How To Measure for Plantation Shutters? A Quick Guide

One of the most appealing things about plantation shutters is that they are fitted shutters that are made to measure, so they look right at home in your windows.

Here, you will learn how to measure windows for plantation shutters, whether you plan to mount them on the inside or the outside of your windows. We will explain the terms you need to know and give you some tips from our experts on how to measure for plantation shutters  that fit right in!

First: What You Need To Know

Firstly, why are they called plantation shutters? You might also know these shutters by another name.

If these are the shutters you’re looking for, then the first step is to work out what type of windows you have. This will determine how to measure for plantation shutters accurately, and exactly which measurements you need to take.

Let’s start by defining some useful terms.

Mount: The frame around the outside of the shutter panels. Inside mounts sit within the window recess, whereas outside mounts are installed on the wall around the window.

Recess: When a window sits back from the wall, rather being in line with the wall.

Architrave: A decorative frame or trim around your window.

Sill: A flat ledge at the bottom of the window that sticks out further than the wall.

Drop: The measurement from bottom to top of your window. For inside mount shutters, be sure to measure the drop within the recess.

If you are buying plantation shutters for more than one window, it’s essential that you measure each window individually – don’t assume that the measurements will be exactly the same just because the windows look the same! We also recommend that you use a metal tape measure for accuracy.

How To Take the Measurements for Shutters

Once you have identified what type of windows you have, you can follow the steps below to take your measurements.

• Inside Mount Window Shutters

If your window has a recess with at least 70mm clearance (after handles and locks, etc.), you can choose inside mount shutters. These are popular because they don’t protrude into the room at all but sit flush within your window recess.

How to measure for interior plantation shutters:

Step 1:

Check the depth of your window recess to make sure that inside mount window shutters are an option for you. You need a depth of at least 70mm, without obstructions.

Step 2:

Measure the width of your window opening, from left to right. Take this measurement at three different points, near the top, middle and bottom of the recess. Use the smallest measurement for the width of your shutters.

Step 3:

Measure the drop, bottom to top, at three different points within the recess. If your window has a sill, you should measure from the top of the sill to the top of the recess. Use the smallest measurement for the height of your shutters.

Step 4:

Double check your measurements! Make sure to be clear about which is the width and which is the height. The standard format is W x H.

• Outside Mount Plantation Shutters

Outside mount plantation shutters are fitted to the outside of the window frame or architrave. Rather than sitting flush with the wall, they extend slightly into the room. These are often used when there is no window recess, or the recess is not deep enough for inside mount shutters. You should measure from the inside edges of the window and we will make the calculations for the shutter frame to sit around the window.

How to measure for outside mount plantation shutters:

Step 1:

Measure the width of the inside of your window, from left to right. Take this measurement at three different points, near the top, middle and bottom of the recess. Use the largest of your three measurements.

Step 2:

Measure the drop of the inside of your window, bottom to top, at three different points. If your window has a sill, you should measure from the top of the sill to the top inside edge of the window. Use the largest measurement for the height of your shutters.

Step 3:

Double check your measurements!

Important! If your window has an architrave, you should take your measurements from the outside edge of the architrave (left to right, and bottom to top).

• Corner Window Plantation Shutters

For windows that meet in a corner of your room, you can measure up for a frame that extends around the corner and covers the full window set, with a supporting post in the corner. When measuring up, you can take each window individually and follow the process for either inside mount or outside mount shutters.

Step 1:

Measure the width of the left hand window or recess at two different points. For example, if you’re measuring for inside mount shutters you should measure within the recess from left to right, ending in the corner where the two recesses meet.

Step 2:

Measure the width of the right hand window or recess at two different points, starting from the corner and measuring to the right hand edge of the window/recess.

Step 3:

Measure the drop from bottom to top in three different places, for both the left and right hand windows. Choose the smallest measurement for the height.

Step 4:

Double check your measurements!

Plantation Shutter FAQs

If you’re still unsure about how to measure for plantation shutters, check out some of our most frequently asked questions.

• What is the most popular plantation shutter size?

Plantation shutters are made to measure for your windows, so the height and width dimensions will depend on your specific measurements. When it comes to the width of the slats, the most popular choice is 3 ½ inch louvers. These give a well-balanced look to most windows, while offering plenty of light when open. For smaller windows, particularly in more traditional homes, you might want to choose narrower 2 ½ inch louvers, while 4 ½ inch louvers are a popular choice for extra wide or floor-to-ceiling windows, to maximise light and views. Wider slats also have the benefit of being easier to clean!

• How much depth do plantation shutters need?

For interior mount plantation shutters, you need a depth of 70mm or 2 ½” from the window to the edge of the recess. Shutters with 3 ½” louvers need a depth of at least 3”.

• Do plantation shutters fit all windows?

Plantation shutters are highly versatile and can be installed on almost any window, both on the inside and the outside of your home. Whether you have recesses, sills, architraves, corner windows, floor-to-ceiling windows, or out of square windows, we can usually find a plantation shutter solution that will work for you. For extra wide or extra tall windows, support posts and mid-rails will automatically be included.

• How wide can a plantation shutter be?

Multiple panels can be combined to fit your windows, so even extra wide and corner windows are not a problem.

• Are plantation shutters hard to install?

Plantation shutters are fairly straightforward to install because they are assembled as a unit and then the frame is fitted to the window. If you are not experienced in these kinds of DIY projects, or your window configuration is particularly large or complex, it’s worth enlisting the help of an installation expert. You can find out more about how much it costs to install plantation shutters to make an informed decision.

• Should shutters point up or down?

It’s up to you whether you close your blinds by tilting the slats upwards or downwards. For maximum privacy and to block out the light, tilt your slats upwards, with the rounded sides facing outwards. Find out more about how plantation shutters work. Find out more about how plantation shutters work.

Measure for Plantation Shutters with Confidence

Now you know how to measure for plantation shutters that will transform your home – inside and out. To complete the look, you may also want to find out more about the best wood for plantation shutters and how to pair plantation shutters with curtains.

At Doors Plus, our plantation shutters are made to measure and professionally fitted by specialist installers. Find out more about how much plantation shutters cost or visit your nearest Doors Plus showroom to speak to one of our experts. We can help you find the right shutters for your home and book in your free measure and quote.