Wooden shutters can be just as functional and good-looking indoors as out. This refinished trio hangs on the wall over a hallway console. Their louvers are a perfect (not to mention plentiful) spot to tuck invitations, display artwork, or hang a message pad. Vintage coat hooks also get a new use; they are mounted on a wooden plaque and put to work corralling the daily mail.

Shutter How-To
Wooden shutters come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If using multiples, you'll want them to match in size and style. You'll also need a hammer and brads, medium-grit sandpaper, primer, latex paint, a paintbrush, a level, a pencil, a drill, and mounting hardware appropriate for your wall. If shutters have adjustable louvers, lock them in the "up" position by driving a brad through the tilt bar and into the frame (left). Sand, prime, and paint shutters; let dry. Use level to mark position for middle shutter. Drill pilot holes in shutter and the wall; mount with hardware (we used screws and stainless-steel finish washers for a clean look). Repeat with side panels, butting them snugly against middle shutter.

Coat Hook How-To
Paint or stain a precut plaque, available at crafts stores. Paint hooks to desired color (we chose the same shade of green paint that was used on the shutters to unify the two elements). Secure the hooks side-by-side with 1/2-inch wood screws. Repeat to form additional rows to separate your mail.