Renovating
Ask an Expert: What’s the Best Style of Shutter For My Windows?
Confused about shutters? Follow this expert guide to the options available and learn how and why they’ll work wonders in your home
The old adage that fashions fade while style is eternal could have been written with shutters in mind. As chic alternatives to blinds and curtains, shutters add a serious dose of style to the inside of your home, as well as kerb appeal to your property – and they might be more practical than you think.
Professional advice from:
Chrissie Harper of California Shutters
Mark Lucas of Hillarys
Mark Carter of Shutterly Fabulous
Professional advice from:
Chrissie Harper of California Shutters
Mark Lucas of Hillarys
Mark Carter of Shutterly Fabulous
Tier-on-tier designs
These types of shutters comprise top and bottom panels that work independently of each other. ‘You can have the top open to make the most of a pretty view, and the bottom closed for privacy, or vice versa,’ explains Lucas. ‘This type of shutter works particularly well in rooms that have an urban outlook, where privacy is always going to be a priority.’
Pros Extremely versatile, allowing for excellent privacy and light control.
Cons Not suitable for all windows as they can look too busy, for example, in a bay.
Best for Bedrooms and bathrooms.
These types of shutters comprise top and bottom panels that work independently of each other. ‘You can have the top open to make the most of a pretty view, and the bottom closed for privacy, or vice versa,’ explains Lucas. ‘This type of shutter works particularly well in rooms that have an urban outlook, where privacy is always going to be a priority.’
Pros Extremely versatile, allowing for excellent privacy and light control.
Cons Not suitable for all windows as they can look too busy, for example, in a bay.
Best for Bedrooms and bathrooms.
Café-style shutters
Because they only cover the bottom half of a window, café-style shutters are a cost-effective solution. ‘They create privacy at the lower level, while letting lots of lovely daylight flood in through the top,’ says Lucas. ‘They have a stylish, continental feel that looks great in kitchens and living areas, and which can work well when layered with other types of window dressings, such as curtains and Roman blinds – a trend we are seeing more of.’
Pros Cheaper than full shutters and they let in more light.
Cons Less draught proofing than full shutters. More a decorative feature than practical.
Best for Privacy in urban areas.
Because they only cover the bottom half of a window, café-style shutters are a cost-effective solution. ‘They create privacy at the lower level, while letting lots of lovely daylight flood in through the top,’ says Lucas. ‘They have a stylish, continental feel that looks great in kitchens and living areas, and which can work well when layered with other types of window dressings, such as curtains and Roman blinds – a trend we are seeing more of.’
Pros Cheaper than full shutters and they let in more light.
Cons Less draught proofing than full shutters. More a decorative feature than practical.
Best for Privacy in urban areas.
Full-height shutters
No surprises here – these are single, full-height panels that cover the whole window. ‘It’s a simple yet elegant style that works on any window, but gives a real wow factor and dramatic finish to French or patio doors or tall windows,’ explains Lucas.
Quite often, full-height shutters will have a divider rail, providing support to the panels and allowing you to operate the louvres above and below it independently. This way, you can control the light according to your needs. ‘And because full-height shutters cover the entire window and open as one unit, they create a clean and simple look,’ adds Chrissie Harper of California Shutters. Full-height shutters can also look good as room dividers.
Pros Great for insulation, privacy and noise control.
Cons Nothing obvious – but do post in the Comments below if you have experienced any difficulties with full-height shutters.
Best for French or patio doors and tall windows, but they’re sufficiently flexible to be adapted to any window.
No surprises here – these are single, full-height panels that cover the whole window. ‘It’s a simple yet elegant style that works on any window, but gives a real wow factor and dramatic finish to French or patio doors or tall windows,’ explains Lucas.
Quite often, full-height shutters will have a divider rail, providing support to the panels and allowing you to operate the louvres above and below it independently. This way, you can control the light according to your needs. ‘And because full-height shutters cover the entire window and open as one unit, they create a clean and simple look,’ adds Chrissie Harper of California Shutters. Full-height shutters can also look good as room dividers.
Pros Great for insulation, privacy and noise control.
Cons Nothing obvious – but do post in the Comments below if you have experienced any difficulties with full-height shutters.
Best for French or patio doors and tall windows, but they’re sufficiently flexible to be adapted to any window.
