Everything you need to know before ordering plantation-style shutters
Decision one
Eco or Day/Night shutter?
We offer two plantation-style shutters, Eco and Day/Night. From across the room they look almost identical. The difference really shows when the louvres are closed.
Eco shutter
Soft, diffused light
The Eco uses 89mm adjustable louvres. Close them and a small gap remains between each louvre, so the room has soft, diffused light rather complete dark. It's the everyday choice for managing glare and privacy in living areas, kitchens and open-plan spaces.
- Louvre size89mm
- Light blockoutPartial
- Best forLiving areas
- Max panel width900mm
- Overall max width4500mm
- PriceFrom $249
Day/Night shutter
Near-blackout
The Day/Night uses 92mm interlocking louvres. Closed, they key together, cutting down light bleed for near blockout performance, more privacy and a little more insulation. Open them and you're back to the same soft daytime light as the Eco.
- Louvre size92mm
- Light blockoutYes
- Best forBedrooms
- Max Panel width650mm
- Overall max width3600mm
- PriceFrom $249
Both are hand-operated, custom made to your window, and use the same fits, frames and configurations below.
Before you order
Five decisions your window helps make
Once you've picked your shutter style, there are five key customisation selections to make when ordering. However, your window type often determines these for you! Measure up first, and the list gets shorter.
Your window decides these...
Measure first, then follow the rule.
- Recess depth under 70mm means face fit.
- Panels above 1500mm tall require a midrail.
- An existing sill or a low winder changes your frame coverage.
- Opening width sets your minimum panel count.
These are your calls to make...
Preference, not rules.
- Recess or face fit: your choice if the recess is deep enough for either.
- Frame style: the look of the edge.
- A midrail on shorter panels, and where it sits.
- More panels than the minimum, for easier access.
- Which way the panels swing open.
Decision one
Recess fit or face fit?
This is the first decision because it shapes every one after it. Recess fit sits the shutter inside the window opening. Face fit mounts the frame to the wall, over the top of the opening.
The rule: flush recess fits require 70mm of clear, unobstructed depth. Check measure the depth in a few spots, not just one. Under 70mm? Go with face fit.
Choose recess fit when...
- Depth is there You have 70mm or more of clear depth, with nothing protruding into it.
- The look You want the shutter to tuck into the opening and read as part of the window.
- Existing trim You have an architrave you'd rather not cover.
Choose face fit when...
- Shallow reveal Your reveal measures under 70mm or a winder, lock or handle protrudes into the depth.
- The look You want the shutter to sit proud of the wall, acting as a feature.
- Uneven opening Your reveal is out of square or a bit wonky.
Measuring differs between the two: for a recess fit, record the smallest of your measurements. For a face fit, the largest. If any two measurements differ by 10mm or more, your opening is likely out of square.
Decision two
Frame on all four sides, three, or with a sill piece?
Most shutters run a frame on all four sides of the opening. That's what gives the frame its clean lines and holds the panels square. Two situations call for something different. Both are practical rather than stylistic.
Four sides the standard
The default solution for most windows. Choose this frame unless one of the two cases below applies to your window.
Three sides, no bottom frame when it applies
- Existing sill A sill already does the bottom frame's job, so a second bottom piece would double up and sit awkwardly against it.
- Floor to ceiling The shutter runs to the floor and you want nothing across the bottom to step over. We wouldn't recommend it on carpet.
Three sides with sill frame (recess fit only) when it applies
- Low fitting A winder, lock or other fitting sits low in the reveal creating an obstacle in a normal full-height bottom frame. The slimmer sill fits underneath instead of a bottom frame piece.
Not sure which applies to your window? Send the team a photo and your measurements and we'll provide some expert advice.
Decision three
Which frame style suits your window?
The frame covers the raw edge of the opening. Your fit selection narrows the choice: recess fitting gives you two styles to pick between, face fitting has one.
Beaded L frame recess fit
A classic, streamlined profile with no overhang onto the wall. Choose it when there's already an architrave around the window you don't want to cover.
Bullnose Z frame recess fit
A 38mm frame with a soft, curved edge and no beading. It masks uneven reveals, so is well-suited to older openings or when there's no existing trim.
Vintage L frame face fit
The only frame for face fitting. A removable beaded cover snaps over the fixings, so there are no visible screw heads.
Decision four
Do you need a midrail, and where should it sit?
A midrail is the horizontal bar that splits a panel into an upper and lower set of louvres. It braces taller panels so the louvres don't sag over time, and it lets you open one half while the other stays closed.
The rule: to be structurally sound, a midrail is mandatory for any panel above 1500mm tall. Below that height, it's optional to help control light and privacy.
Add a midrail on a shorter panel when...
- Symmetry Your window has a crossbar or transom you'd like the midrail to line up with.
- Consistency You have taller shutters in the same room that require a mandatory midrail and you want to keep the design consistent.
Skip it when...
- Clean run Your panel is 1500mm or under and you prefer an uninterrupted run of louvres.
- One setting You're happy operating the whole panel of louvres together.
