Measuring shutters

It's easy to measure up for window shutters. All you need is a steel tape measure, pencil and paper to get started.

What you’ll need

Steel tape measure
Pen or pencil
Paper

Preparation

Decide where on the window your shutter will be fitted. This is where you will take your measurements.

If you have a bay window, please visit our bay windows measuring guide.

Need some help? No problem, send us a message and we'll help you get started.

Step 1 - Measure the width

If your shutter will be fitted into the window recess, measure the width in three places to find the smallest dimension.

If you are NOT fitting your shutter within a recess, add 45mm to each side for the frame.

Measuring a recessed window shutter width

In/front of recess width

Non-recess width

Step 2 - Measure the height

If your shutter will be fitted into the window recess, measure the height in three places to find the smallest dimension.

If you are NOT fitting your shutter within a recess, add 45mm to each side for the frame. Only add 45mm at the bottom if you do NOT have a projecting window sill.

Measuring a recessed window shutter height

In/front of recess height

Measuring a the height of a non recessed window

Non-recess height

For cafe style shutters measure the height up to where you'd like the shutters to finish.

Measuring a recessed window for cafe style shutters

Cafe style height with sill

Cafe style height without sill

Step 3 - Deductions

We recommend deducting 4mm for tolerance from your smallest width and height sizes.

Midrails and t-bars

Full height shutters over 1500mm require a midrail measurement. Measure up to where you'd like the midrail to be centred.

Traffic White wooden shutter with a midrail and central tilt rod

For tier on tier shutters you will need to specify a t-bar position. Measure up to where you would like the t-bar to be centred.

A Traffic White wooden shutter with a central tilt rod and horizontal t-bar

Choosing the frame type

Front of recess

The front of recess frame has an architrave that wraps around the recess edge to conceal small gaps. You need at least 60mm clearance between the front recess edge and any handles or obstructions. The frame screw holes are hidden behind the inner cover strip.

In recess

The in recess frame can be fitted within the recess. You need at least 60mm clearance between the front recess edge and any handles or obstructions. The frame screw holes are hidden behind the inner cover strip.

Outside view of a Traffic White wooden shutter with a Z Frame

Front of recess frame

Inside view of a Traffic White wooden shutter with an L Frame

In recess frame

Non-recess

The non-recess frame is suitable for fitting shutters onto the architrave or the walls surrounding the window opening. This is the recommended option for most sash and inward opening windows.

The frame screws are concealed behind the front cover strip.

When selecting the non-recess frame it is important to check your slat clearance as you may need to upgrade to the 'large' frame.

Outside view of a Traffic White wooden shutter with an L Frame

Non-recess frame

A navy living room with Silk White cafe style faux wood shutters

Non-recess example

Check slat clearance

This step is only applicable for non-recess installations.

Measure the projection of the obstructions, such as window handles. Measure from the surface on which the shutter frame will be mounted (architrave, window frame or wall surrounding the window).

0-9mm obstructions - choose the standard frame with any slat size

10-30mm obstructions - choose the large frame with any slat size

31-40mm obstructions - choose the large frame and only the 64mm slat size

40mm+ obstructions - contact us for advice before ordering

And that’s it – you’ve measured up your window shutters, so now it’s time to start designing your new plantation shutters.

Shop our window shutter collections now.