💧Waterproof Shutters – Stylish, Practical & Built to Last!

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Bathroom windows can be some of the trickiest to dress. You need privacy, good ventilation, and a finish that can withstand steam, condensation, and splashes. That’s why waterproof plantation shutters are the perfect choice for kitchens, bathrooms, wet rooms, and ensuites.

At The ShutterShack, we supply and install a full range of waterproof shutters that not only look beautiful but are also designed to last.

Why Choose Waterproof Shutters?

Plantation shutters bring style and practicality together, making them an ideal kitchen and bathroom window dressing. Here’s why our customers love them:

✅ Ultimate Privacy Control

With bathroom shutters, you can enjoy privacy day and night. Keep the slats angled for natural light while blocking outside views, or close them fully when you want complete seclusion.

✅ Easy Maintenance

Unlike fabric blinds or curtains, shutters don’t hold onto moisture. A quick wipe with a damp cloth keeps them looking pristine — no fuss, no build-up of mould or mildew.

✅ Built to Last

Our Faux Wood waterproof shutters are made from durable vinyl with a high-grade painted finish. This means they won’t warp, crack, or peel when exposed to steam or direct water — unlike traditional fabric or timber dressings.

Where Else Can Waterproof Shutters Be Used?

While bathrooms are the most common choice, waterproof shutters are also perfect for kitchens and utility rooms — especially for windows located close to sinks or areas prone to splashes.

Just like in bathrooms, waterproof shutters in kitchens and laundries offer:

  • Moisture resistance against steam, spills, and condensation.

  • Easy cleaning with a simple wipe-down.

  • Style and consistency, allowing you to match them with shutters in the rest of your home.

This makes them a smart, long-lasting solution for any room where humidity or water exposure is a concern.

Styles of Waterproof Shutters

Waterproof windows come in all shapes and sizes, and shutters can be designed to suit your exact needs. Here are the most popular options for bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms:

  • Café Style Shutters – These shutters cover only the lower portion of your window, leaving the top open for maximum light while still maintaining privacy. They work beautifully on taller bathroom windows.

  • Full Height Shutters – Covering the entire window, this classic style offers complete privacy and a sleek, elegant finish. Perfect for bathrooms and kitchens at street level or where maximum seclusion is needed.

  • Tier-on-Tier Shutters – These cover the whole window but feature independently opening top and bottom panels. This clever design gives you the best of both worlds: keep the lower tier closed for privacy while opening the top tier for natural light. A versatile option for full control over light and privacy.

  • Tracked Shutters – Ideal for wider windows, patio doors, or large bathroom openings. These shutters slide smoothly along a discreet track, making them practical as well as stylish.

  • Special-Shaped Shutters – Got an unusual window shape? Arches, triangles, or porthole-style bathroom windows can all be fitted with custom shutters, ensuring no window is left uncovered.

FAQs About Waterproof Shutters

Which material is best for bathrooms?

If your shutters will be exposed to direct water (such as a shower window), we recommend Faux Wood waterproof shutters. These look just like timber but are completely moisture-resistant.

For bathrooms with good ventilation and no direct water contact, hardwood or hybrid shutters can also be considered.

What happens if my shutters get wet?

Our Faux Wood shutters are waterproof. We would advise drying them with a clean cloth to prevent watermarks.

Can I fit waterproof shutters to a shower window?

Yes! Waterproof Faux Wood shutters are designed for exactly this scenario. They’re slightly heavier than wooden shutters but just as stylish — and our installation team will ensure a perfect fit.

What if tiles or rails obstruct my window?

Don’t worry — features like tiles, dado rails, or window trims don’t prevent shutters from being installed. Our surveyor will assess your windows and design a fitting solution that works.

Benefits of Waterproof Shutters from The ShutterShack

  • Waterproof and durable

  • Stylish with the same appearance as wooden shutters

  • Available in a full range of colours, louvre sizes, and tilt rod options

  • Stainless steel hinges for long-lasting performance (these are not painted, so they won’t chip or rust in damp conditions)

  • Suitable for special shaped windows

  • 10-year warranty for peace of mind

  • Match waterproof shutters to wooden shutters elsewhere in your home

Get Expert Advice on Your Bathroom Shutters

Not sure which style or material to choose? We’re here to help. Our team can guide you through design, measuring, and installation, making sure your shutters look fantastic and perform brilliantly for years to come.