Solid styles
Exactly as the name suggests, these solid panels cover the whole window. ‘If you have trouble sleeping, you’ll appreciate the difference that having solid shutters could make in the bedroom, because the single-piece design helps prevent light breaking through,’ says Lucas. ‘A solid shutter at your window also offers an added insulating layer, helping to stop draughts and keep warmth inside your home. This does mean, of course, that they don’t have louvres, so they’re not so flexible when it comes to controlling the light. When open, they’re open, when shut they’re shut!’
Pros Very insulating and give a traditional feel to a room.
Cons Less flexible – they’re either open or closed.
Best for Bedrooms and draughty period properties.
Exactly as the name suggests, these solid panels cover the whole window. ‘If you have trouble sleeping, you’ll appreciate the difference that having solid shutters could make in the bedroom, because the single-piece design helps prevent light breaking through,’ says Lucas. ‘A solid shutter at your window also offers an added insulating layer, helping to stop draughts and keep warmth inside your home. This does mean, of course, that they don’t have louvres, so they’re not so flexible when it comes to controlling the light. When open, they’re open, when shut they’re shut!’
Pros Very insulating and give a traditional feel to a room.
Cons Less flexible – they’re either open or closed.
Best for Bedrooms and draughty period properties.
Tracked shutters
These designs negate the need for frames and hinges by sliding on a track. They concertina back to give you easy access through a patio door, as well as maximising the view.
Pros Can be pulled all the way back, so great for patio or French doors.
Cons Not suitable for a window with a sill.
Best for Any type of door, larger windows and sliding doors.
These designs negate the need for frames and hinges by sliding on a track. They concertina back to give you easy access through a patio door, as well as maximising the view.
Pros Can be pulled all the way back, so great for patio or French doors.
Cons Not suitable for a window with a sill.
Best for Any type of door, larger windows and sliding doors.
Choosing the perfect type
It’s always a good idea to consider the purpose of your shutters: are they purely decorative or do you need to reduce external noise, benefit from additional privacy or control the light? For example, if you want privacy without sacrificing light, then tier-on-tier or café-style shutters are your best bet. If you prefer to sleep in total darkness, then shop for solid panel shutters.
Where in your home you want to install shutters will dictate the material from which they are made. ‘Vinyl shutters work well in bathrooms and kitchens as they are moisture resistant and easy to clean,’ advises Harper, ‘while wood is a great choice for the rest of the home.’
It’s always a good idea to consider the purpose of your shutters: are they purely decorative or do you need to reduce external noise, benefit from additional privacy or control the light? For example, if you want privacy without sacrificing light, then tier-on-tier or café-style shutters are your best bet. If you prefer to sleep in total darkness, then shop for solid panel shutters.
Where in your home you want to install shutters will dictate the material from which they are made. ‘Vinyl shutters work well in bathrooms and kitchens as they are moisture resistant and easy to clean,’ advises Harper, ‘while wood is a great choice for the rest of the home.’
Think about slat width
Louvres generally come in a choice of five different widths: 47mm, 63mm, 76mm, 89mm and 114mm. ‘Wide louvres (89mm and 114mm), give a stronger contemporary look; they will also let in more light and allow for a better view,’ says Lucas. ‘Smaller louvres are perfect if your window is overlooked and privacy is a key factor.’
Discover more ways to give your kitchen the wow factor
Louvres generally come in a choice of five different widths: 47mm, 63mm, 76mm, 89mm and 114mm. ‘Wide louvres (89mm and 114mm), give a stronger contemporary look; they will also let in more light and allow for a better view,’ says Lucas. ‘Smaller louvres are perfect if your window is overlooked and privacy is a key factor.’
Discover more ways to give your kitchen the wow factor
Selecting the best slat width
Bear in mind that the slat width you choose needs to be in proportion with your windows. ‘If it’s a small window, in front of the kitchen sink, then don’t cramp the space with tiny panels,’ advises Mark Carter of Shutterly Fabulous. ‘In this case, café-style shutters can be a good solution as they allow plenty of natural light in through the top of the window.’
Take time, also, to assess your space. ‘Start by looking around the room at the décor and proportions of everything,’ continues Carter. ‘Think carefully about the look you want. For example, if you have a wooden floor with wide boards or have very large skirting boards, carry these proportions through to the shutter design – wide panels and bigger slats, such as 89mm or 114mm.’