Top tip: always match the midrail location to something already there. A sill crossbar is a good place to start. When ordering, measure from the bottom of the window up to the centre of where you want the midrail situated. Please note, the louvre quantity in your panel ultimately determines the build, so your midrail will be situated as close as possible to the given measurement rather than to the exact millimetre.
Optional extra
About a Split Tilt
A split tilt gives the sections above and below the midrail their own controls, so you can angle them independently: louvres can be closed below for street-level privacy and open above for more light and views. A split tilt is also an option without a midrail, keeping the sleek continuous look of the louvres, while offering independent control of the top and bottom sections. You can choose the height you wish the split to occur.
When to add a Split Tilt
- Split control You want to open the top for light while the bottom stays closed.
- Kitchens Sitting it near benchtop height lets you open the top over the sink and keep the bottom shut.
- Privacy When putting shutters in a bathroom or bedroom, you have the option of opening the top or bottom while keeping the other section closed for privacy and modesty.
Decision five
How many panels?
Every panel is hinged, none are fixed. Your opening width sets the minimum number you need, and you can sometimes go above that minimum if it suits how you use the window. Once you're past two panels, a T-bar (a central post the panels hinge to) comes into the frame to carry the extra hinge points.
The rule: a single panel is capped at 900mm wide for Eco and 650mm wide for Day/Night. These limits keep each panel rigid and prevent bowing or sagging.
Work out your minimum width decides
- Narrow window A single hinged panel, opens one way.
- Standard window Two panels meeting in the middle. The most common layout.
- Wide opening Three, four or six panels, folding in pairs against one or two T-bar posts.
Then consider going wider your call
- Swing clearance Check what sits either side of the window: a sink, a bed, a door handle. More panels means each one swings less far into the room.
- Walk-through On an opening you pass through often, higher panel counts fold back neatly against the T-bar instead of one wide panel swinging out.
- DIY confidence A single-panel shutter arrives pre-assembled. Two or more panels ship as separate frame pieces for self-assembly.
Do the sum
Minimum panels by opening width
Divide your opening width by 900, then round up to the next available count.
| Your opening width | Minimum panels | T-bar |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 900mm | One panel | No T-bar |
| 900mm to 1800mm | Two panels | No T-bar |
| 1800mm to 2700mm | Three panels | One T-bar |
| 2700mm to 3600mm | Four panels | One T-bar |
| Above 3600mm | Six panels | Two T-bars |
Two more limits to check on your product page: an overall maximum width for the whole shutter, and, on the Day/Night, a minimum single panel width of 650mm.
Quick reference
The rules on one page
Every hard rule from above. Measure your window, run down the list and whatever isn't decided for you, is yours to choose.
| If your window | Then | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Reveal depth under 70mm | Face fit | A recess frame will project past the wall |
| Obstacle in the reveal | Face fit, or a sill framed recess fit | The fitting would disrupt the frame |
| 10mm+ difference | Contact us before ordering | The opening is out of square |
| Has an existing sill | Three-sided frame | The sill already does the bottom frame's job |
| Panel above 1500mm tall | Midrail required, split tilt comes with | Braces the panel so louvres don't sag |
| Wider than 650/900mm | Increase the panel count | Day/Night 650mm, Eco 900mm max panel width |
Want a second opinion? Send the team a photo and your measurements before you order. We'd rather check it now than see you re-order it later.
About our plantation-style shutters
PVC handles steam and humidity without warping, so shutters suit kitchens, bathrooms and laundries as well as living areas and bedrooms. We don't recommend fitting them inside a shower recess, where direct spray can rust the hinges over time.
Shutter questions
Are shutters suitable for wet areas?
In short, yes. However, while our Eco PVC Shutters perform well in damper areas and are moisture resistant, they are not completely waterproof and continued direct exposure to water (from a running shower) will eventually impact performance. If you're undecided about a shutter for your wet area, feel free to call us to discuss further.
Will a window handle get in the way?
It can. A handle, winder or lock sitting in the reveal can affect a recess fit. It doesn't rule a shutter out, but send us a photo and your measurements first and we'll check it before you order.
What if my window isn't square?
Small variations are normal and we allow for them. If any two of your measurements differ by 10mm or more, get in touch before ordering so we can work out the best approach for that opening.
Do your shutter prices include delivery?
Due to the increased size and weight of our shutters, we always apply a charge for shipping. We want to be as transparent with our shipping costs as possible, so please review our 'Delivery & Returns' page before ordering.
What tools will I need to install my shutters?
You'll need a measuring tape, pencil, screwdriver and a drill. A spirit level is also recommended. Screws specific to your fixing area (i.e., timber, masonry or metal) may need to be obtained before installation commences. When assembling your Shutter, it is recommended to place a large piece of soft material on the floor for added protection. An extra person may also be required to help with lifting and positioning of the shutter while installing.
Can I order a single panel wider than 900mm?
No. A single panel is capped at 900mm to keep it rigid and true. A wider window isn't a problem, we just hinge two or more panels together so the louvres still operate smoothly across the full width.
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