Large windows are an excellent feature in any home. Well positioned, they provide the sort of lighting and view that lifts the beauty of your home to another level, but they do pose a problem that can seem complicated to solve – how do you cover them?
Large windows mean you need large window coverings and only some of the typical solutions work. Curtains can be heavy and create a sense of visual clutter that counters, rather than complements, the spacious nature of the window. Blinds can be cumbersome and also detract from the aesthetic.
But what about shutters? Shutters offer an elegant solution that complements the style of large windows and eliminates the problems other coverings suffer. Here at the Scottish Shutter Company, we can advise on the best shutters for large windows.
Why Consider Shutters For Large Windows?
Unlike curtains and blinds, shutters are custom-made to fit your windows, regardless of size. With edge-to-edge fitting, they provide complete coverage, blocking out light when it’s needed and letting in the full spread of sunlight to make the most of your larger windows.
The benefits of shutters include:
- Light control—Shutters, with a range of styles available, can help you gain more control over the light in your environment.
- Privacy – shutters are the superior option for keeping out unwanted gazes.
- Sound insulation – dampening external sounds and keeping your home private.
- Thermal insulation – improve the energy efficiency of your home.
- Value – shutters are a long-term investment that adds value to your property.
What Types Of Shutters Work For Large Windows?
When considering shuttering for large windows, you need to give proper thought to your shutter type.
Tier-on-Tier
These split shutters give extra control and variability between the top and bottom shutter rows. They can be excellent for large windows but do take advice if your windows are exceptionally large. Larger top-tier shutters may suffer from the pull of gravity, as they are only fixed with a three-sided frame.
Full-Height
A full-height shutter can be either louvred or solid panel and covers the complete window. These are best if you are looking for privacy or total coverage, with the louvred shutters providing a variable light control and solid panel shutters maximising light reduction, insulation and privacy.
Café Style
Café-style shutters are a stylish solution for street-facing rooms, ground-floor windows, or any space where privacy is a concern but you don’t want to block out all the light. They’re perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere in your living room, maintaining privacy in your bathroom, or adding a touch of character to your kitchen.
Tracked Bi-Fold and Bi-Pass
Tracked shutters run on a track for easy and stable movement and are a perfect answer to extremely large floor-to-ceiling window spaces. The additional support provided by the track ensures that even for expansive windows, the shutters remain strong and rigidly in place.
Bi-fold shutters can fit any window span, with multiple hinged panels forming the shutter configuration. By-pass shutters, also perfect for larger spaces, feature non-folding shutters that slide behind and in front of each other.
Large Windows: An Overview
Large windows come in a range of styles and configurations, and different shutters can work best in these situations:
- Bay windows—Bay windows project from the room to the outside, forming a small extra area (or ‘bay’) where the windows sit. The best type of shutters here are either full height or tier on tier, though many enjoy café style for bay windows.
- Bow windows—A bow window is a specific bay window style with curved, rather than angled, window spaces. Consider full-height and tier-on-tier shutters.
- Gable windows—These angled window spaces follow the house’s ‘gable’ or pitched roofline. A full-height shutter, custom fitted to match the exact slope of the gable, works best here.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows – As the name suggests, floor-to-ceiling windows encompass the entire wall area. A tracked bi-fold shutter is best in these situations, though traditional full-height shutters also work well if the span isn’t too far.
- Large round window / other shapes – Some windows don’t fit a standard shape, and in these instances, a made-to-measure custom shutter is essential. Use full-height-shaped shutters for large, shaped windows.
- French doors—While not technically windows, French doors have the same requirements as large windows. Here, look to specialist French door shutters for the perfect fit.
- Patio doors – Sliding patio doors can be covered perfectly with tracked bi-fold or tracked by-pass shutter systems.
How To Choose The Best Shutters For Large Windows
Think about the room and its usage when selecting your shutters – here are a few tips for choosing the best shutters for large windows:
Consider Privacy
If you’re looking for complete privacy, a full-height shutter is best. A solid panel provides total coverage, though louvred shutters can keep all but the most prying eyes out! Avoid café style, as this only covers the bottom half of the window.
One perfect solution for many looking for privacy is tier-on-tier, where you can adapt your shutters to suit your needs.
Examine Window Proportions
If your large windows are wide, then full-height shutters maintain a clean look, but if the proportions are tall, then café style or tier-on-tier shutters can offer superior light control and be more accessible to operate.
Think About Louvre Size
When choosing your shutters, take some time to look at different louvre sizes. Larger louvres can better suit larger windows, offering unhindered views and better light control.
Don’t Forget Weight
Shutters are heavy, and the bigger the window, the heavier the shutter. Wood can sometimes be a little too much despite its other benefits, so it’s worth considering the Bermuda range made from lighter materials.
Shutters for Large Windows with SSC
Many factors go into choosing the right shutters for your large windows, but there’s no doubt that the solution is there! At the Scottish Shutter Company, we have the experience needed to advise and install premium shutters on your property. Download a brochure today to see our range of the best shutters for large windows.
