Whether you take shutters on the outside or inside of a home for granted or are thinking about whether they’re an essential, you might be wondering whether or not they are seen as dated in this day and age. According to designers, it’s a unanimous no; by no means are shutters outdated.

All three designers we spoke with say shutters are seen as classic fixtures that enhance a home’s architecture and should always be a part of a home’s facade. That said, shutters must contain a few specific elements in order to serve their full purpose, these pros say. Read on to learn more about factors to consider as you shop for your own shutters, as well as what to avoid in the process.

Shutters Enhance a Home’s Architecture

Lauren Conner, the founder of Lauren Conner Interior Design, considers shutters an integral component of any home’s exterior, suggesting that a home would be incomplete without them.

“Shutters are the eyebrows of the house,” she says. “Just like eyebrows frame and express the character of a face, shutters help define the personality and charm of a home’s exterior.”

Conner finds that the more architectural character a home has, the more essential a role shutters play in enhancing architectural integrity and visual appeal.

Cyndy Cantley, the founder of Cantley & Company, agrees that shutters are a must-have architecturally.

“They add instant charm and architectural credibility to a home,” she says.

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Shutters Must Contain a Few Specific Features

Despite loving shutters, Cantley is of the belief that not all shutters are created equal.

“My first and only rule is that shutters should be proportioned to cover the entire window if they were to ever close,” she says. “They probably never will, but they should look like they could.”

Conner agrees with that outlook and also believes that shutters must appear as they can cover a window when closed.

Another key element that shutters must contain, according to Cantley, are visible hinges. It doesn’t matter whether these are solely decorative, she explains.

“These old school touches are what make shutters feel thoughtful, timeless, and a bit fabulous,” the designer says.

Shutters Are Dependent on Style

Keep in mind that there are a few different styles of shutters on the market to consider. First, there are louver shutters, which have individual slats and are probably what most people picture when they think of shutters; these are the most classic style, Kelly Neely, the founder of Kelly Neely Interiors, explains.

Also on the market are single or two-panel, which Neely says are the most modern. These types of shutters are fairly self-descriptive and are reminiscent of kitchen cabinet fronts.

If neither of these options speaks to you, don’t worry—there are more you can choose from. Some people may choose the custom route when it comes to their shutters, opting for diagonal louvers or a modified herringbone design, which Neely also considers to be modern. One look to avoid, the designer advises? Board and batten shutters.

“They are more common in spec homes and don’t add as much curb appeal,” she says. “Shutters are classic, but like any building element, proportion, approach, and intention make the difference.”

It is important to think carefully about the different styles on the market before committing to one. After all, shutters aren’t something you’re going to be replacing as time goes on—what you choose now is meant to stand the test of time, so this isn’t a decision you will want to take lightly.