How to measure for custom shutters

The easy way to measure for plantation shutters.

Welcome to our simple guide to measuring your windows for your new plantation shutters. You're going to love just how quick and easy it is to measure up.

Before you get going

You can customise the number of panels for your shutters, though it does depend on your window width and style. We always recommend choosing the least amount of panels possible to maximise light in your home.

Use the guide at the bottom of this page to choose your perfect panel and hinge combination.

Designing your dream shutters

The fun starts with designing how your shutters will fit, so channel your inner stylist and get creative! This is about finding your dream look and getting custom shutters that fit and function perfectly.

Shutters that sit inside the frame are called recess fit:

shutters attach inside the window frame for a seamless and sleek look
look fabulous in any room and great for kitchens and bathrooms
perfect if your recess is nice and deep and for minimal obstructions
choose the small L frame for a discreet look or the Z frame for out of square windows
go for a full frame for a symmetrical look or a 3 sided frame for minor obstructions right at the bottom and for window sills
a direct mount is a no frame option for small windows
choose from 3 stunning shades of white
customise your midrail position to match your window
pick your panel and hinge combination (see guide at bottom of page)
match your hinge colour to your shutters, or choose a metal colour to tie in with other features in your home

Shutters that sit outside the frame are called face fit:

attached to the part of the window frame facing you
the shutter frame will project into your room by up to 65 mm
look fabulous in any room and great for kitchens and bathrooms
best fit for a shallow recess, to get around chunky obstructions or if your window is really out of square
choose the medium L frame or find an alternative shutter frame using our guide
go for a full frame for a symmetrical look
choose from 3 stunning shades of white
customise your midrail position to match your window
pick your panel and hinge combination (see guide at bottom of page)
match your hinge colour to your shutters, or choose a metal colour to tie in with other features in your home

Shutters that sit outside a frameless window are called face fit (square set):

shutters are best attached to wall studs, if your walls are plaster
can also attach to concrete, stone, brick or tile
the shutter frame will project into your room by up to 65mm
look fabulous in any room and great for kitchens and bathrooms
best fit for a shallow recess, to get around chunky obstructions or if your window is really out of square
choose the medium L frame, or find an alternative shutter frame using our guide
go for a full frame for a symmetrical look
choose from 3 stunning shades of white
customise your midrail position to match your window
pick your panel and hinge combination (see guide at bottom of page)
match your hinge colour to your shutters, or choose a metal colour to tie in with other features in your home

Shutters that attach to the inside of your window frame or recess are called direct mount:

direct mount shutters have no shutter frame
attach directly onto the inside of your window frame or recess
ideal for small and narrow windows to maximise natural light
look fabulous in any room and great for kitchens and bathrooms
choose from 3 stunning shades of white
customise your midrail position to match your window
match your hinge colour to your shutters, or choose a metal colour to tie in with other features in your home.

OK it's time to start measuring,
let's take it step by step.

Measuring up is easy, here's how to do it:

1 Make a note of your frame option and frame type

Check that you have a minimum recess depth of 65 mm. If you have obstructions, check the depth is 65 mm from the obstruction out to the edge of your window recess.

Note down which shutter frame type you want. Remember the small L frame is our recommended option. The Z frame is great if your window is out of square. You can check our frame guide for your best options.

Also note down which shutter option you want, a full frame or a 3 sided frame, which is great for obstructions right at the bottom and for window sills.

2 Measure your width

Measure the exact inside width of your window frame or recess in three different positions: across the top, middle and bottom. Write down the smallest measurement. This measurement will be your shutter frame width. Don’t make any deductions, we’ll do it for you so that you get a perfect fit.

Example: your width measures 1810 mm across the top, 1812 mm across the middle and 1814 mm across the bottom. You'll take the smallest, and write down 1810 mm.

3 Measure your drop

Measure the exact inside height of your window frame or recess in three different positions: on the left, in the middle and on the right. Write down the smallest measurement. This measurement will be your shutter frame drop.

Example: your drop measures 2000 mm on the left, 2004 mm in the middle and 2006 mm on the right. You'll take the smallest, and write down 2000 mm.

4 Measure for your midrail position

A

For drops over 1500 mm, measure from the bottom inside edge of your recess, to the mid-point of where you’d like the midrail to sit, and write it down. Position it in line with any horizontal mullions in the window. If you don't have a mullion, go for a position that's not at eye level.
B

For drops over 2100 mm, you'll need two midrails. First measure from the bottom inside edge of your recess, to the mid-point of where you’d like the first midrail to sit, and write it down. Then repeat for where you’d like the second midrail to sit, and write it down. Position them in line with any horizontal mullions in the window. If you don't have mullions, go for positions that are not at eye level.
C

By default your midrail(s) will be spaced evenly if you don't provide measurements. So if you have mullions, the midrail may not line up nicely.

5 Measure for your T posts (3 or more panels)

A

Make a note of how many panels and which hinge combination you'd like. You can use the guide at the bottom of this page for help and remember the less panels, the more light in your home.
B

For three or more panels measure from the left inside edge of your recess across to the middle point of the vertical mullion your T post will cover and write it down. Refer to our hinge combination guide at the bottom of the page for T posts positions.

Repeat if you want another T post and start from the left edge. Don't worry about making an allowance for the shutter frame as we'll do all that once you've ordered.
C

It looks incredible when T posts line up perfectly with mullions in your window frames. By default your T posts will be evenly spaced if you don't give us measurements. We recommend choosing the least amount of T posts possible to maximise light.

6 Order your custom shutters online

You're all set to order your shutters!

Design & order

Measuring up is easy, here's how to do it:

1 Make a note of your frame option and frame type

Note down which shutter frame type you want, and remember if in doubt, go with the medium L frame. If you have any obstructions, check our frame guide for your best options.

Remember, our full frame is perfect for outside the frame.