sun they let in!
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
Love your shutters Wendi. You and your Dad did a fabulous job and great tutorial too BTW! I love the old world feel you are incorporating into your new office. The shutters work so cohesively with the style of your window.
Wendi says
Thanks Marie!! I can’t wait to share more of the makeover. It’s been so much fun re-imagining my work space. Especially because I can make it as creative as I want!
Michelle from Weekend Craft says
Wendi what an amazing job! I feel like this would instantly transport my house to the Provence region in France. When I studied abroad there I had these in my room and would have the best sleep when I closed them. No light would get in at all. I miss it!
Wendi says
Michelle, You are picking up on the theme of my studio makeover! I want my office/studio to feel like old europe in a seaside cottage. It will make “going to work” a joy in the morning:)
Linda says
I love your shutters! What kind of stain did I you use on the wood?
Wendi says
Thank you Linda:) I used driftwood, which is a waterbased stain that darkens overnight. It comes in a powder and you mix it with water. I’ll put a link in the post for it. I loved how it came out and I didn’t have to use regular stain which is always messy.
Christy@Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer says
These are just fabulous, Wendi!! I love everything about them! Pinning! XO
Wendi says
Thank you so much Christy!! I’ve wanted to do this project for the longest time. They look great in your shop too:)