How to Measure for a BOX BAY Window Shutter

This guide makes measuring your shutters easy. Best printed in color, this guide talks you through in simple steps, how to successfully measure windows for shutters.

Watch our 1 that accompany our guides.

They make measuring your windows a whole lot easier!

The Shutter Store is here to help. If you have any questions at all related to your shutters, be sure to call 888 753 8290 or email support@theshutterstore.com

Box bay windows typically feature a central window in line with the line of the house, with a window at a 90° angle, either side of the center window.

Box bay windows may have the windows butting up close together, or, with a slight gap between the windows.

We advise reading both our outside mount shutters measure guide and our inside mount shutters measure guide. These explain the fundamental principles involved in measuring your windows.

However, this guide gives you additional pointers to think about if you’re ordering shutters for a box bay window.

Here’s the basic principles to keep in mind….

1. You measure each window within the bay individually.
2. You’ll receive a set of shutters, which are mounted inside their own frame for each window within the bay.
3. Determine which window type you have by reading over the outside mount and inside mount guides. You then will know which frame type to choose and measure successfully.
4. If your windows do not have a wall space between them you are best using L frames which will ‘butt up’ close together.
5. Finally, use the templates and make sure you use a metal tape measure. It will make life a lot easier for you!

If your box bay has windows with a recess, you will most likely measure to install using a Z frame, as detailed in the inside mount shutters measure guide.

If your windows are best measured for outside mount shutters, we can supply you with a corner post which makes installing your shutters much easier.

A camber frame is mounted into the wall, around the window. Watch the 1 and read the outside mount shutters measure guide for more information.

This image shows the basic principle involved in measuring for this frame type. There are other camber frame options to choose, therefore make sure you refer to the specific dimensions of each frame when measuring.

To measure for this frame type, make sure you cut out the frame templates. Lay them on the sill or stick onto the wall or window. Measure the width and height including the frame.

Remember – we always contact you before your order goes into manufacture to check over all dimensions.

box bay window Using a deco Z Frame

Make sure you watch our 1 to help you successfully measure for your shutters.

Items such as window handles impact the tilting of your shutter slats. For outside mount shutters, look to see if your window has a crank handle to wind open the window. If so, check how far this handle protrudes into the room. You can use a deeper frame or you may opt to purchase separately a smaller lever to open your window.

To help establish if your preferred frame will work, the diagrams below show a side view of the shutter panels and frames. So, for example the 4033 frame is 2 1/4” deep.  2 1/2” slats require 1 7/8” clearance to tilt and not hit the window. Therefore the 4033 frame comfortably provides this clearance.

The camber frames and Z frames give less depth, but if your window has a shallow depth recess, the slats will normally tilt and avoid hitting the window.

For more help or advice, email us a photo of your window and we can call or email to advise on the best frame to use.

Have a look at your windows. Are there any items that could impede the operation of your shutters? If you have a telephone junction box or TV aerial point near the window, this may need to be moved to ensure the frame sits neatly on the window.

An important consideration is making sure your slats will tilt, without hitting the window handles or stays.

The diagrams below show the frames we’ve recommended above and the clearance you would require.

Remember, you can always choose a deeper frame, irrespective of which slat size you choose. If extra clearance is needed, refer to the measure guide titled ‘Extra Deep Frame’ and follow the same process as outlined in this guide.

Shutters are easy to measure and simple to install. However if you are in any doubt, we are here to help. Why not email us a photo of your window and any questions you have and we would be delighted to assist you!

Below is an example of how the shutters look on a half box bay window when installed.