Should I Go With Less Panels or More?
15th November 2019
3 min read
US - Trustpilot
Should I Go With Less Panels or More?
A plantation shutter is comprised of panels — the doors that swing open and closed, usually mounted inside a frame. Based on the width of your window opening, our website will provide you with possible options for the number of panels.
To decide whether to go with less panels or more, you will want to think about how you plan on operating your shutters, and what style you are looking to achieve.
How You Plan on Operating Your Shutters
If you mainly keep your shutters closed
Some people primarily keep their shutter panels closed and use the slats to control the amount of light that enters the room. In this case, fewer, wider panels are a good choice as they allow more sunlight in and look less busy.
If you regularly swing the panels open
Others will regularly swing the panel doors open to allow full light entry and visibility out the window. In this case, more panels is the better option — narrower panels fold neatly to the sides of the window opening without taking up too much space. If you have an obstruction like a kitchen faucet in front of the window, or limited wall space at the sides, smaller bi-folding panels will also be the most practical choice.
Modern vs Traditional Style
Feature | Fewer, Wider Panels | More, Narrower Panels |
|---|---|---|
Look | Modern, clean lines | Traditional, colonial |
Slat size | 3½" or 4½" | 2½" |
Tilt rod | Hidden tilt rod | Center tilt rod |
Light | Less blockage | More structure |
Wider panels give cleaner lines and less light blockage for a contemporary feel. Narrower panels paired with smaller slats and a central tilt rod achieve a more traditional, colonial style.
The same considerations apply to solid raised panel shutters — wider for a modern look, narrower for a traditional look.
Panel Width: Getting the Balance Right
You don't want to go too wide and end up with heavy, saggy panels — but too narrow and the window can look chunky or overly busy. As a general rule, shutter panels should range from around 10" to 30" per panel.
Need design help?
Get in touch and our friendly team will happily advise on styles, colours and everything in between. You can also add a free Design Review at checkout to have your order checked by a shutter expert before production begins.