Today many people have windows with handles that protrude into the window recess, but this does not mean that you can’t have shutters so here are some options to help.
The issue with protruding window handles is that you may not have enough room to fit the shutter panels directly onto the window frame, as the handles will prevent this. Even if you can fit to the window frame you may not be able to adjust the louvers to allow light to enter as the handles will prevent them from opening.
Option 1 – The first thing to check is if you can line up any rails or parts of the shutter with your handle so the louvre blades miss it.
Option 2 – One simple option is to change the handle to a low profile handle and use a larger shutter frame, these are ordered online on the trade order form. Here is a video showing you how to swap your handles.
Option 3 – Choose to fix your shutter frame sideways into the wall rather than into the window frame, this way you can position your frame in front of any protruding handles. This is easily done using the Easyfit Shutter Kit.
Option 4 – Another solution is to fit battens to create a surface in front of your window frame into which you fix the shutter frame. This spaces the shutters away from the window and allows the louvers to be adjusted easily without interfering with the handles. The size of the battens will depend on the size of the louvers you choose, the larger the louvers the wider the battens.
Fitting battens is extremely easy, as you just screw them directly into the window frame, and the screws will be covered by the shutter frame when in place. As the battens are provided in the same colour and spray finish as the wood shutters it will blend perfectly, giving a professional finish. The battens can be provided cut to length or oversize if you prefer to adjust them yourself, and additional lengths can be supplied if you require them.
A large proportion of my DIY customers have windows with protruding handles and have successfully fitted battens with their wooden shutters.