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Understanding shutter terminology

shutters on window

If you’re thinking about having shutters installed in your home, chances are that you’ve been doing a lot of research in a bid to find the style that’s right for you. This is a great thing to do because it ensures that you end up with a product you’re happy with from a reputable company.

If your research has left you a bit confused thanks to all the different terminology being thrown around however, here is a complete glossary of everything shutter-related.

Plantation shutters

Made from high quality wood, plantation shutters are fitted internally and can be used to increase privacy, improve security, filter sunlight and add elegance to any room. They are easy to operate, can be designed to fit any shaped window or door and look great in both traditional and contemporary homes.

Plantation shutters have slats which allow you to control how much light you let into your room.

Solid Shutters

As the name suggests, solid shutters have a solid section rather than adjustable slats. They are suitable for windows and can also be used as bi-fold doors. One of their biggest benefits is that they offer near black-out against light and are excellent for heat insulation.

Shutter frame

This is the structure that fits onto your existing windows and attaches them to the shutters. It’s used to support and/or increase the window depth clearance by allowing louvres on the back of the panel to clear obstructions.

Mousehole

The recess in which the front pushrod sits to provide a flush finish when the slats are closed.

Rails

Top and bottom rails finish off either end of the shutter and can be inserted in the middle to separate slats into groups.

Slats

These are horizontal louvres which are available in a range of different sizes. They pivot to control the amount of light you’re letting into a room.

Central tilt rod

A thin wooden tilt rod which is located on the front of the panel. It’s used to open and close the slats and is the more traditional design option.

Hidden rod

This is a mechanism that is hidden within the stile and it connects all the slats. Moving a single slat at the front of the panel controls all of the slats in the panel and this is the more contemporary design option.

Outside mount

A shutter panel which is mounted outside of the window case.

Panel

A shutter panel consists of at least two stiles, two rails, one tilt road and any number of louvres.

Stiles

This is the vertical member of the shutter panel which the louvres are attached to.

Full height

This is the term given to shutters that fill the full vertical expanse of your window height and they don’t have a break.

lady opening curtains

Full height with mid-rail

When shutters go past a certain height, they require a mid-rail to add stability.

Open sky rod

This is the term given to shutters which have the louvre rod hidden at the rear of the shutter panel. To open and close slate with open sky rods, users simply hold any one of the louvres and all louvres attached with that rod will open in unison.

Now you know all the terminology associated with shutters, why not have a read of some of the benefits of installing them in your home?

UK-made shutters

Our Faux Wood shutters are made right here in the UK. They’re delivered in weeks, not months.

Since 2007

Helping our customers achieve Purely wonderful shutter designs since 2007.

Purely Quality

Shutters are an investment so we ensure the highest standards of craftsmanship and include a 10 year guarantee.

Local to you

Friendly surveyors that are local to you.

Expertly Fitted

Experienced and courteous carpenters that achieve the perfect finished install.