We sell shutters for a living. We have been doing it since 1987 and we love what we do. But shutters are not the right answer for every home, every window, or every homeowner.

We would rather tell you that now than discover it after you have spent hundreds of pounds.

Here are the situations where we would honestly steer you away from shutters, and what we would recommend instead.

If you are on a tight budget

Let us be direct. A single window in a quality shutter starts from around £700 fully installed. If your budget is £200 to £300 per window, shutters are not in range, and no amount of clever marketing changes that.

What we would suggest instead: Cellular blinds (Duette shades) offer excellent insulation, light control, and privacy at a lower price point. They do not have the permanence or the visual impact of shutters, but they are a genuinely good product in their own right.

If you rent your home

Shutters are screwed to the window frame or the wall. They are a permanent installation. If you are renting, you would need your landlord’s permission, and you would be leaving them behind when you move.

What we would suggest instead: TruFit blinds clip directly onto the window frame with no drilling. They are easy to remove and take with you when your lease ends.

If you change your decor frequently

Shutters are a commitment. They are typically painted white or off white, and once fitted, they are part of the architecture of the room. If you like to redecorate every year or two with a completely different colour scheme and style, the permanence of shutters might feel restrictive.

What we would suggest instead: If you love changing things up, curtains or roller blinds are easier to swap out. Or consider shutters in a neutral colour and change your soft furnishings around them, many customers do this very successfully.

If your windows open inward

Inward opening windows (common in some modern builds and European style tilt and turn windows) can conflict with shutter panels. The panels need clearance to fold back, and if the window swings into that space, it does not work.

We will always check this during the design consultation and tell you upfront if there is a conflict. But if every window in your home opens inward, shutters may not be practical.

What we would suggest instead: TruFit or Duette blinds that mount directly to the glass or frame, staying clear of the opening mechanism entirely.

If you need a solution this week

Shutters are made to measure. After your design consultation, the shutters are manufactured to your exact window dimensions. That takes 4 to 6 weeks depending on the range and material.

If you need something before a house viewing next Tuesday, or guests arriving this weekend, shutters are not the answer right now. (Though you could fit temporary blinds and order shutters for later.)

If light blocking is your only goal

Shutters give you beautiful light control, but if your sole requirement is to make a room completely dark (for shift workers, for example), a dedicated room darkening roller blind or cellular blind will do a better job at a lower cost.

Shutters do not create a 100% lightproof seal. The louvres overlap, but tiny light gaps remain. For most people this is not an issue, but if absolute darkness is critical, a blind is the better choice.

Our philosophy

We have no salespeople. We have never had salespeople. Our job is to help you find the right solution for your windows, even if that solution is not shutters.

If you are unsure whether shutters are right for your home, the best place to start is our brochure. It covers every product we offer, from shutters to blinds to awnings, with honest information and real photographs.

Request your brochure or call us on 0800 086 2989 and ask us anything. We would rather help you choose the right product than sell you the wrong one.

Who Should NOT Buy Shutters