Tier-on-tier shutters with the top panels folded open in a living room

Window Shutters

Tier-on-Tier Shutters

Tier-on-tier shutters have separate top and bottom panels that open independently. You can keep the lower half closed for privacy and fold the top open for daylight, which is why we think of them as the most flexible shutter style. Our team measures and fits across Stockton, Middlesbrough and Teesside, from our Stockton-on-Tees showroom.

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What are tier-on-tier shutters?

Tier-on-tier shutters have two sets of panels, one above the other, that open independently. You can keep the bottom closed and fold the top open to let daylight in, or open both when you want a clear window.

Why tier-on-tier shutters work

They give you more flexibility than full height shutters. We often suggest them for street-facing rooms and bathrooms, where you want privacy without losing the light.

Things to consider

  • Split position: we'll line up the split with your window's transoms (the horizontal bars across the frame) or glazing bars, so it looks neat.
  • More panels: having two tiers means more hinges and a slightly busier look. We'll show you how that compares at your appointment.

Rooms where tier-on-tier shutters work well

Tier-on-tier shutters suit any room where you want privacy lower down without giving up daylight: front living rooms on a busy road, ground-floor bedrooms, kitchens overlooked by neighbours, and bathrooms. They're also a good answer for tall windows, where single full height panels would be large to swing open. Splitting the height into two tiers keeps each panel smaller and easier to handle. They work well in bays too; see our bay window shutters page.

More things to check

  • Window handles: we'll check where your handle sits in relation to the split, so you can still reach it and open the window with the top tier folded back.
  • Depth: the frame can sit inside the recess (the opening the window sits in) or just outside it. We'll check the depth and the sill when we measure.
  • Opening clearance: both tiers open into the room, so we'll check radiators, furniture and anything on the sill.
  • Light: with both tiers closed and the louvres shut, the room is as private as with full height shutters, though a little light will still show around the edges.

Choosing louvre size, colour and material

Each tier has its own louvres (the tilting slats), so you can tilt the top and bottom differently through the day. Louvres come in 63mm, 76mm and 89mm. Because each tier is shorter than a full height panel, we'd often suggest 63mm or 76mm to keep the proportions right, though 89mm can look good on a large window. Shutters are made in hardwood, MDF and water-resistant faux wood (PVC), and for a bathroom we'd usually suggest faux wood shutters. We'll bring colour samples and show you the tilt rod options, hidden or at the front.

Looking after tier-on-tier 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. Tier-on-tier shutters are typically fitted in around two weeks from order. Our care and maintenance guide has more tips.

Measuring and fitting

We measure and fit every shutter, so you won't need to measure anything yourself. Book a free home appointment to get started.

Styles & options

Choosing your tier-on-tier shutters

  • Top open, bottom closed

    Lets daylight in at the top while keeping your privacy from the street.

  • Both open

    Fold both tiers back when you want a completely clear window.

  • Split louvres

    Tilt the top and bottom louvres separately for finer control.

  • Painted finishes

    Painted to match your woodwork.

  • Stained finishes

    Natural wood tones, if you'd like the grain to show.

  • Hidden tilt

    The tilt rod is tucked away, giving cleaner lines.

Close view of shutter panels and louvres

Colours, fabrics & finishes

Materials and finishes

Tier-on-tier shutters come in the same materials and finishes as our other shutter styles, and we'll help you choose the right one for the room.

Best for

Where tier-on-tier shutters work well

  • Street-facing rooms

    You keep your privacy without losing the daylight.

  • Ground-floor windows

    Flexible privacy, so you can open up as much or as little as you like.

  • Bathrooms

    Privacy below and light above, which is ideal for a bathroom.

  • Period homes

    A classic look that suits older properties.

  • Bedrooms

    We'd usually pair them with a blind behind if you'd like more darkness.

  • Tall windows

    Two tiers are easier to handle than one tall panel.

Features & options

Options to consider

  • Independent tiersOpen the top and bottom separately, whichever suits the moment.
  • Adjustable louvresTilt each tier on its own to fine-tune the light.
  • Opens fullyBoth tiers fold right back for a clear window.
  • Split lineWe position the split to suit your window.
  • Magnetic catchesThese hold the panels neatly closed.
  • Frame optionsFitted inside or outside the recess, depending on your window.

Motorised & smart control

Motorisation options

Shutters are normally opened by hand, which keeps them simple.

Explore motorised options

Why Premier

Why choose Premier Blinds

  • Free Home VisitsExpert advice at your home
  • Made to Measurefor a precise fit
  • Professional InstallationBy our experienced team
  • Manual & MotorisedOptions Available
  • Local Showroomin Stockton-on-Tees

Gallery

Ideas for tier-on-tier shutters at home

  • White shutters on two windows of a family room
  • White shutters on a bedroom window
  • White shutters across a wide window in a child's bedroom

Questions & answers

Your questions about tier-on-tier shutters

Why choose tier-on-tier over full height?

Tier-on-tier lets you open the top panels for light while the bottom ones stay closed. That's especially useful in rooms that face the street, where you want daylight without people seeing in.

Where does the split go?

We'd usually line it up with a transom or glazing bar, so it looks tidy from inside and out. Don't worry about working this out yourself — we'll plan it with you at your appointment.

Are tier-on-tier shutters a good choice for bathrooms?

Yes, they're one of the styles we suggest most for bathrooms. You can keep the lower tier closed for privacy and open the top for daylight. We'd usually recommend water-resistant faux wood (PVC) in a bathroom, as it copes better with steam and wipes clean.

Can I tilt the louvres on each tier differently?

Yes. Each tier has its own louvres, so you can keep the bottom louvres closed while the top ones are tilted open to let light in. Together with folding either tier back, that gives you a lot of control over light and privacy through the day.

Do tier-on-tier shutters suit tall windows?

They often work very well on tall windows. Splitting the height into two tiers keeps each panel smaller, so they're easier to open and fold back, and you can open just the top when you want more light. We'll suggest where the split should sit when we measure.

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More about tier-on-tier shutters

Premier Blinds fits tier-on-tier shutters across Stockton-on-Tees and Teesside.