Plantation Shutter Styles Guide

Looking for an alternative to curtains and blinds? Plantation shutters are a fantastic choice for modern and traditional homes alike. They are hands down the best window treatment for controlling light, and the perfect way to give your home a stylish new look.

If you are not sure what style of shutters to go for, start by thinking about your room. Do you want more privacy? More control of the light from your window? Insulation from cold or noise? Or a combination of all three? Whatever your priorities, this guide will help you find the right style.

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Shutter Style

Interior vs Exterior Shutters

The first distinction is whether shutters sit inside or outside the home. Interior shutters are fitted inside the window, and exterior shutters are attached on the outside of your home. At The Shutter Store, we offer interior shutters only.

How Much of Your Window Do You Want to Cover?

Shutters can cover the entirety of your window or just part of it:

• Full height shutters cover the entire window from top to bottom

• Café style shutters cover just the bottom part of a window

• Tier on tier shutters cover the full window but with top and bottom sections that open independently

Louvered vs Solid

Shutter panels can be louvered or solid:

• Louvered shutters allow you to open, close, and tilt the slats to control light and privacy

• Solid panel shutters totally cover the window, blocking a great deal of light. Best for maximum privacy and room darkening

How Do You Want the Panels to Open?

If you have a narrow window, you can usually go for a single panel shutter with no bi-fold needed. For larger windows, you will probably need a bi-folding shutter made up of two or more hinged panels that fold neatly back. If you are ever unsure, our team of shutter experts will advise you on the panel configuration for your windows.

Our Shutter Styles

Café Shutters

Café shutters cover just the bottom half of a window and are typically louvered. Key features:

• Great for letting in lots of light while maintaining ground-level privacy

• Stylish and elegant, inspired by the shutters found in European cafés

• Tend to cost less than a full coverage shutter as they cover less window area

• Not ideal for particularly short windows

Best for: Street-facing windows where you want to prevent passers-by looking in, while keeping the top of the window open for maximum light.

Tier on Tier Shutters

Tier on tier shutters (also known as double-hung shutters) have top and bottom sections that open and close independently. Key features:

• The best style for maximum flexibility over light and privacy

• The lower tier can be closed for privacy while the upper tier is open to let in light

• We usually advise narrower panels hinged together so they can concertina or bi-fold neatly when opened

• Popular for Victorian-style bay windows with sash-type windows

• A 10% surcharge applies to this style

Best for: Rooms where you want the most control over how much light comes in versus how much privacy you have. A wonderful solution for medium and large windows.

Full Height Shutters

Full height shutters are our most popular style. They cover the whole window in a panel that opens as one piece from top to bottom. Key features:

• Maximum coverage offering the most insulation and privacy

• Clean, open, and simple-lined look

• Can have as many panels as you like across the width of the window

• A mid-rail or divide rail can break the run of slats so you can tilt the upper and lower sections independently

Best for: Any window type. If you are ever in doubt, full height shutters are the most versatile choice and will suit virtually any window.

Solid Raised Panel Shutters

Solid raised panel shutters do not have slats. Key features:

• Maximum light blockage and privacy when closed

• Give a traditional feel to a room

• Excellent heat insulation

• No customization over light levels — either fully open or fully closed

• Popular for bedrooms where maximum room darkening is the priority

Best for: Bedrooms, night shift workers, or anyone wanting maximum light blockage and a classic look.

Consider the Style of Your Home

If your home has a more historic style, opt for a traditional look. We recommend a central tilt rod for louvered shutters as this gives a more traditional feel. For a more contemporary vibe, go with a hidden tilt rod for a clean, minimal look.

Consider How You Will Use Your Shutters

If shutters are more of a decorative item, café style shutters with wider slats will likely give you the look you want. If you need shutters to block out light, insulate your home, or provide privacy, you will want more window coverage with full height shutters.

Consider Your Window Size

• Small or short windows — café style may not be the best choice. Full height shutters are usually the better option

• Medium to large windows — all styles work well

• Large windows overlooking a busy road — tier on tier shutters give the most flexibility

Follow Your Style

An important and often overlooked aspect of choosing your shutter style is your own taste. Shutters have the power to add the finishing touch to any room, so always go with your gut.