Shutters Buying Guide

Advice

BY Victory Curtains & Blinds

Published: 31 January 2019 Updated: 04 March 2026

Advice
Tags: Shutters, Tips and advice

Buying shutters for your home is a major investment. Shutters suit almost any décor style, from traditional to coastal to modern, and they offer exceptional practicality. They help block out light, add privacy, improve insulation, and can even increase the value of your home. But because shutters can last for decades, it’s important to choose the right material, style, and fit.

Before you buy, get informed with this step-by-step buying guide. It covers what to look for, which shutters are best, and the questions homeowners ask before investing in shutters.

In This Guide:

1. Quick Shutter Buying Checklist

2. Step-by-step shutter buying guide

3. Which shutters are best for each room?

4. DIY shutters vs done-for-you shutters

5. Questions people ask about buying shutters

Quick Shutter Buying Checklist

• Check room conditions

• Choose the right material

• Pick your louvre size

• Compare colour samples

• Book professional installation

Use this simple checklist as you work through the guide below.

Check the Room Conditions

Start by looking at where your shutters will be installed. Each room has different environmental demands.

Bathrooms, kitchens and laundries: These rooms experience high moisture, steam and temperature fluctuations. They require a durable, waterproof material that won’t warp or peel. Our PVC shutters are specifically designed to withstand steamy environments and daily use.

Living rooms and bedrooms: These low-humidity areas are more flexible. Timber shutters work beautifully here, offering an elegant, timeless finish.

Understanding the room conditions is the first step toward choosing shutters that will last.

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Choose the Right Material

Once you know the room’s requirements, selecting the right material becomes easier.

• PVC Shutters – Waterproof and long-lasting. Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and high-moisture areas.

• Timber Shutters – Lightweight with a natural finish. Perfect for living rooms, bedrooms and spaces where warmth and texture matter.

• Aluminium Shutters – Designed for external use or maximum light control. A strong option for outdoor areas or bedrooms needing near-blackout conditions.

Choosing the right material ensures your shutters perform beautifully for years.

008 Metricon Plantation Shutters Brown Min 1280X853 (2)

Pick Your Louvre Size

Your louvre width affects light control, privacy and the overall style.

We offer:
• 63mm – Good for small or traditional-style windows

• 89mm – Versatile and suits most homes

• 114mm – A bold, modern look ideal for larger openings

Wider louvres let in more light and create a more contemporary look, while smaller louvres suit classic interiors. Seeing the sizes in person helps you decide what feels right.

Staircase area with white plantation shutters on angled windows, allowing natural light to filter in while maintaining privacy

Compare Colours

Choosing the right shutter colour is harder than it seems, especially when “white” comes in many shades. Screens don’t always show colours accurately, and lighting can shift how a colour appears.

That’s why we bring physical shutter samples directly to your home in our mobile showroom. You can see how each shade works with your walls, flooring and natural light. This ensures your shutters complement your décor perfectly.

Bright bedroom featuring white plantation shutters, a tufted white bed with yellow accent pillows, and minimalist decor for a clean, modern aesthetic

Book a Professional Installation

Shutters require millimetre-perfect measurements. Even a small DIY mistake can result in shutters that don’t close, hang unevenly or damage your walls.

Avoid the stress and risk, especially on large, bay or odd-shaped windows. We offer free professional measurement and installation to guarantee a perfect fit and long-lasting performance.

Which Shutters are Best?

The “best” shutters depend on your room, needs and style.

Best for Bathrooms & Wet Rooms
• PVC shutters – waterproof and durable

Best for Kitchens
• PVC shutters near sinks and stoves
• Timber shutters in dining areas

Best for Living Rooms & Bedrooms
• Timber for a classic, warm look
• PVC for durability
• Aluminium external shutters for excellent blackout and noise reduction

Best for Patio & Bifold Doors
• Tracked shutters – smooth glide for wide openings

Best for Odd-Shaped Windows
• Made-to-measure shutters – essential for bays, arches, angles and oversized spaces

Custom options allow us to craft the perfect shutters for your home.

DIY Shutters vs. Custom Shutters

Should you DIY your shutters? Shutters are more complex than blinds or curtains, and DIY often leads to costly problems.

Even a small error in measuring or installation can make shutters unusable. Poorly installed shutters can also fall, damage walls or warp over time.

Made-for-you shutters save time, money and frustration. We handles measuring, design advice and installation, ensuring your shutters fit perfectly and last for years.

Request a free consultation

White PVC shutters open in cream tiled bathroom with white sink and bathtub

Questions People Ask About Buying Shutters

1. What if I have an odd-shaped or bay window?
Custom-made shutters are designed to fit any shape or size. We specialise in made-to-measure solutions.

2. How should I assess shutter colours at home?
See samples in person. Lighting dramatically changes how colours look. Our mobile showroom brings samples to your home.

3. Can you fit shutters to patio or bifold doors?
Absolutely. Tracked shutters open and close along a rail, making them perfect for wide expanses.

4. Which shutters are best for light and privacy control?
• Plantation shutters with adjustable louvres
• Split-control shutters (top and bottom open separately)
• Aluminium external shutters for maximum blackout

5. Are shutters safe for a child’s bedroom?
Yes. Shutters have no cords or chains, making them one of the safest window coverings.

6. What louvre size should I choose?
Smaller slats for smaller windows; wider slats for modern, large windows.

7. Do shutters help with insulation?
Yes. Shutters create a barrier that helps maintain temperature, reducing heating and cooling costs.

8. Are shutters easy to clean?
Very. PVC and timber shutters only require an occasional dust or wipe-down.