Bear in mind that the slat width you choose needs to be in proportion with your windows. ‘If it’s a small window, in front of the kitchen sink, then don’t cramp the space with tiny panels,’ advises Mark Carter of Shutterly Fabulous. ‘In this case, café-style shutters can be a good solution as they allow plenty of natural light in through the top of the window.’
Take time, also, to assess your space. ‘Start by looking around the room at the décor and proportions of everything,’ continues Carter. ‘Think carefully about the look you want. For example, if you have a wooden floor with wide boards or have very large skirting boards, carry these proportions through to the shutter design – wide panels and bigger slats, such as 89mm or 114mm.’
Professional installation
Shutters are a significant investment, argues Lucas, so, when it comes to choosing the best style and fitting option, use a professional who will consider the architecture of the window and give you the benefit of their advice. ‘There are lots of options on how you have your shutters designed,’ he explains. ‘A professional will help you take into account the design of the window – for example, shutter panels should reflect the glazing, so if you have three panes, the shutters will look more balanced if they also have three panels.’
A professional will also take precise measurements to ensure a perfect fit and then return to install. ‘It is really important they’re fitted properly,’ adds Lucas. ‘If there is a gap around the shutters then they won’t provide adequate insulation.’
Shutters are a significant investment, argues Lucas, so, when it comes to choosing the best style and fitting option, use a professional who will consider the architecture of the window and give you the benefit of their advice. ‘There are lots of options on how you have your shutters designed,’ he explains. ‘A professional will help you take into account the design of the window – for example, shutter panels should reflect the glazing, so if you have three panes, the shutters will look more balanced if they also have three panels.’
A professional will also take precise measurements to ensure a perfect fit and then return to install. ‘It is really important they’re fitted properly,’ adds Lucas. ‘If there is a gap around the shutters then they won’t provide adequate insulation.’
Do it yourself
If you go down the DIY route and fit your own shutters, a certain level of skill and expertise is required, although Harper argues it’s a relatively straightforward process. ‘Our customers’ main concern is “will they fit” and “how do I measure my windows properly”,’ she says. ‘We have step-by-step guides on the website with pictures and videos to make the process as easy as possible. If you have any concerns, our team will talk you through the process and you can even send the pictures of your windows and we’ll help you find the right places to measure from.’
Browse bathroom schemes that will stand the test of time
If you go down the DIY route and fit your own shutters, a certain level of skill and expertise is required, although Harper argues it’s a relatively straightforward process. ‘Our customers’ main concern is “will they fit” and “how do I measure my windows properly”,’ she says. ‘We have step-by-step guides on the website with pictures and videos to make the process as easy as possible. If you have any concerns, our team will talk you through the process and you can even send the pictures of your windows and we’ll help you find the right places to measure from.’
Browse bathroom schemes that will stand the test of time
Be prepared
Before installing DIY shutters, take time to prepare. ‘Move furniture to leave a clear working space and get your tools ready,’ advises Harper. ‘You will need a hammer, screwdriver, drill and a spirit level. Again, we have step-by-step pictures and videos. Every order is supplied with a frame that’s mitre cut and ready to slot together. All frame fixing holes come pre drilled and the shutter panels are pre-hinged at manufacturing.’
TELL US…
Have you have traded in blinds or curtains for shutters? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
Before installing DIY shutters, take time to prepare. ‘Move furniture to leave a clear working space and get your tools ready,’ advises Harper. ‘You will need a hammer, screwdriver, drill and a spirit level. Again, we have step-by-step pictures and videos. Every order is supplied with a frame that’s mitre cut and ready to slot together. All frame fixing holes come pre drilled and the shutter panels are pre-hinged at manufacturing.’
TELL US…
Have you have traded in blinds or curtains for shutters? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
Although shutters are generally chosen because they look good, Mark Lucas of Hillarys says customers are always pleasantly surprised by the practical benefits shutters afford: think enhanced privacy, light control and sound proofing. ‘They’re also hardwearing, low maintenance and versatile,’ he adds. ‘For the allergy prone, they can be easier to clean than fabric window treatments.’
They also provide a solid insulating layer. Research by both English Heritage and Glasgow Caledonian University shows that shutters can reduce the amount of heat lost through windows by 62 per cent. What’s more, shutters can be fitted in all shapes, meaning you can cater to any awkwardly angled window or doorway. But which type is best for your home?