Caribbean Island Shutters

Colorful window shutters are common throughout the Caribbean islands.

caribbean window shuttersShutters throughout the Caribbean have a unique color, style, and character. However, their purpose is far more important to those who live on the islands. Shutters foremost control light and heat from the intense tropical sun. Shutters can be closed to prevent direct sunlight to enter the building. They can be left partially open to allow for some ventilation.

The second function of exterior Caribbean shutters is protection from tropical storms and hurricanes. Solid shutters can be quickly and completely closed to protect the window from high winds, heavy rain, and flying debris. Islands that experience hurricanes and tropical storms include the Virgin Islands, Bonaire, Barbados, Aruba, Anguilla, St. Maarten, Barbuda, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Bahamas, St. Kitts, Nevis, Dominica, Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Curacao.

tropical shuttersSolid panel exterior shutters can also increase security when closed. A lock installed to the inside of the shutter panels can decrease the possibility of theft. Shutters should certainly not be considered as the only defense, but serve as a good deterrent to would-be intruders.

Bermuda shutters are also popular throughout the island regions. They provide protection from storms or an awning-like shade from the bright afternoon sun.

Like the many houses in the Caribbean, shutters are often painted in vibrant colors including yellow, orange, blue, green, red, purple, and pink. Often shutters are painted in a combination of colors to match the home. Shutters add a distinct character to any building in the island, giving the Caribbean distinct character.

Solid panel exterior shutters are the prominent window covering in the Caribbean, and are a staple to island design.

View sources for shutters on the islands.

Anguilla
Antigua & Barbuda
Aruba
The Bahamas
New Providence
Grand Bahama
Abaco
Out Islands
Barbados
Belize
Bermuda
Bonaire
British Virgin Islands
Tortola
Virgin Gorda
Cayman Islands
Cuba
Curacao
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guyana
Jamaica
Kingston
Montego Bay
Negril
Ocho Rios
Port Antonio
South Coast
Martinique
Montserrat
Puerto Rico
Saba
St. Barts
St. Eustatius
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Maarten
St. Martin
St. Vincent
Suriname
Trinidad & Tobago
Turks & Caicos
US Virgin Islands
St. Thomas
St. Croix
St. John

 

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