Will shutters damage my window frames?
No. Shutters are fixed with discreet screws. Any marks are small and easy to fill if the shutters ever come down.
How to measure, use and care for shutters
Our guide from the tape measure to the duster. Start here: tilt the louvres on the panel, change the louvre size and the tilt rod, and watch the light change.
- Louvre sizes47 to 114 mm
- Ways to tilt3
- Fitting a window30 min to 2 hours
Try the louvres45° Daylight 50%
Drawn to scale. Drag the panel or the slider.Finishing touch
Six steps, from the tape measure to the duster
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Step 1 of 6
Measure inside the recess
You need a metal tape measure, a pen and paper, and a spirit level helps to check for uneven walls or frames. Always measure in millimetres and never round up or down.
- Measure the width at the top, middle and bottom of the recess.
- Measure the height on the left, in the centre and on the right.
- Use the smallest width and the smallest height, so the shutters fit neatly inside the recess.
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Step 2 of 6
Or measure outside the recess
Outside-mounted shutters are ideal for shallow recesses or uneven walls. The frame sits on the wall around the window.
- Measure the overall width of the area you want the shutters to cover.
- Measure the height from top to bottom.
- Add extra coverage if you want less light to bleed round the edges.
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Step 3 of 6
Leave bays and shapes to us
You can measure a bay, arch, circle or angled window yourself, but they are more complex. We recommend a professional survey for these, and ours is free.
- Accurate measurements, with curves and angles checked at several points.
- The right frame for your window.
- Advice on the style and the panel layout.
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Step 4 of 6
Fitting day
Our fitters check the final measurements, fix the frames, hang the panels, then adjust the louvres and hinges until everything opens and closes smoothly. Discreet screws hold the frames; if the shutters ever come down, the marks are small and easy to fill.
- Small windows: around 30 to 45 minutes.
- Larger windows or bays: 1 to 2 hours.
- A whole house: usually half a day to a day.
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Step 5 of 6
Tilt, open and close
Tilt the louvres to set the light, open the panels fully for the most daylight, and close them for privacy and warmth. You can have your shutters work in three ways.
- A tilt rod in the centre of the panel.
- A tilt rod offset to one side.
- No rod at all, with easy tilt: lift or lower one louvre and the rest follow.
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Step 6 of 6
Keep them clean
Shutters need very little care, which is half the reason people choose them.
- Dust regularly with a soft cloth or a duster.
- For a deeper clean, use a slightly damp cloth.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners.
Looking after your shutters
A few minutes now and then keeps them looking the way they did on fitting day.
Do
- Dust regularly with a soft cloth or a duster.
- Use a slightly damp cloth for a deeper clean.
- Open the panels fully for the most daylight.
- Close the louvres in a heatwave to keep the room cool.
Don’t
- Use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
- Use furniture polish.
- Soak wooden shutters: too much water can change their finish and shape.
- Put real wood in a steamy bathroom. Choose a water-resistant range instead.
Good to know before you order
The questions people ask us at the window.
Read all our FAQs
My walls are uneven. Will shutters still fit?
Yes. Made-to-measure shutters allow for small imperfections, and our fitters make fine adjustments as they fit.
Are shutters suitable for bathrooms and kitchens?
Yes. Water-resistant shutters, like our Hollywood range in ABS, suit humid rooms and will not warp or peel.
Do shutters keep the heat in?
Yes. They add an insulating layer, cutting heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Tests found shutters can reduce the heat lost through windows by up to 36%.
Can shutters cut outside noise?
They can help, especially when fully closed, though no shutter is soundproof.
Why have a professional survey?
A survey gives you accurate measurements, the right frame and advice on style and layout before you order, and it takes away the risk of a costly mistake.
Heat loss figure: BBSA product tests at the University of Salford’s Energy House Laboratory, 2023, from our brochure.
Rather we measured for you?
We measure every window ourselves at a free design visit, bring samples of each range and send a clear quote. No pressure and no obligation.
- Call08707 545 300
- OpenOpen 7 days, 9am to 6pm
- Based inOssett, West Yorkshire, fitting across the UK
Tell us about your windows
We will call you back to arrange a time that suits you.