📸 Explore our Gallery for bathroom shutter inspiration, or browse our Checkatrade reviews to see what customers are saying about us.

👉 Ready to start planning your bathroom or kitchen shutters? Contact us today for friendly advice or to arrange a no-obligation survey.

💡 Tip: If you’re considering replacing windows or renovating/tiling your bathroom walls/reveals, it’s best to complete this before your shutter survey. Because shutters are custom-made to fit your exact window measurements, any changes after the survey could mean reordering at additional cost. More details can be found on our Shutter Removal page.

Waterproof Shutters in Dorset, Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch

At The ShutterShack, we’re proud to be based in Verwood, Dorset, and we supply and install shutters across the surrounding areas, including Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ringwood, and the New Forest.

Whether you’re looking for bathroom shutters in Bournemouth, kitchen shutters in Poole, or plantation shutters in Christchurch, our expert team is here to help. Every shutter is custom-made, professionally installed, and backed by our excellent reputation on Checkatrade.

Explore More from The ShutterShack

Looking for more inspiration and advice? Here are some of our most popular blogs:

Elegant Shutter Installation in Bournemouth – Traditional Style Meets Modern Living

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At The ShutterShack, we love helping our customers find the perfect balance between style, practicality, and long-lasting quality. Recently, our team completed a beautiful shutter installation in Bournemouth, and we’re excited to share the results.

Traditional Tier-on-Tier Shutters for Bay Windows

For the front of the property, the customer chose hardwood shutters in a tier-on-tier design with 63mm louvres. This classic style creates a timeless, traditional look while offering maximum flexibility – the top and bottom panels can be opened independently, allowing light control and privacy exactly when it’s needed.

The smaller louvres were chosen to give the home a more traditional feel and to ensure extra privacy from the street, without sacrificing natural light.

Stylish Solutions at the Rear

At the rear of the property, we installed tracked shutters across the patio doors. This design allows the shutters to glide smoothly on a track system, making them easy to open and close – perfect for large glass doors where access to the garden or patio is essential.

For the bathroom, the customer opted for a waterproof shutter, ensuring durability in a space with higher humidity, without compromising on style.

Happy Customers, Happy Team

The best part of this project was hearing how delighted our customers were with the finished result. They left us a glowing 10/10 review on Checkatrade:

“Fantastic Service! We are so happy with our new shutters, they have made such a difference to our home and fitted beautifully. We would fully recommend Charles, Steve and Ailsa – who as a team have been amazing throughout the whole process… a good bunch. Thank you.”




Why Choose The ShutterShack?

  • Expert craftsmanship – all shutters are custom-measured and fitted by our experienced team.

  • Design flexibility – from traditional tier-on-tier to modern tracked shutters.

  • Durability – options in hardwood, waterproof finishes, and bespoke styles.

  • Trusted reputation – we are BBSA accredited and consistently rated highly on Checkatrade.

If you’re based in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, or across Dorset and are thinking about shutters for your home, we’d love to help. You can even request an initial estimate using your own window measurements before booking a full survey.

✨ Thinking of shutters for your home in Bournemouth?
Get in touch with our friendly team today for a free, no-obligation survey and discover how shutters can transform your home.

Explore More from The ShutterShack

Looking for more inspiration and advice? Here are some of our most popular blogs:

✨ For more design ideas, take a look at our Gallery and follow us on Instagram for our latest installations.

Explore Shutter Design Options on The ShutterShack YouTube Channel 🎥

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When it comes to choosing shutters, seeing your options in action can make all the difference. That’s why at The ShutterShack, we’ve created a series of demonstration videos on our YouTube channel to help you explore the different styles and features available.

From design choices like tilt rods to clever functionality such as blackout blinds and floating tracks, our videos show you exactly how these options work in real homes.

