Bahama  shutters are different than most other shutters. They are usually attached to the outside of the window, and are hinged at the top with standoffs on the side that allow the bottom to be held out from the window, so it appears to be a kind of awning over the window.  While it is usually a single shutter and usually covers one window, it is sometimes made with a vertical centre stile, especially if it is to cover a larger area, as that gives it more stability.  When the shutter is open it only allows some light into the room, depending on the angle that the shutter is hung at.  Most shutters open to around a sixty degree angle, but some open up to ninety degrees which allows more light into the room.

They can be made from different materials, including PVC; fibreglass; wood; faux wood; or aluminium though until recently wood was the favoured material for Bahamas shutters.  Aluminium Bahama shutters are increasingly more popular, and are replacing the former wood Bahama shutters. They are very lightweight when it comes to opening and closing, yet they do provide adequate protection for your home. They are also cheaper to maintain than wooden shutters.

They are not only decorative, adding style and often resale value to your house but they have an added use of offering protection from storms and hurricanes. This is particularly useful if you live in an area where hurricanes occur.  While Bahama shutters are made to open from the outside of a house, these days they are also made so that they can be easily opened or closed from within your  home as well.

Aluminium or fibreglass Bahama shutters are available in an array of different colors, which makes them perfect for adding a touch of color to your home.  Wood shutters are either stained in light to dark wood shades or more often painted with an exterior paint, and you can choose whatever complements the outside of your home.  If you choose wood shutters, you do have to make sure they are well maintained as if water penetrates the finish it can damage the shutters.

Bahama shutters are made with fixed louvers, which allow a good air flow into the room whether the shutters are closed or opened though they are usually fixed in a downward position to avoid rain being able to enter into your home.

Bahama shutters are mainly found in Southern USA regions, rarely in the Northern states. They are also known in some places as Bermuda shutters.