Along with shutter design, the layout of your interior window shutters is very important. For most, the best option is to match your window layout, although there are some exceptions depending on the design you choose and how you would like to use them. However, during your survey, you can expect advice on achieving the best layout for your needs.
4 sections of glass = 4 shutter panels
Having a 4 section window is one of the most popular window shutter layouts and suits many UPVC double glazed windows. The panels are divided by a vertical Tposts (see below) as this is a wide window. Tposts offer more flexibility. Here the louvres are 89mm to compliment the wide shutters with two Tposts fitted between them.
3 sections of glass = 3 shutter panels
4 panels would not line up with the window uprights, creating shadows on the louvre blades and spoiling the view when you look through them. 3 or 6 panels look best, depending on the width. 3 large shutters provide a modern clean look allowing plenty of light into the room. Tposts are useful on 3 section windows.
2 sections of glass = 2 panels
Depending on the width of the window, 2 single panels are a good option rather than 4. A high-quality shutter can be made 890mm wide when hinged on their own, so maximum light can be achieved with simple looks. 4 bi-folding shutters will look more traditional.
Horizontal rails
Windows that have horizontal rails can have a matching rail built into the layout of the panel. This stops shadows from the rail falling on the louvres and provides extra privacy as you can adjust the louvre blades either side of the rail. Best on taller windows, and necessary on windows over 1800mm tall for strength and to ensure the panel is guaranteed.
Wide openings and track layout
Wide openings, such as Patio and French doors, require track mounted shutters. Track designs also look best when they match the layout of the window. Below you can see 4 sections with 2 shutters per section.
Solid interior window shutters
As solid wooden shutters have to be opened to allow the light in, it is best that the layout is based around how well they fit back into the recess or fold against the wall rather than matching the window layout. Traditional Victorian solid shutters were made of different widths allowing them to fold back into side boxes which concealed them neatly. The modern equivalent is made in equal sections and best ordered in pairs or fours so they take up less room when open.
Shaped windows
Shaped shutters should match the window layout both horizontally and vertically. There is a wide range of shaped designs, so finding a match to your windows should not be hard. Horizontal and vertical Tposts are used to match the layout along with angled and shaped louvres blades. As a specialist shutter company, expert advice can be provided over the phone if digital photos are uploaded to ensure an understanding of how shaped shutters can be designed to fit your window before a survey. You will be amazed at just what is possible.
T Posts
Wide windows can be split into sections using Tposts, usually lined up with vertical uprights on the windows, which is a neat option adding strength and style. Tposts allow larger panels to be hung, and are designed to match the outer surround of the shutter frame. Shutter panels can be hinged from the Tposts, or they can be used as dividers.