What You’ll Find on Our YouTube Channel

✅ Rear Tilt Rod (Clear View) Demonstration – Prefer a sleek, modern look without a visible tilt rod? See how our clear view system works in practice.

✅ Integral Blackout Blind Option – A fantastic choice for bedrooms and nurseries, our videos show how the hidden blackout blind integrates seamlessly behind shutters for ultimate light control.

✅ Floating Track Systems in Action – Perfect for wide openings, patio doors, or large windows, this video shows how easy it is to slide, fold, and operate shutters on a track.

Why Watch Our Shutter Demonstrations?

  • See features in action before making your decision.

  • Understand the benefits of each option with clear, visual examples.

  • Get inspired by the flexibility shutters can offer your home.

  • Make informed choices when planning your shutter project.

Learn More with The ShutterShack

Alongside our YouTube videos, we also share helpful blogs to guide you through the shutter journey:

Start Exploring Your Options Today

Take a closer look at the design and functionality available with shutters by watching our videos. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay up to date with new demonstrations and features.

👉 Visit The ShutterShack YouTube Channel

Keep Cool This Summer: The Benefits of Plantation Shutters for Your Home

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When the sun is shining, we all want our homes to feel bright, fresh, and comfortable. But managing heat, light, and privacy in the summer months isn’t always easy. That’s where plantation shutters come in — a stylish, practical solution that works beautifully in any home.

At The ShutterShack, we know shutters aren’t just for winter insulation. They’re one of the best summer window treatments you can choose, helping you stay cool, protect your interiors, and add timeless style.

A Short History of Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters have a fascinating history. Their origins can be traced back to Ancient Greece, where marble shutters were used to provide shade while still allowing airflow. In later centuries, timber versions became popular in the southern United States, particularly on plantations, where the louvres helped keep homes cool in hot, humid climates. Read more here…

Today, plantation shutters UK homeowners love have become a sought-after feature in both modern and period properties, admired for their heritage charm and year-round practicality.

Why Shutters Are Perfect for Summer

1. Keep your home cool naturally
If you’re looking to keep your home cool with shutters, you’ll be glad to know they act as a natural insulator. By closing the louvres during the hottest part of the day, you block out direct sunlight while still letting fresh air flow through. This helps reduce indoor temperatures and can even cut down your reliance on fans or air conditioning.

2. Control the light, your way
Long summer evenings are lovely, but not always ideal for sleeping or relaxing. Shutters give you precision control over the light — tilt the louvres to let in a soft glow, or close them fully for complete shade. Compared to blinds or curtains, shutters provide a much more flexible option.

3. Protect your furniture and flooring
Sunlight is a leading cause of fading in fabrics, wood, and carpets. With shutters, you can filter harsh rays without losing natural daylight altogether. This makes shutters a smart investment for protecting your interiors as well as enhancing them.

4. Privacy with ventilation
In summer, we naturally want to open our windows — but this can make privacy tricky. Shutters allow you to enjoy fresh air while blocking outside views. Tilt them upwards to keep nosy passers-by out of sight, without compromising on airflow.

5. Style that lasts
Unlike curtains or blinds that may date or wear, made-to-measure shutters offer a timeless, elegant look. They add instant kerb appeal to your home, complementing everything from period townhouses to modern new builds.

Shutters: A Year-Round Investment

While shutters are one of the best choices for summer, their benefits last all year round. In winter, they keep warmth inside. All year, they reduce external noise, add an extra layer of security, and can even increase your home’s value.

When comparing shutters vs blinds or curtains, shutters consistently come out on top for durability, versatility, and style.

Thinking about shutters this summer?

At The ShutterShack, we specialise in designing, supplying, and installing made-to-measure shutters homeowners trust. If you’re ready to explore options for your home, contact our friendly team today — and let’s make your home cooler, smarter, and more stylish this summer.

Why Tracked Shutters Are the Perfect Solution for Patio Doors, Bifolds & Open-Plan Living

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When it comes to covering wide openings like patio doors, sliding doors, and bifolds, traditional window coverings often fall short — either they don’t fit properly, restrict access, or simply don’t look the part. At The ShutterShack, based in Verwood and servicing Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, we specialise in elegant, functional solutions, and tracked shutters are one of the most versatile and stylish options we offer.

