Panel
The panel is the main, rectangular part of the shutter that's hinged, allowing it to swing open. Normally panels contain moveable slats, but on solid shutters, the panels are completely wooden.
Frame
Your shutter panels are mounted inside a shutter frame. The frame is mounted onto the window (or inside the window recess), creating a perfectly squared shape for the shutter panels to be mounted into.
Mouse hole
The mouse hole is a dip in the rails where the push rod sits when the slats are closed. (You don’t get this with hidden push rods.)
Top rail
A top rail finishes off the top end of the shutter panel.
Bottom rail
A bottom rail finishes off the bottom end of the shutter panel.
Mid rail
Mid rails run horizontally between the top and bottom rails and add extra strength to your shutters. They also let you control the top and bottom slats separately.
Slats (AKA blades/ louvers)
Slats are the horizontal pieces which tilt and rotate around 340° to let in light and give a better view outside. They come in four different sizes:
- 2 1/2" – our best selling slats and a brilliant all-rounder. You can see out clearly when they’re open, they let lots of light in and they fit most windows including French doors.
- 3" – a popular option when in between wanting a larger or small slat.
- 3 1/2" – our second best selling size, these are growing in popularity. They add a more contemporary touch and allow lots of light into the room too.
- 4 1/2" – these slats look great on large windows and make a bold statement, especially when their size is in proportion to the room and the height of the window.
Stiles
Stiles are the vertical rails at either side of the panel.
Regular Front Push Rod
The regular push rod is a thin, vertical wooden bar connected to the front of slats. You use it to open and close them.
Concealed Rods
A Concealed Rod (also called a hidden rod) is a more contemporary option. A thin, metal mechanism is hidden at the back of the panel connecting all the slats together, so when you move one panel with your finger, the rest will move too.
Café Style Shutters
These shutters cover the lower half of your windows. They let lots of light in and also give you privacy. Their design is similar to the shutters you’d find in Parisian cafés.
Full Height Shutters
These shutters cover the entire window and open as one unit, creating a clean, simple look. Beyond a certain height, full height shutters will need a mid rail to strengthen them.
Tier on Tier Shutters
These cover the whole window, but you can open the top and bottom independently of one another, a bit like a stable door. This style is ideal if you like the café style look, but want more privacy.
Solid Shutters
Traditional and secure, these top-to-bottom shutters are completely solid with a center raised profile at the front and back.