Plantation Shutters

What are plantation shutters?

First things first – what are plantation shutters? They’re basically the standard shutter style. You know those internal window shutters with neat rows of slats you can tilt? Those are plantation shutters. The slats, also called louvres, sit within rigid panels fitted to a frame. Tilt them to adjust the light and privacy, or open the hinged panels to uncover the window.

Plantation shutters are a particularly flexible choice for rooms where you want to change the vibe throughout the day. Tilt the louvres open for more light, angle them to block the view in from outside, close them when you want full privacy, or swing the whole shutter wide open for a rush of glorious air and daylight.

Choose your plantation shutter style

Different windows and rooms might call for totally different choices. Luckily, when it comes to shutters, there are plenty of options!

Full-height shutters cover the entire window, giving you a clean, consistent look from top to bottom. They're a good option when you want the whole window covered while keeping control over light through the louvres.

Cafe-style shutters cover only the lower section of the window. They're especially useful if privacy at eye level matters, as they screen the lower section of the window while leaving the upper part open to make the most of daylight – perfect for street-facing rooms where you’d rather keep passing eyes off your sofa.

Tier-on-tier shutters split the window into separate upper and lower panels, so you can operate each section independently. Open the top to welcome in the daylight, keep the bottom closed for privacy, or swing both open when you want the window clear.

There's no universal “right” style – think about how you use the room and what you want the shutter to do as well as how you want it to look. Ready to get the fit sorted? Follow our measuring guide for your chosen shutter and fitting method before ordering.

Real wood or faux wood shutters?

The material you choose can make a difference beyond the appearance.

Our real wood shutters are made from lightweight Paulownia hardwood, so you get that lovely genuine wood grain and a naturally warm finish. Faux wood shutters still look the part, but they’re made from uPVC and are moisture-resistant, so they’re a great choice in kitchens and bathrooms where humidity and splashes are part of everyday life.

If you're choosing shutters for a room where moisture isn't an issue, you can decide based more on the look and feel you're after. For wetter spaces, though, faux wood shutters give you a more practical option.

What size slats?

This is mostly a matter of personal preference, but there are some guidelines we can offer:

64mm Slat – The most popular choice for any window size
76mm Slat – Best for medium to large windows
89mm Slat – Better suited for very large windows and doors

Note that the larger the slat width, the more light it will block out in the room. This is because smaller slats create more gaps which can lead to light leakage.

Are plantation shutters good for light control?

Plantation shutters are great for light control – it’s one of their main advantages. The full panel can be swung open to fully open your room to the outside light, and they also offer nuanced adjustments with a quick tilt of the slats, whether you’re opening them to welcome in the morning sun or shielding your screen in the afternoon.

For bedrooms, full-height and tier-on-tier shutters help darken the room when the panels and slats are closed. They won’t create complete blackout, as some light can pass through the gaps, but you can pair them with blackout curtains for an extra layer of darkness. Come morning, give the slats a tilt to let the daylight back in.

Will shutters keep out noise?

Shutters are one of the best products we offer to reduce outdoor sound pollution. Due to their thick wooden structure and their full coverage of the window, they are great at absorbing and reducing the ambient noise levels in your space.

If your home fronts onto a road with traffic noise or you simply want to maximise noise reduction in your bedroom for a restful night’s sleep, shutter blinds are an excellent choice.