Whether you’re looking to enhance privacy, manage light, or define open-plan spaces, tracked shutters deliver beautifully on all fronts. Here’s why they’re such a great choice for modern homes:

Designed for Large Openings

Modern homes often feature expansive glass areas — such as bifolding doors, large patio doors, or wide sliding units — to let in natural light and create seamless indoor-outdoor flow. But covering these spaces can be tricky.

Tracked shutters are specifically crafted to span wider widths with ease. Using a smooth track system, the panels glide effortlessly, distributing the weight evenly and making operation simple, even for larger setups. This makes them ideal not just for light control, but also for maintaining easy access through your doors.

Style Meets Functionality

With options for bi-fold, by-pass, or floating track systems, tracked shutters can be tailored to your preferences and lifestyle.

  • Bi-Fold Track: Panels fold concertina-style to one or both sides. A great option when you want to open the space completely.

  • By-Pass Track: Panels slide past one another on separate tracks — perfect where folding isn't feasible due to furniture placement or space constraints.

  • Floating Track: Offers flexible stacking configurations, allowing you to move and stack panels as needed for full control over light and privacy.

This range of configuration options means tracked shutters can adapt to the needs of any home, whether you're looking for access, airflow, or privacy — or all three.

Room Dividing Shutters

Room Divider Functionality

Tracked shutters don’t just belong on windows and doors — they’re also an incredibly smart way to divide open-plan living spaces. Whether you want to create a dedicated workspace, add privacy to a dining area, or close off a playroom, tracked shutters offer a flexible, stylish solution.

And when you want to open up the space again? Just slide the panels back and enjoy a fully open-plan layout once more.

Durable, Elegant, and Custom-Fit

Our tracked shutters are crafted from high-quality hardwood — strong, durable, and surprisingly lightweight. They come with a sleek, sophisticated finish and are available in a range of colours and custom options, ensuring they blend seamlessly into your home’s design.

At The ShutterShack, all our tracked shutters come with a 10-year hardwood manufacturer’s guarantee and a lifetime workmanship warranty, so you can enjoy peace of mind alongside premium style.

Tailored to You

We know every home is different. That’s why we offer free home surveys, where we take precise measurements and talk through your needs to create a truly tailored shutter solution.

Whether you’re considering tracked shutters for doors, large windows, or as a room divider, our expert team is here to help.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

We offer free home surveys for accurate quoting, but if you’d prefer something quicker, take advantage of our Quick Quote service by sending us photos and rough dimensions — we’ll be happy to provide a ballpark estimate to get you started.

For beautifully made, professionally installed tracked shutters in Dorset and surrounding areas, get in touch with The ShutterShack today.

👉 Book your free survey or request a quick quote

Explore More from The ShutterShack

Looking for more inspiration and advice? Here are some of our most popular blogs:

✨ For more design ideas, take a look at our Gallery and follow us on Instagram for our latest installations.

🌍 Ethically Made, Beautifully Crafted Shutters

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At The ShutterShack, we understand that when it comes to your home, every detail matters — including where your shutters come from. While we’re proud to be a British business, we also believe in sourcing the very best products, even if that means looking beyond our borders.

That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted manufacturers in China who share our values: quality, sustainability, and ethical manufacturing. And we’re confident that choosing our shutters is a decision you can feel proud of.

✅ Ethical Manufacturing You Can Trust

Our shutters are manufactured through partners who are part of the Mzuri Group — a British-founded business with over 40 years of heritage in quality window furnishings. These suppliers follow globally recognised ethical standards and are regularly audited under SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) guidelines, ensuring safe working conditions, fair labour practices, and environmental responsibility.

🌱 Sustainable, Responsible, and Built to Last

Our hardwood shutters are made from sustainably sourced timber, often harvested locally to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation. The manufacturing process also uses low-emission paints and waste recycling systems, all with the goal of protecting the planet while producing exceptional products.

