At first glance, all shutter types might seem pretty similar. However, each type has unique features that impact privacy, light control, and style in its own way. A little research will reveal just how much variety there really is.
To make the selection process easier, we’ve rounded up our most popular window shutters and their top features. Whether it’s new bay window shutters you need or a small covering for a shaped window, learn which style suits you in this blog.
Ready to be inspired? Read on!
Psst… If you’re in the Leeds or Wakefield area, ask us about our design and installation service, we’re always happy to help.
Types of window shutters: Styles & advantages explained
People love shutters for their sleek appearance and how they offer complete control over light and privacy in any space. Beyond their basic function as a window covering, shutters have upgraded over the years with new designs, materials, and handy features that make adjusting light and setting the perfect mood a breeze.
These days, there’s more choice than the original white, wooden panel as traditionally seen in Victorian and Edwardian homes. Now, the shutter world is your oyster! Pick various colours, materials, functionalities, louvre sizes and more.
While many shutter types serve similar purposes, each one brings its own set of distinctive advantages. By considering the individual styles, you can confidently pick the shutters that match your space.
Plantation shutters
- Insulation qualities help retain heat in Winter and keep rooms cool in Summer
- Long lasting investment
- Available to buy made to measure
- Straightforward installation process
Plantation shutters are characterised by their tilted (usually wooden) louvres, quite similar to blind slats. Unlike fabric blinds, these shutters fit snugly in the window recess and open up just like doors. You don’t have to worry about cords and tangled mechanisms – simply operate with a tilt rod or hidden tilt.
In terms of material, many prefer a traditional wooden look, especially those looking to decorate a period property. For contemporary design schemes, you may want to consider a PVC finish for a luxury, sleek aesthetic.
With minimal care, these shutters can last a lifetime. The impressive lifespan of plantation shutters makes them a favourable window covering for homes and commercial spaces alike.
Solid shutters
- Achieve a near black-out effect, ideal for bedrooms
- Maximum privacy and effective insulation
- Block out external sound
- Increased security and protection against break-ins
You may recognise this type of window covering from traditional period homes, making them a wonderful choice for those who love a classic, heritage feel.
Solid shutters are made up of solid wooden panels rather than slats, offering multiple benefits as far as insulation and soundproofing are concerned. The durable wood panels can be opened like a door to let light in or block it out when required, but this does limit the amount of control you have over light filtering.
With a hinge-based mechanism, they’re easy to operate and provide a hassle-free solution for those who prefer simplicity!
Another advantage that draws many of our customers to solid shutters is that they offer a reliable barrier between your window and outdoors, making it difficult for burglars to force entry. If you like the sound of an aesthetically pleasing home security measure, you’ve found your perfect choice!
Café style shutters
- Low maintenance and easy-to-clean
- Cost-effective solution
- Ideal for ground-floor windows
- Suitable for homes, shops and offices
Create a cosy, European cafe vibe with the help of classic cafe plantation shutters. Known for their stylish appearance and practical benefits, these shutters are a go-to for many people looking for a premium window treatment.
These half-height shutters reveal the lower half of a window, offering the perfect balance of natural light and privacy. Cafe shutters are typically the most cost-effective type of shutter, as they require less material. You may also find that this style boosts your home’s value, as buyers love a charming, vintage aesthetic! We recommend this shutter style for smaller spaces and rooms where privacy is a lower priority, such as bathrooms, kitchens and dining areas.
Tier on Tier shutters
- Incredibly versatile
- Split-panel design for maximum control
- Ideal for taller windows
- Enhanced privacy and security
If you’ve got tall windows in your home that require more privacy and shade, tier on tier shutters are a popular solution. They cover the entire span of your window frames, creating a layered effect. The convenient design allows you to open the top section to let the light shine through, while keeping the bottom closed for privacy, or vice versa, the choice is all yours!
When measuring, you’ll have the freedom to select a dividing point to split the tiers. This could be halfway up the window, or wherever you prefer. Most commonly, homeowners will choose to align the split with the existing rails and window design.
Perfect Fit shutters
- No drilling required
- Quick and simple installation
- Manufactured in the UK with a fast lead time
- Child and pet-safe
If you’re on the hunt for a fast and easy window covering, Perfect Fit shutters are just what you need.
They are designed to blend seamlessly with your existing window frame, eliminating the need for extensive drilling and screwing work. Thanks to the handy installation kit, these shutters are ideal for renters looking to preserve their walls and window frames. As they can be easily clipped on and off, you can remove them effortlessly when it’s time to clean your windows.
The ‘perfect fit’ design creates a tight seal around the window, not only improving insulation but also providing a professional finish and sophisticated, modern look. [The various colour and material options available in this range make customising your windows all the more fun and simple!] only available in two shades of white and PVC only.
Full height shutters
- Perfect for ceiling-to-floor windows and French doors
- Easy to measure
- Offer maximum privacy and light reduction
- Available in a large array of materials
Full height shutters come in a single frame and cover the full length of your window. As you only need to gauge the full window height, they’re a breeze to measure and order for a seamless fit. They are designed to follow the transom and mullion of your window, so they look flawless from inside and out. With the option to split them into two or more sections with mid-rails or split tilt, the louvres are easy to open and shut at your convenience.
One of the main benefits of this shutter type is the control you gain over the light coming through the window. You can adjust louvres individually to transform the atmosphere with minimal effort, whether you want a soft filtered light or a bright space.
Shaped shutters
- Custom sizes for unique window shapes
- Waterproof options perfect for small bathroom windows
- Add an extra layer of insulation.
Dealing with arched or unusually shaped windows? Not a problem – shaped shutters are the perfect answer. You can adjust the louvres during the day and close them at night, providing all the versatility you need from a window covering. Functional and stylish, these shutters can become a focal point for the room, especially if you opt for a vibrant colour.
Shaped shutters can be cut to pretty much any size or shape, no window is too complex to cover! Our customers love how these windows provide additional insulation, especially for those small windows that may otherwise let a cold draft in.
Tracked shutters
- Useful for separating rooms and adding a layer of privacy
- Ideal for doors and large windows
- Block UV rays to avoid damaging or fading furniture
For bi-folding doors, large windows and patio doors, consider tracked plantation shutters. When you need long runs of individual shutters or want to section off a room with a privacy screen, tracked shutters will do the job.
By-pass variations glide across tracks that are mounted at both the top and bottom of the shutter, giving you a sliding motion that can open a space up effortlessly. Bi-folding tracked shutters also glide smoothly, but create an elegant folding effect once they’re opened.
Aside from their aesthetic appeal, tracked shutters are another way of enhancing insulation, as the wooden panels act as a protective shield against heat loss, helping to keep your home cosy and reducing energy bills.
What materials work best for window shutters?
The best materials for a window shutter that lasts include hardwood, vinyl, MDF and faux wood. Hardwood is on the higher end of the price range, as they are made from natural timber and offers long-lasting beauty. However, be careful where you place them, as natural wood will be affected by extended exposure to moisture. Vinyl shutters are more budget-friendly and waterproof, making them ideal for areas with high moisture. MDF and faux wood offer a more affordable alternative, while still providing the same earthy tones and natural charm of hardwood.
Found Your style? Let’s get those shutters ordered!
Here at Solaire Blinds, we’ve been supplying made-to-measure shutters and window blinds to homes and businesses in Leeds and Wakefield for decades. If you’re in our area, pop by one of our showrooms for more top tips and advice before ordering a new set of premium shutters.
Your windows deserve an upgrade – so do you. Order plantation shutters with us today.
