Café Style vs Full Height Shutters: How to Pick What Will Suit Your House

If you need to choose shutters for your property, then there are certain styles you should take into account. Café style shutters and full height shutters are among the most common, and both work perfectly, but in their own ways. Here is everything you need to know about the two so you can understand which one suits you better.

The main difference: As you might already guess, it is the height of the coverage. Full height shutters cover your entire window space, while café style shutters cover the lower half, leaving the upper half open. The café design got its name from the pavement cafés of Europe, where the lower half is screened but the upper half stays open.

Which provides more privacy? Full height shutters win easily because the panels cover the entire window and let you control everything. They provide complete privacy, while the ability to adjust the louvres gives you control over the amount of light in the room. Café style shutters are made specifically to provide privacy where it matters most: because the lower half of the window is screened, nobody walking past can look in, while the upper part stays open for natural light.

Which allows more natural sunlight? Café style shutters, because the upper half is left open. That matters in rooms where you need the maximum amount of natural light. Full height shutters let you control the amount of light and the direction it travels, but you won't get quite the same brightness on sunny days.

Which suits street-facing windows better? Café style, without question. That is the main reason the style was invented.

Which suits a living room? Usually full height shutters, especially on the ground floor or facing the street. You get full flexibility throughout the day, opening and closing them depending on the sunlight.

Which looks best on bay windows? Both look great, and it comes down to the style you want at home. Full height shutters will make your bay look impressive and accentuated, while café style makes it lighter and more relaxed, which suits seating areas nicely.

Which is better for kitchens? Café style is one of the most popular choices for kitchens, and for good reason. Kitchens usually need as much natural light as possible, so leaving the upper half open works well, and you still get privacy at worktop height.

Which lives longer? All types are equal in terms of longevity. It depends on the materials used and the maintenance, not on the style. Good quality shutters, properly looked after, will serve you for many years.

So which should you choose? It comes down to two things: the amount of privacy you want and the amount of natural sunlight you need. If you want full flexibility and full coverage, choose full height. If you want maximum sunlight with privacy at ground level, café style will suit you best. Neither type is bad - each one simply suits certain windows and rooms.