🛠️ 10-Year Hardwood Product Warranty + Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee

Not only are our hardwood shutters backed by a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty, but at The ShutterShack, we go one step further: we offer a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty on all our installations. That means peace of mind for years to come.

🇬🇧 A Note on UK Manufacturing

We completely understand that some customers prefer to buy British-made where possible. While UK-manufactured shutters are available, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • They are limited to plastic or vinyl materials

  • Design options are more restricted

  • While assembled in the UK, components are typically sourced from China

  • They offer faster lead times (around 4–6 weeks)

  • In our experience, however, the quality and elegance of hardwood shutters from China are well worth the extra wait

If you’re after durable, sustainably made wooden shutters that elevate your home, we’re confident that our ethically sourced range offers unbeatable value and long-term beauty.

🏡 Supporting British Service — With Global Quality

We may source our shutters globally, but everything else is proudly British — from your first consultation to your final fitting. Our expert team manages the design, measuring, fitting, and aftercare right here in the UK. You get the best of both worlds: world-class craftsmanship and local, personal service.

In Summary — Why Choose TheShutterShack?

  • ✅ Ethically made by partners in the Mzuri Group

  • 🌿 Sustainably sourced hardwood

  • 🛠️ 10-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty

  • 🤝 Lifetime Workmanship Warranty

  • 🇬🇧 Fully British customer support and fitting

  • 💬 Honest guidance on UK vs overseas shutter options

We're here to help you make a confident, informed decision — one that aligns with your values and enhances your home for years to come.

Explore our range or get in touch at theshuttershack.co.uk to book your free consultation.

Child Safety Week 2025: Prioritising Window Blind Safety

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At The Shutter Shack, the safety of your family is our top priority. As we observe Child Safety Week 2025 (2nd–8th June), we're taking the opportunity to highlight the importance of child-safe window coverings — and why shutters are one of the safest and smartest choices for homes with young children.

Understanding the Risks

According to the Make It Safe campaign, unsecured blind cords and chains have tragically led to accidents and fatalities involving young children in the UK. These incidents can happen silently and in seconds, which is why it’s so important to ensure that all window treatments are safe by design or fitted with appropriate safety devices.

Why Shutters Are a Safe Choice for Families

Unlike many traditional blinds, shutters are completely cord-free, making them one of the safest window coverings for homes with babies, toddlers, and young children.

Here’s why shutters are a child-safe solution:

  • ✅ No cords, chains or loops
    Shutters operate with solid panels or louvres, eliminating any risk of entanglement — a key safety concern in homes with children.

  • ✅ Durable and secure
    Once fitted, shutters are fixed in place and can’t be pulled down or tangled, unlike some lightweight blinds.

  • ✅ Low maintenance and long-lasting
    Shutters are robust and easy to clean, ideal for busy family homes where durability and hygiene matter.

  • ✅ Adjustable light and privacy
    The ability to tilt louvres means you can control light and privacy without compromising on safety.

Choosing shutters gives you peace of mind without sacrificing style or functionality — and it's one of the main reasons so many families turn to The Shutter Shack for their window dressing needs.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

As proud members of the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA), we strictly follow the Make It Safe guidelines and only offer products that comply with the latest child safety regulations. Whether you're opting for shutters, cordless blinds, or motorised solutions, every option we install is chosen with your family’s safety in mind.

Visit our dedicated Child Safe page for more information about our safe window treatments and advice on maintaining a child-friendly home environment.

Going Beyond Products

Even if you're not ready to replace existing blinds, there are still important steps you can take:

  • Install safety devices such as cleats or tensioners

  • Keep cords well out of reach

  • Move furniture away from windows to prevent climbing

  • Regularly inspect all window coverings for wear or damage

As we mark Child Safety Week 2025, we encourage all parents and caregivers to consider the safety of their window treatments — and to explore shutters as a beautiful, functional, and family-safe alternative. At The Shutter Shack, we're proud to support safer homes with products that meet the highest safety and design standards.

Want to know more?
Browse our Child Safe collection, or get in touch with our team for a free survey.

