What Type of Frame Should I Choose for My Shutters?

Whether inside mount or outside mount, using a frame to mount your shutters makes for an easier install and will keep your panels aligned and supported for the long haul. 

With many sizes and styles of frames available, there is sure to be one perfect for your windows. Here are a few points to consider when choosing plantation shutter frame types. 

L-Frame

An L-Frame is the simplest profile and will not draw attention away from your shutters. It is a square frame that fits completely inside the recess of your window opening.

You can position it:

• Pushed back toward the glass

• Flush with the edge of the wall

• Pulled out past the edge of the wall to extend the depth of your windows

L-Frames are great for:

• Windows with existing trim

• Windows that do not have enough depth for your desired slat size

Check out page our inside mount measuring guide to see the depth requirement for each slat size, and refer to the frame templates to see which frame will give you the depth needed.

Z-Frame

Z-Frames mount inside the recess of the window opening, but always sit flush with the edge of the wall and have a decorative overlapping trim that surrounds the opening.

Z-Frames are ideal for:

• Windows that do not already have an existing trim or molding

• Windows with a lot of variance in measurements, as the overlapping trim hides any gaps or imperfections

• Creating the look of a decorative trim or molding

The bottom frame piece can be cut flat to accommodate a protruding windowsill at the bottom. Our measuring guides detail the width of the overlapping trim and design of each Z-Frame, as each material offers its own unique frames.

Outside Mount Frames

L-Frame

Outside mount L-Frames are the same style as the inside mount L-Frames, but the holes will be pre-drilled for the shutter to mount directly onto the wall or existing trim surrounding the window opening, not inside a window recess.

The main difference is in how you measure. Be sure your measurements include the width of your selected frame. Refer to our frame templates in the outside mount measuring guide for accurate measurements.

L-Frames are advisable for outside mount on:

• Windows that have existing decorative trim

• Windows with limited surface area available for mounting

Deco Frame

A Deco Frame also mounts on the wall surrounding the window opening, extending the depth slightly, and acting in place of a decorative trim or molding.

We offer a variety of sizes of Deco Frame depending on your personal preference and whether you are ordering wood or faux wood shutters.

You can cut out the frame templates from our measuring guide, printed to scale, to help you visualize how the frame will look surrounding your window and to help you take accurate measurements.

Bullnose Drywall

For windows with rounded corners, you can still utilize either an inside mount or outside mount, depending on the recess depth of the window opening:

• L-Frames will keep your bullnose edges uncovered and visible

• Z-Frames can hide the rounded edge

How to Treat Windows with Bullnose Corners >>

Still Have Questions?

Some windows will accommodate almost any style of frame, at which point it will come down to personal preference. Other windows may be trickier — but rest assured, we have seen our fair share of unusual windows and there is always a solution.

At checkout, be sure to select the design review option and we'll check your order before it goes into production. Or better yet, email us a picture of your window and our shutter experts will help ensure a successful journey from start to finish.