Shutter styles
Full height shutters, explained
Full height shutters cover the whole window, top to bottom, with a single panel height. The louvres tilt together across the full drop, and the panels open on hinges as one piece. It is the cleanest, most architectural shutter style, and the one most people picture when they think of plantation shutters.
They suit tall sash windows, floor length windows and French doors, and they work well in bedrooms because a closed panel covers all the glass. Where you want the top open and the bottom closed, tier on tier is usually the better choice.
The mid rail and split tilt
Most full height shutters have a horizontal mid rail across the panel. It adds strength on taller panels, and it lets us split the louvre control so the top and bottom sets tilt separately. That gives you some of the flexibility of tier on tier: louvres closed at the bottom for privacy, open at the top for daylight, while the panel itself stays one piece. We position the rail to line up with the window's transom so the shutter follows the lines of the glazing.
Full height, tier on tier or café style
Full height gives the tidiest look and the most complete cover. Tier on tier splits the window into upper and lower panels that open independently, so you can fold back the top half entirely. Café style covers only the lower part and leaves the top glass clear, which suits street facing ground floor rooms and bathrooms. On the visit we often suggest different styles in different rooms of the same house.
- Full height: one panel height, most complete cover, clean lines
- Tier on tier: separate top and bottom panels for more control
- Café style: lower half only, top left open
Windows that suit full height
Tall sash windows are a natural fit, as are floor length windows, Juliet balconies and French doors. Bay windows work too, with each section built to meet at the angles. On doors we check the handle position and the swing so the panels clear the handle when open. For very wide sliding doors a tracked system replaces hinged panels.
Light and privacy through the day
With louvres open you get daylight and a view through the slats. Tilted upward, they block the line of sight from outside while light still reaches the ceiling. Fully closed, they darken the room well, though a little light always passes the edges of any shutter. In bedrooms where darkness matters most, some customers add a blackout blind behind.
Materials, timing and guarantees
Hardwood suits living rooms and bedrooms; waterproof ABS suits bathrooms and coastal homes. Shutters usually take 6 to 10 weeks to make, temporary blinds can cover the gap, and our own fitters install them. Our installation carries a 5-year fitting warranty, and selected shutter ranges carry a manufacturer's lifetime guarantee.
The short version
Full height is the clean, complete option; add a split tilt when you want top and bottom control.
Shutter styles - your questions
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