Is your home meant to feel like a high-end holiday resort or a secluded beach shack?
It is a subtle distinction, but in the world of interior design, it changes everything. You are likely drawn to the light, the airiness, and the connection to the outdoors that both styles offer. But getting the details wrong, specifically your window treatments, can leave your space feeling disjointed rather than “custom-fit.”
Many homeowners make the mistake of using these terms interchangeably. However, installing glossy, high-contrast shutters in a room demanding raw, organic textures can clash instantly.
In this guide, we strip away the confusion. We will explore the nuanced differences between the polished elegance of Hamptons Style and the relaxed, organic nature of Modern Coastal, ensuring you make the perfect choice for your home’s aesthetic.
Deciding on your home’s aesthetic is just the first step. As we often discuss, appropriate planning prevents property problems down the line, so locking in your design choices early, including your window treatments, is crucial for a smooth build.
The Core Difference: Polished vs. Organic
What is the difference between Hamptons and Coastal styles?
The main difference lies in the finish and atmosphere. Hamptons style is defined by “manicured luxury,” featuring crisp white plantation shutters, sophisticated navy accents, and architectural details like wainscoting. Coastal style (or Modern Coastal) leans into “organic relaxation,” prioritising raw timber textures, matte finishes, neutral sandy tones, and a less structured, bohemian aesthetic.
While both styles share a love for natural light and a connection to the sea, they diverge in their execution.
- Hamptons is the tailored suit. It is symmetrical, grand, and formal. It relies on contrast (often dark floors with bright white walls).
- Coastal is linen trousers. It is tactile, soft, and embraces imperfection. It blends soft transitions between indoor and outdoor living.
The Hamptons Style Shutter: Timeless Elegance
When we talk about Hamptons styling, we are referencing the luxury holiday homes of New York’s elite. The look is deliberate and architectural. In terms of window treatments, this translates to precision and high contrast.
Key Characteristics of Hamptons Shutters:
- Finish: Almost exclusively Silk White or Vivid White. The paint finish is often satin or semi-gloss to reflect light and enhance that “freshly manicured” feel.
- Material: Premium Basswood or high-grade PVC. The surface must be flawless and smooth.
- Structure: Often framed. Hamptons windows are features in themselves, framed by architraves or mouldings.
The “New York” Palette
The Hamptons palette is strict. It pairs the bright white of the shutters with:
- Deep Navy Blues
- Cool Charcoals
- Duck Egg Blue
It creates a sense of drama and formality. The shutters here are not just for light control; they are architectural furniture for your windows.
The Coastal Style Shutter: Relaxed & Raw
“Coastal” is a broader term, often encompassing “Australian Coastal,” “Boho,” or “Scandi-Coastal.” The goal here is retreat and relaxation. If Hamptons is about entertaining guests, Coastal is about taking a nap on a Sunday afternoon.
Key Characteristics of Coastal Shutters:
- Finish: Matte, textured, or timber-grain. While white is still popular, it is often a warmer, creamy white (like Antique White) or a whitewash that lets the wood grain show through.
- Material: Timber (Paulownia or Basswood), where the texture is visible.
- Structure: Simple and functional. Often installed inside the recess (flush) to disappear into the wall rather than stand out.
The “Sand & Sea” Palette
Coastal style avoids high contrast. It prefers tonal layering:
- Sandy Beiges
- Warm Greys / Greige
- Soft Sage Greens
- Driftwood Browns
Here, the shutter interacts with linen curtains or sheer drapes to create movement and softness.
Comparison Table: At a Glance
If you are struggling to decide, use this table to match your home’s current vibe.
| Feature | Hamptons Style (The “Manicured” Look) | Coastal Style (The “Organic” Look) |
| Vibe | Sophisticated, Formal, Symmetrical | Relaxed, Bohemian, Asymmetrical |
| Shutter Finish | Crisp White, Satin/Semi-Gloss | Matte White, Whitewash, Raw Timber |
| Contrast | High (White shutters vs Dark floors) | Low (Tonal blend of neutrals) |
| Fabrics | Heavy Linens, Velvet, Patterns | Sheers, light Cotton, Raw Linen |
| Accents | Silver, Chrome, Glass | Rattan, Jute, Brass, Matte Black |
Expert Insight: Choosing the Right Louvre Size
Pro Tip from the Workbench:
Don’t overlook the louvre (blade) size it significantly dictates the style.
- For Hamptons: Go big. 89mm or 114mm louvres are essential. Why? Because wider blades mean fewer lines, creating a cleaner, more grand view to the outside. It mimics the look of high-end French doors.
- For Coastal: You have more flexibility. While 89mm is standard, slightly smaller blades (63mm) can add texture and “busyness” that suits a cottage or beach shack aesthetic. However, if you are doing Modern Coastal, stick to 89mm for that airy, open feel.
Conclusion
Transforming your home isn’t just about buying a product; it’s about curating a feeling.
If you crave structure, deep contrast, and a sense of luxury that feels like a permanent holiday in the Hamptons, choose crisp white, semi-gloss shutters with wide louvres. If your sanctuary is defined by soft textures, earthy tones, and a connection to the raw elements of the beach, opt for matte finishes, textured timber, or warm whites that define the Coastal style.
Making the Final Choice
Navigating these subtle design nuances is the difference between a good room and a breathtaking one. At Perth’s Boutique Plantation Shutters, we specialise in these bespoke details, ensuring that whether you choose the polished Hamptons look or the organic Coastal vibe, your window treatments are custom-fitted to perfection.
Are you ready to elevate your home’s aesthetic?