The Complete Guide to Bay Window Shutters

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Stylish, Practical & Custom-Made for Your Home

Bay windows are one of the most distinctive and attractive architectural features in many UK homes. Whether you have a splayed bay, box bay or curved bay, this elegant window style adds space, character and floods your home with natural light. But when it comes to dressing bay windows, standard curtains or blinds often fall short.

That’s where bay window shutters come in — providing a tailored, timeless, and incredibly functional solution.

Why Are Bay Window Shutters So Popular?

Bay window shutters are rapidly becoming the go-to choice for homeowners across the UK. Here’s why:

✅ Made-to-Measure Fit

Every shutter is custom-made to the exact dimensions of your bay, no matter how unique the angles. This ensures a flawless, built-in finish that enhances the natural shape of your window.

✅ Elegant from Every Angle

Because shutters are designed to fit snugly within the frame, they don’t crowd your space like bulky curtains. They’re sleek, minimal, and look just as impressive from the outside as they do from within.

✅ Light and Privacy Control

Bay window shutters allow you to enjoy full privacy without compromising natural light. Simply tilt the louvres to suit your needs — ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and street-facing properties.

✅ Insulation Benefits

Shutters act as a barrier between your home and the outside, helping to reduce drafts in winter and keep rooms cooler in summer — making your bay both beautiful and energy efficient.

Best Shutter Styles for Bay Windows

Bay windows come in all shapes and sizes — and so do our shutters. Here are the most popular styles for bay windows:

Full Height Shutters

Classic and clean, these shutters run from top to bottom of each panel and offer brilliant light and privacy control. Add a mid-rail or hidden split for extra flexibility.

Tier-on-Tier Shutters

Want even more control? Tier-on-tier shutters have independently opening top and bottom panels — ideal for maximising light while keeping the lower section closed for privacy.

Café Style Shutters

These half-height shutters cover only the bottom part of the window, allowing full daylight in from above — great for kitchens, dining areas, or creating a relaxed, informal look.

Solid Panel Shutters

Solid shutters are perfect for bedrooms or period properties, offering a more traditional feel and maximum privacy when closed.

Can You Have Shutters on a Curved or Splayed Bay Window?

Absolutely. At The ShutterShack, our shutters are made-to-measure and designed to follow the exact curve or angle of your window. We specialise in crafting shutters for:

  • Curved Bay Windows

  • Angled or Splayed Bays

  • Box Bays

  • Multi-faceted Bays

We use precise templating and expert fitting techniques to ensure a smooth, polished finish.

What Colours and Finishes Are Available?

We offer a wide range of painted and stained finishes to match your décor and window frames. From crisp Pure White and soft neutrals to rich wood tones, you’ll be able to choose a finish that complements your room perfectly.

Need help choosing? We bring our full range of samples to every home survey.

What Are Bay Window Shutters Made From?

Our shutters come in a range of materials to suit your needs and budget:

  • Hardwood Shutters – Elegant, natural and strong

  • Composite Shutters – Moisture-resistant and ideal for kitchens or bathrooms

  • Waterproof Faux Wood – Durable and low maintenance

  • Craftwood Shutters - Entry-level (MDF) shutters without compromising on overall aesthetic.

Professional Bay Window Shutter Installation

We take care of everything — from initial consultation and measuring, to expert installation. Our local specialists work with all types of bay windows, and will guide you through the process to make sure your shutters not only fit perfectly, but look amazing too.

Quality That Lasts – Backed by Our Industry-Leading Warranties

When you invest in shutters from The ShutterShack, you're choosing premium quality and complete peace of mind.

  • 10-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty on all of our hardwood shutters — your assurance that they’re built to last, made from high-grade materials that stand the test of time.

  • Lifetime Workmanship Warranty – Every shutter is expertly installed and we stand by our craftsmanship for life. Should any issue arise due to the way your shutters have been fitted, we’ll make it right. Terms and Conditions apply.

It’s just one more way we make sure you feel confident in your investment — now and for years to come.

Get a Quick Quote or Book Your Free Home Survey

We offer two ways to get started:

  • Free Home Survey – We’ll visit at a time that suits you, take accurate measurements, show you samples, and talk through your options.

