On my recent trip to Italy, I was intrigued with the shutters that are so common on the inside and outside of a Tuscan home.   According to Elizabeth, Italians have an intricate system for setting windows and shutters.     Interior shutters, called Scuri’s, are primarily designed to provide darkness.  Notice how in the photo from her book, the shutter itself is designed to fit snugly in the jamb area of the glass with a bit of overlap, insuring maximum darkness when closed.

Interior Tuscan Style Shutters

If you are looking to bring a little Tuscany to your home, consider customizing your plantation shutter to be reminiscent of the style of a Tuscan shutter.   For instance, by adding a raised panel to the bottom of a shutter you can maintain the functionality and light control of a plantation shutter, while attaining the charm associated with a Tuscan home.

Tuscan inspired shutter by Kirtz Shutters