Not All Shutters Are the Same. Here Is What Sets Each Style Apart

Shutters are not a one size fits all product. Different windows, different rooms, and different homes all call for something slightly different. The good news is that there are styles designed to handle just about every situation. Here is a rundown of everything available so you can get a feel for what might work best for you.

Full height shutters: The most popular style and for good reason. Full height shutters cover the entire window from top to bottom, giving you complete control over light and privacy at any time of day. What a lot of people do not realise is that full height shutters can also be fitted with a divider rail, which splits the shutter into an upper and lower section that operate independently of each other. That means you can have the bottom louvres closed for privacy while the top ones stay open for light, or vice versa. A lot more flexibility than they first appear.

Café style shutters: Café style shutters have been around since the Regency period and the look has never really gone out of fashion. Rather than covering the full window, they sit across the lower half only, giving that relaxed continental feel while keeping the upper half open to let natural light pour in. They are a brilliant choice for darker rooms that need all the light they can get, and they handle street facing windows beautifully.

Tier on tier shutters: If full height shutters with a divider rail sound appealing but you want even more control, tier on tier shutters take that idea a step further. Two completely separate sets of panels sit one on top of the other, each opening and operating entirely independently. You can have the top panels open and the bottom closed, both open, both closed, or anything in between. They work particularly well in rooms where your privacy and light needs change throughout the day.

Shaped shutters: Not every window is a straightforward rectangle and shaped shutters exist precisely for that reason. Whether you have an arched top window, a triangular frame, a porthole or something else entirely, bespoke shaped panels can be made to fit the opening perfectly. Rather than trying to work around the architecture, shaped shutters actually enhance it.

Tracked shutters: Tracked shutters work on a sliding track rather than on hinges, which makes them the go to solution for large windows, patio doors, or anywhere a traditional panel would be impractical. They glide smoothly across the opening and can be folded back completely when you want the space fully open. Beyond windows, tracked shutters also work brilliantly as room dividers or wardrobe fronts.

Blackout blinds: For rooms where you need complete darkness, blackout blinds can be added to your shutters to give you an extra layer of light control. Tension operated and available in a range of colours, they sit neatly alongside your chosen shutter style without getting in the way of how the shutters themselves look or function. Worth asking about during your consultation, whether that is a bedroom, a home cinema, or anywhere else where light can be a problem.

Finding the right style for your home: Every style here is made to measure, built specifically for your windows and finished to complement your interior rather than clash with it. The right choice usually comes down to the room, the window, and how you want to live in that space day to day.