  • Quick Quote – Already have your window measurements? Send them over and we’ll give you a no-obligation estimate.

Transform Your Bay Window with Beautiful Bespoke Shutters

Bay window shutters are more than just a window covering — they’re a design statement. Whether you want to improve insulation, gain privacy, or simply add elegance to your space, shutters are the ideal solution.

📞 Contact The ShutterShack today to find out more or book your free home visit.

Research demonstrates that Shutters are the Most Energy Efficient Window Covering

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GET PLANTATION SHUTTERS TO KEEP YOU WARM THIS WINTER.

As well as giving a stunning elegant look to your room, interior shutters add an effective layer of insulation to your home. In fact, this is their primary purpose in life!

Plantation shutters first appeared in ancient Greece to protect properties from weather hazards and regulate the temperature inside the home. They since spread all over Europe and comprehensive research has evidenced the excellent capabilities of shutters as temperature regulators. They keep homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. 

As such, shutters can noticeably reduce your energy bills by reducing heat loss, controlling heat gain and making your home more energy efficient. A project funded by the Climate Challenge Fund evidenced this by concluding that shutters could ‘dramatically reduce energy bills’. The Edinburgh World Heritage Trust (EWHT) used thermal imaging cameras to show the most effective ways to avoid heat loss and save energy. They established that windows with the shutters closed showed up in the images in a deep blue colour, demonstrating little heat loss.

Plantation shutters are energy efficient

Figure 1 Source: EDINBURGH WORLD HERITAGE Energy Efficiency Guide

The United Nations RENFORUS (Renewable Energy Futures for UNESCO sites) also endorsed the results of the EWHT project; wooden shutters, amongst other things, can greatly improve the energy efficiency of traditional and historic homes, ‘enabling them to contribute to local and national carbon reduction targets.’

Research by the Glasgow Caledonian University was conducted to identify the effectiveness of the various heat loss reduction options. They tested a series of measures on a single glazed box sash window (which had been draught proofed).

It concluded that ‘secondary glazing was the most effective overall option, as it reduced heat loss through the window by 63%. Timber shutters are the most effective option of the traditional methods, reducing heat loss by 51%; Insulating the panels of the shutters further reduced heat loss by 60%;  Curtains reduced heat loss by 14%; a Victorian roller blind reduced heat loss by 28%; a modern roller blind reduced heat loss by 22%.’

Research further demonstrated that fitting shutters improved the U-Value from 4.3 W/m²K to 2.2 W/m²K.

The combination of secondary glazing and shutters reduced heat loss by 75% and reduced the U-Value to 1.1 W/m²K.

With such compelling results, it is a no brainer. Whether you already have double glazing or not, shutters are definitely the way forward to make your home more energy efficient and save on your bills. As an added bonus, shutters will give your rooms a stunning makeover, add value to your house, increase privacy and security, reduce noise, save space and offer great versatility with ventilation and light control.

Save on energy bills with plantation shutters

Figure 2 Source: Thermal Performance of Traditional Windows, by Paul Baker, Glasgow Caledonian University, for Historic Scotland.

Interior Wooden shutters are the most energy efficient window covering

 Figure 3 Source: Thermal Performance of Traditional Windows, by Paul Baker, Glasgow Caledonian University, for Historic Scotland.

References

BS EN ISO 8990:1996, Thermal insulation. Determination of steady-state thermal transmission properties. Calibrated and guarded hot box, BSI, ISBN 0 580 26826 8 [6] BS EN ISO 12567-1:2000,

Thermal performance of windows and doors. Determination of thermal transmittance by hot box method. Complete windows and doors, BSI, ISBN 0 580 36028 8

http://www.ewht.org.uk/news/109/102/Thermal-imaging-survey-reveals-close-your-shutters

http://www.ewht.org.uk/uploads/downloads/Energy%20Efficiency%20Guidebook%20Final.pdf

http://www.renforus.net/

http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/gcu-technical-_thermal-efficiency-traditional-windows.pdf

https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/your-home/saving-energy