Full Height Shutters

What are full height shutters?

Full height shutters cover the whole window with single panels that run from top to bottom. The louvres (the horizontal slats) tilt to control the light, and the panels open fully whenever you want a clear view. It's the simplest and most popular shutter style, and it's usually where we'd suggest starting if you're not sure.

Privacy and light control

Tilting the louvres lets you direct the light and stop people seeing in. On taller windows, a mid rail lets you tilt the top and bottom louvres separately. If you'd like even more flexibility, for example in a room that faces the street, have a look at tier-on-tier shutters.

Things to consider

• Mid rail position: we'll line it up with your window's glazing bars, which keeps the view tidy from inside and out.
• Opening clearance: the panels open into the room, so we'll check nothing is in the way when we measure.
• Darkness: in a bedroom, if you'd like it darker, we'd usually suggest adding a blind behind the shutters.

Which windows and rooms suit full height shutters?

Full height shutters suit most standard windows, from living rooms and dining rooms to home offices and bedrooms. They look particularly good on tall windows and sash windows, where single panels show off the height, and in bays; see our bay window shutters. In a bedroom where you want a darker room, have a look at Shutter & Shade, which adds a slim blind behind the shutter. For kitchens and bathrooms, we'd usually suggest water-resistant faux wood (PVC).

More things to check

• Handles: we'll check your window handle sits clear of the louvres when they're tilted, and that you can still open the window.
• Depth: the frame can sit inside the recess (the opening the window sits in) or just outside it. Inside gives a built-in look; just outside can help reduce light around the edges.
• Panel layout: on wider windows, the shutter is split into several panels that fold back. We'll plan the layout so it lines up with your window.

Choosing louvre size, colour and tilt rod

Louvres come in 63mm, 76mm and 89mm. Larger 89mm louvres let more light and view through when they're open and suit bigger windows, while 63mm and 76mm look more in keeping on smaller or traditional windows. Shutters are made in hardwood, MDF and water-resistant faux wood (PVC). White and soft neutrals are the most popular, but a colour matched to your woodwork can look lovely. The tilt rod (the bar used to tilt the louvres) can be hidden or at the front, and we'll show you the options. Our shutters buying guide explains the choices in more detail.

Looking after full height shutters

Dust the louvres with a soft cloth every so often and wipe faux wood with a damp cloth if needed; avoid soaking wooden shutters. Full height shutters are typically fitted in around two weeks from order. See our care and maintenance guide for more.

Measuring and fitting

We measure and fit every shutter ourselves, so you don't need to worry about getting the sizes right. Book a free home appointment and we'll take it from there.