Tutorial: Indoor Decorative Shutters the Easy Way
Add the perfect touch of texture and warmth to your home with this DIY tutorial for building indoor decorative shutters. This type of project will come together quickly with minimal woodworking skills required.
Required Tools
Additional Supplies
- Finish Nails
- (6) 1/4″ Sanded Plywood (Cut into 6 ” planks)
- (2) 1 x 2″ finished trim pieces (Cut to 14″)
- Stain
- Stain Rags
- Your secret weapon (aka a jig)
Instructions
I began this project with a large sanded plywood sheet from Lowe’s. Simply ask them to cut your sheet into 6″ planks. Once I had the wood home I was able to use the miter saw to cut the planks to size. This completely depends on preference and where you plan to hang your shutters.
Once they are cut to size, lay them out just like pictured below. I chose no gaps between my boards, simply ‘because I didn’t want to add the extra step of creating the perfect gap.
If a gap is something you think you may want to include, simply use 2 nickels in between each board at the top and bottom. I am working on a youtube video to demonstrate this technique.
Next, using a 6″ scrap piece of wood as a jig, (this will change your life…seriously) I spaced my horizontal trim pieces evenly on both the top and bottom portions of the board.
A jig is simply a precut piece of wood you can use as a guide for spacing. It makes this step so much easier, as it eliminates the need for exact measuring.
Using a nail gun, secure the trim in place,
Now you’re ready for stain! This is the fun part of the project where the shutters really take on their beauty. I used a Mixwax in stain in a Walnut shade. I have used this shade a lot throughout my home already and had it on hand.
Fun fact, I rarely go out and buy new stains and paints for specific projects. I usually shop my own stash for what I need. Being a SAHM that little tip is a huge time and money saver! Side note, I would love to create some shelving designated to all of my pain and staining supplies. But that’s a project for a different day.
With the help of the Mr., we hung these by screwing them directly into the studs. Though the shutters themselves are not too terribly heavy, the corbel lamps I wanted to use for styling them were. Hanging in a stud reduces the likely hood of tear out in your sheetrock.
