Frequently asked questions about shutters

Of course you will.

If you'd like a whole house of shutters we don't need to charge the same fitting rates that we would for single window installation. Obviously, as its far more cost effective for us, we happy to offer substantially reduced price.

It's only fair to give a better deal on a house of shutters. How much you ask?

Well, that's governed by, the quality of wood chosen, squareness of windows, ease of installation. All this has a bearing but you'll get our best possible price.How long does it take once I've ordered my shutters?

If you allow 8 weeks. We'll already have fitted them for you. However, the honest answer is 6 -7 weeks. We believe its always nice to call you sooner.

We also offer an EXPRESS SERVICE. £95 per metre squared is additionally charged. We'll then be able to install your shutters within 3 weeks from placing order.

When making your louvre choice, consider the size of the window and the desired effect. Generally larger windows require larger louvre sizes. Adjustable louver shutters are available in 32, 47, 64 and 89mm louvre sizes, the larger the louvre the more light but the less privacy from the outside. In the USA, most wooden plantation shutters are made with 89mm (3.5") louvres or larger but interior window shutters in the UK tend to be manufactured in smaller louvres such as the 32, 47 or 64mm. Lifestyle Shutters have found that in the South East of England, 32mm or 47mm louvres are often used in bathrooms but these also look very good when painted white and used on café style installations in living room windows where a street may be very near.

Yes. A 15% DIY discount is available when you self fix. Lifestyle Shutters will deliver your interior window shutters to anywhere within London, Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Berkshire and Middlesex. Couriered deliveries will be arranged outside these areas. Many of our customers have fitted even very complex installations themselves.

However, windows are seldom square and planing and packing of the hanging and side battens is often required to ensure both louvre and solid shutters are housed perfectly. For DIY installations, a very competent level of carpentry skills and some practical common sense is necessary. Comprehensive fitting instructions are included, and we are available on the phone should you need any advice. Please be aware that for self-fitting you will need to provide us with your own measurements, although we can guide you through the measurement process over the phone.

Shutters are manufactured millimetre perfect in width and height. There's often more than way to fit the window shutters panels together, so please take a look at our Downloads section for help.

We offer a complete shutter design, survey and installation service for both internal louvre plantation shutters and solid wooden window shutters from Brighton to London and throughout the South East of England including Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Berkshire, Essex and Middlesex. Contact us for a free site survey.

However, prior to visiting you to survey/measure for your interior window shutters, we would like you to have an idea of pricing. Please take a look at our wood shutter prices, or request an online quotation for your home to get an idea of costs.

During our design survey, our surveyor will outline all possible shutter options available to you and will help you decide which will be the most practical and aesthetically pleasing design to mach your lifestyle and decor. Our surveyor will then give you detailed quotatation. When you place your order, a 50% deposit is required. Six to eight weeks later, you'll be admiring your expertly fitted internal plantation shutters.

Not a problem, rarely is a window is perfectly square. Our desgner will consider the squareness of your windows during the initial design survey.

When it comes to fitting, this where our craftsmen come into their own. For unlike many interor-blind fitters they have the necessary skills, and dilegence to ensure your shutters are mounted level and true, regardless of squareness of your windows. Shutter framework will be scribed to alleviate any problems caused by unevenness of the window, so that your shutters will fit perfectly.

You can use a feather duster, damp sponge/soft cloth to clean all interior wooden, plastic or mdf shutters without harming the satin finish. A vacuum cleaner nozzle with a feather duster strapped to it proves a wonderful tool.

Yes. There's never been a window we've not managed to accomodate interior shutters for! Custom made interior shutters can be installed on all windows, French or patio sliding doors. They can also be used effectively as room dividers fitted on tracks.

There is usually a compromise in design, (often in direct relation to weight issues during open and closing) or where there is a false ceiling or fixed pelmet that would prohibit the interior shutters being opened.

If the window/door opens inwards, again the fitting options can sometimes be more limited yet theres always a way to fit shutters. Likewise, where we need to mount shutters into UPVC windows it can often restrict the louvre options available to you, as sufficient clearance is required to accommodate the window handles. For hard to reach windows we recommend remote control shutters.

On flat windows (not bay windows) we side fix into the plaster of the recess, thus not affecting the UPVC.

On UPVC bay windows there can be two problems:

1. The handles on UPVC windows sometimes protrude too far to achieve a neat fixing. Although it may be possible, the overall appearance is not always as visibly pleasing as we would like, in which case our designer would not recommend.

2. If it is possible to fix them, it may affect any warrenty you may have on your UPVC windows.

Pros - 25% cheaper while almost identical in appearance.

Cons - MDF shutters are heavier than the wooden range, so they are less suited to wide windows and doors.

  - MDF shutters are only available in a limited range of colours, frame options and designs.

Yes. Please call us on 01825 760722 to order a sample colour FOC. Complete sample panels can be sent out at a cost of £25 including postage, which is refundable on order.

Absolutely. Louvered shutters or solid panel shutters will improve the security of your home. When they are across a window they make it difficult or impossible for people to see into your home. This reduces temptations that would arise from sight of your high tech or valuable items, that may be on show. Shutters will also provide a second barrier against entry. However, please note, that as with most wooden products, our shutters would not withstand a concerted effort to smash them.

The overwelming response from customers and ourselves is, no. The beautiful satin finishs helps reflect light into the room often illuminating the ceiling with a soft ambient light. Plantation Shutters in the darker colours and with smaller louvres will not bring in as much light as larger louvres and lighter colours, as is the caser wtih light bright curtains against heavier drapes.

Each louvre is pivoted at either end and all the louvres in each panel are joined together by a control rod or hidden rod.This rod allows you to adjust all the louvres in the panel to the position you require.

 See types of window shutters available.  

No, a tracking system can be installed along which the shutters run, which supports the weight of the shutters. We would normally recommend the use of a tracking system where there are more than 3 panels hinged together. Alternatively, we can offer extra support with T-posts, at intervals across the window opening.