There are many different styles of exterior window shutters to choose from. There are raised panel and board and batten shutters, and you can even find them in custom sizes. If you are looking for a more rustic look, board and batten house windows are a great choice. These windows were traditionally the most popular type of shutter in the United States until the mid-eighteenth century, when lighter materials became more popular. Their thick boards were useful for protecting homes from inclement weather and intruders. They are still commonly used today, but are made of vinyl.