Choosing Plantation Shutters: Benefits, Styles & Room Tips
Fresh, bright and full of personality, shutters, also known as Plantation Shutters, are a real favourite amongst homeowners who want to make a bigger window statement, as well as those who prefer the charm of rustic decor. You may not live in a French chateau or a seaside cottage, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this beautiful design…
Table of contents
The benefits of plantation shutters
Real or faux wood: what actually works best?
Are plantation shutters actually worth it for your home?
The answer depends on how you use your space, the type of windows you have, and what problems you’re trying to solve — whether that’s privacy, insulation, or durability in busy rooms.
The benefits of plantation shutters
Inspired by traditional designs, shutter blinds are a fashionable and functional addition to windows throughout the home. Their real value comes down to how they perform in everyday life.
For example, in a south-facing living room, shutters can reduce glare on screens without making the room feel dark. In a street-facing bedroom, they allow you to maintain privacy without fully blocking daylight.
Shutters will give you full control over the sunlight that enters your room. The louvres can be angled to filter just the right amount inside. At the same time, your privacy is maintained so you feel secure and comfortable. This makes shutters ideal for bedrooms and spaces where you and your family regularly gather, like the kitchen or living room.
Do plantation shutters keep cold out?
Yes, shutters act as an extra layer of insulation over your windows, helping to keep heat inside during colder months and reduce drafts. The insulating effect is most noticeable in older properties with single glazing or timber frames, where heat loss around window edges is already a problem. In newer builds with double or triple glazing, the difference will be less dramatic — but shutters still add a secondary barrier that reduces drafts and cold radiation from the glass surface. If energy efficiency is a priority, look for shutters with a tight-fitting frame and solid panel options rather than louvred-only designs.
Do plantation shutters keep heat out?
During the summer, they block sunlight and absorb heat and keep your home cool, as well as protecting you from UV rays when you’re inside. This is particularly noticeable in conservatories or rooms with large windows that tend to overheat in summer.
Are plantation shutters blackout?
They provide excellent light control, but shutters don’t completely block out light. Some light may still filter through the louvres or around the frame. If you’re a light-sensitive sleeper, pairing shutters with blackout curtains is usually the best solution.
Do plantation shutters block out noise?
Plantation shutters can help reduce outside noise, but they don’t completely soundproof a room. Their solid panels and adjustable louvres provide some acoustic insulation, especially with thicker real wood or well-fitted frames, making them quieter than bare windows or lightweight blinds.
Our shutters are made to measure to fit your windows seamlessly. Shop with us and select the perfect material, style, size and colour for your home, along with a range of other customisable options…
Real or faux wood: what actually works best?
Real wood
Real wood shutters provide a warm and charming look with their unique wood grain. While they are relatively lightweight, these wooden shutters are very hardwearing and guaranteed to last for the long term. Since they are naturally cosy, we recommend our real wood shutters for bedrooms and living rooms.
uPVC (faux wood)
Our faux wooden shutters are ideal for moisture-prone spaces, such as bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms. They are crafted from sturdy uPVC, so they can stand up against daily wear and tear along with splashes, spills and condensation. Our faux wood shutters are also resistant to cracking and warping, which can be caused by humid environments and fluctuating temperatures.
What is better: PVC or wood plantation shutters?
It depends on your needs and the room you’re fitting them in. Real wood shutters are perfect for living rooms and bedrooms, offering warmth, charm, and natural insulation. uPVC (faux wood) shutters are ideal for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or utility rooms, as they resist warping, cracking, and humidity. A common mistake is choosing real wood for bathrooms because it looks better, only to replace it later due to warping.
Can you put plantation shutters in a bathroom?
Yes! Faux wood (uPVC) shutters are ideal for bathrooms because they resist moisture, condensation, and warping, while providing privacy and light control. Real wood shutters aren’t recommended in damp environments.
Choosing the right shutter style for your space
Full height
A full height shutter will cover the full height of your window, providing total privacy and excellent light control. They bring great symmetry and sleekness to your windows with the simple panel configuration. Mid rails can also be added for added structural support, especially if your windows are particularly tall.
We recommend full height shutters for a variety of property types, including traditional and new builds. They work very well across all rooms and for all window types, lending especially well to living rooms and dining rooms with large windows.
Cafe style shutters
Cafe-style shutters cover the bottom half of your windows, allowing the top section to remain bare. This design allows sunlight to enter the room whilst maintaining an element of privacy.
We recommend cafe-style shutters for bay windows, as well as spaces requiring a flexible level of privacy. A bathroom window located above the bath, for example, would benefit from this type of shutter.
You can couple your cafe-style shutters with curtains for a more cosy look, especially in the bedroom.
Tier-on-tier
Tier-on-tier shutters provide a happy medium between full height and cafe-style, allowing the top and bottom shutters to function independently for your desired level of privacy and sunlight.
Tier-on-tier shutters are a stylish and practical choice, perfect for a range of windows including sash and bay. If you’re looking to add shutters to a ground floor room, consider tier-on-tier for more flexibility.
Can you have curtains with plantation shutters?
Absolutely. Layering curtains over your shutters can add extra insulation, softness, and style. It also gives flexibility for light control and privacy while enhancing the room’s decor. For example, adding curtains in a bedroom can help with insulation and light blocking, while in a living room they soften the overall look and make the space feel less minimal.
How to pair plantation shutters with curtains
Pairing curtains with plantation shutters adds style and versatility. Hang curtains slightly wider than the window frame so they sit neatly around the shutters. Light fabrics like voile or linen create an airy feel, while heavier fabrics like velvet add warmth and luxury. Choose colours and textures that complement your shutters and room décor for a cohesive, polished look.
Frames and fitting: what most people overlook
There are a number of different frame options for your shutters. The type of frame you choose will depend on the size, shape and features of your window, including windowsills and architraves. The frame will also depend on where you want to mount your shutters: either inside (within the recess) or outside.
Inside/recess fit shutters sit inside the recess and will normally fit flush against the wall. This means the measurements are slightly smaller than an outside fit shutter, which would be mounted onto the wall that surrounds the window.
Z frame shutters
The frame wraps slightly into and around the recess, forming a tight seal with no gaps. It can be fitted with or without an architrave or window sill. The Z frame can be installed with both an architrave and windowsill.
L frame shutters
There are two types of L frames for both inside and outside mounting. These frames resemble an L shape, sitting either inside the window recess at any depth, or outside if your window dictates.
If you are unsure of which frame you require, get in touch with our team for expert tips and advice. Once you’ve worked out which style and material suits your home, the next step is to explore your shutter options and request free samples.
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