How do I choose the correct slat size for my shutters?
9:20AM 22 April 2020
We make custom designing DIY shutters easy with our 4-step ordering page. One of the options you will be presented with when designing your
wooden shutter blinds is slat size. You may notice the terms “slats” and “louvres” used interchangeably, and both refer to the moving blades that rotate open and closed to control the light entry.
So, which size will look best in your home, and what other factors should you consider when choosing
plantation shutters?
What size shutter louvres/ slats will fit my window?
The plantation shutter slat sizes you should choose depends on how deep your windows are recessed. Each shutter slat size has a minimum clearance required to fully open and close without hitting the glass or/and handles, locks or obstructions.
You can find a chart outlining the depth required for each shutter slat size in our measuring guides. If your window doesn’t meet the minimum depth for the slat size you like best, you can always opt for a deeper frame or an outside mount to push the shutters further away from the glass.
You can also email a picture of your window or send us your plantation shutter dimensions to us or give our friendly experts a call for advice!
How do I know if I want larger or smaller shutter slat sizes?
Keeping your shutter slats closed gives you maximum privacy. Our slats close flat in the upwards direction, and closed slats minimise the light entering your room and prying eyes seeing in! (regardless of which slat size you choose).
With the slats open, the larger the slat size you choose, the more visibility you will have into and out of the window and more light will shine through.
What size slats on shutters is best?
For a modern style home with clean lines and open spaces, wide shutter slats with a hidden tilt rod will best complement this style of décor. Classic period homes, rich with traditional older style architecture will look best with smaller slats with a central tilt rod.
Something to consider is, how tall the windows are (or how tall your chosen height is for café style shutters). Tall windows will support a larger shutter slat and might look too busy with a smaller size. On the contrary, smaller slats will look better in proportion to a short window, as the larger size might look too chunky or overpowering.
Rest assured our shutter experts will call you to review the specs of every order prior to production, and they will always let you know if your window size or depth raises any red flags with the shutter slat sizes you have chosen.
Regardless of colour or shutter style (
full height,
café style, or
tier on tier) the same slat sizes are offered, and the same factors above will be relevant in choosing the best size for your window.
If you are looking for the absolute easiest to clean window treatments, larger slats will save you a little time in cleaning, as there will be fewer slats in each panel. But not to worry, even the smallest slats are very low maintenance, as wooden shutter blinds are a breeze to clean!
Check out our picture gallery for inspiration to see a variety of slat sizes installed in real customer installations!
Our friendly shutter experts are just a call away for tips on measuring, design or placing an order.