If you have a tilt and turn window that opens inwards fitting panel shutters can be difficult due to limited space between the window frame and recess. There are several options you can choose to enable you to fit successfully. In this blog, I am looking at the easiest option, the face fix Deco frame, but look out for my subsequent two blogs that deal with other options.
Option 1 – The Deco Frame We have a frame designed to be fitted directly onto the wall. It’s called a Deco frame, wider than the normal L shaped frame and is moulded around the edge to create a decorative finish. This frame design has a removable insert allowing you to screw straight through the front edge into the wall at the edge of the window recess, and the insert hides all the screw holes when fitted back in place.
4 sided Deco frame – The deco frame can be ordered as a 4 sided frame so that it completely surrounds your window. You may need to cut the front edge of your window sill off to allow the frame to fit around the bottom of the window. A 4 sided frame will support your panel shutters all the way around and have fitted magnets top and bottom to keep the panels closed.
3 sided Deco frame – If do not wish to cut the window sill off, or you want to keep the panels in the open position rather than closed, you can choose to order a 3 sided frame. The bottom of the frame is cut straight and will sit directly on your window sill. A 3 sided frame looks best if the window sill is wider and deeper than the overall frame width. The Deco frame is 67mm wide and 37/33mm deep depending on the material. I normally allow 5mm clearance between the frame and the inside recess, so by adding 72mm on to each side of the window, it will give you the finished frame width.
4 sided Deco frame with sill plate – The bottom section of the Deco frame can be replaced by a simple version of the Deco frame design which will sit flat on the window sill. This provides the advantages of the 4 sided frame, merged with keeping your window sill. When 4 sided frames are used, remember you can see them across the window sill when the panels are open, though they are useful when ordering top opening style.
Folding back flat against the wall. The Deco frame will allow your shutter panels to fold back around the wall when open. This is an advantage for small rooms and can enhance the look when the panels are left in the open position.
Read my next blog about this subject here.