The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Window Shutters in Australia

Installing window shutters can instantly upgrade the look and functionality of any home. But with so many styles, materials and custom options available, deciding on the right shutters can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will walk through the key factors to consider when selecting shutters for residential settings across Australia.

Follow this advice to ensure you choose window shutters perfectly suited to your home’s unique architecture, climate, light conditions and decor. With the proper guidance, you’re sure to find elegant, high-performing shutters that enhance your interior space for years to come.

Primary Types of Interior Window Shutters

The first decision is choosing a fundamental shutter style that best fits your windows and meets your needs:

Plantation Shutters

The quintessential type featuring horizontal slats adjustable via tilter rods. Available in widths from 50mm up to 114mm in solid panel and open louver designs. Offer great light control and privacy. Suitable for most window shapes. Popular materials include timber, composite and aluminum.

Cafe-Style Shutters

Full height solid panel concertina-style shutters ideal for patio and outdoor applications. Manual or electric operation. Provide near-complete shading when fully extended. Stylish way to delineate indoor/outdoor dining spaces.

Solid Panel Shutters

Single solid panels that open vertically from side hinges. Provide full blackout when closed. Stack neatly against walls. Suited for small, medium and large windows. A versatile minimalist style.

Tier-on-Tier Shutters

Two layers of horizontal louvers that move independently via pull rods. Allow ultra-precise light tuning. Top tier can provide privacy while lower tier maintains outward view. More complex operation but unrivaled flexibility.

Track or Wardrobe Shutters

Accordion-style folding shutter panels mounted inside wall recesses or closets. Convenient way to screen storage areas while limiting light gaps. Can stack fully open. Require planning for recess space.

Consider existing window dimensions and room functions when selecting the optimal fundamental style.

Key Factors in Choosing the Right Shutters

Beyond basic type, several other factors affect your shutter selection for an ideal finished look and performance:

Aesthetic Style

Match shutters to your interior design style:

• Natural wood tones like cedar complement traditional, cottage, or rustic rooms.
• Bright white plantation shutters create a clean, contemporary look.
• Bold painted colors make a dramatic statement and highlight architectural details.
• Neutral tones blend in for understated elegance without competing with existing colors.
• Cafe-style full height shutters suit indoor-outdoor aesthetics.
• Tier-on-tier offers a classic luxurious appearance.

Choose options aligning with your overall decor goals.

Shutter Sizes

Measure window openings carefully to determine ideal shutter sizes:

• Louver widths from 50mm to 114mm are typical for inside mount plantation shutters.
• Consider minimal coverage versus a full-frame look that overlaps openings more prominently.
• Factor in any obstructions like handrails or heaters when measuring.
• Cafe shutters require full height of openings from floor to ceiling.
• Minimum and maximum size limits vary by material and type.

Proper measuring ensures custom-fitted shutters for each window.

Placement Configuration

Should shutters mount within window frames or outside:

• Inside mounting preserves full glass exposure when open.
• External mounting increases light blockage when closed.
• Outside may allow larger louvers but depends on trim and construction.
• Cafe shutters are always exterior mounted below top of openings.
• Inside mounting is simpler and universal to window types.

Material and Color Choices

Factor appearance, durability and budget:

• Natural woods like cedar offer a warm, traditional look if humidity will permit.
• Extruded aluminum in white or colors resists warping with minimal maintenance.
• uPVC, fiberglass and polymers cost less but emulate wood grains realistically.
• Durable powder coat finishes on aluminum expand color options.
• Stained real wood provides unlimited custom color tones.

Operating Mechanism

Consider manual versus motorized opening:

• Tilt rods allow adjustable angling of louvers for light control.
• Pull rods open and close panels for room darkening.
• Motors add convenience but increase cost and complexity.
• Hidden cords maintain sleek look over exposed rope pulls.

Match operation to usage – mild or frequent opening/closing.

Specialty Features

Enhance functionality with options like:

• Integrated cordless blinds for light filtering behind shutters.
• Acoustic insulation backing to reduce noise.
• Ventilation louvers if air exchange is needed through shutters.
• Custom shapes for angled and specialty windows.
• Glass/polycarbonate inserts for exterior shutters needing some see-through.
• Hurricane clips and strength reinforcements for storm resistance.

Consider any must-have functional or safety additions.

Cost Considerations

Budget helps narrow down choices:

• imported standard-size vinyl or composite kits are most affordable
• Locally made custom-sized timber or aluminum shutters are premium
• Added features like motorization increase price
• Complex installation needs may add expense

Factor long-term durability against initial price when investing.

Key Measurements Guide

To receive accuracy quotes, have these measurements handy:

• Exact window width and height. Include inside or outside frame dimensions.
• Depth of window recess from outside wall to inside glass.
• Height from bottom of window sill to floor.
• Width of surrounding window trim or sash.
• Any obstacles like handles or heaters protruding into the frame space.
• For outside mounts, the horizontal and vertical surface areas needing coverage around the window.

Precise measurements ensure perfect fitting shutters tailored to your windows. Supply photos too if uncertain.

Shutter Materials Pros and Cons

Popular shutter materials compared:

Timber Shutters

Pros

• Natural beauty of real wood grain patterns
• Cedar resists moisture and insects
• Stains allow unlimited finish options
• Insulating properties help efficiency

Cons

• Prone to warping and splitting in humidity
• Finishes need frequent refresher coats
• Not very durable under abuse
• Can foster mold if moisture enters

Aluminum Shutters

Pros

• Extremely durable even in harsh conditions
• Resist dents, warping and corrosion
• Minimal maintenance required
• Powder coat paints available in any color

Cons

• Heat conductive if not insulated backed
• Impersonal industrial aesthetics
• Glass/polycarbonate inserts prone to scratching
• Expands and contracts with temperature shifts

uPVC Shutters

Pros

• Impervious to moisture, decay and insects
• Textured to emulate wood grain appearance
• Durable and dent resistant
• Typically cheaper than wood or aluminum

Cons

• Less rigid than wood or metal
• Plastic-like appearance up close
• Limited color selection
• Static buildup can attract dust

Composite Shutters

Pros

• Consistent quality not variable like natural wood
• Excellent resistance to moisture, decay and pests
• Often have insulating foam cores
• Factory applied finishes don’t require painting

Cons

• Lack natural wood charm and patina
• Vulnerable to UV fading over time
• Miss intricate carpentry of real timber shutters
• Not considered environmentally friendly

Factor your climate, home design, usage and budget when selecting.

Ideal Rooms for Installing Shutters

While suitable anywhere, shutters excel in these applications:

Living Rooms

Adjustable light control creates customizable mood lighting for activities like reading or watching TV without glare.

Home Theaters

Completely darken rooms while reducing outside noise distractions for optimum audiovisual immersion.

Bedrooms

Blackout capabilities for uninterrupted sleep combined with noise reduction for added relaxation.

Bathrooms

Moisture resistance plus easily cleaned surfaces make shutters ideal for humid bathroom settings.

Office Spaces

Increased privacy when needed allows focus. Light tuning reduces eyestrain from computer screens.

Media Rooms

Darkening ability creates ideal settings for video projectors. Louvers finely tune ambient lighting.

Evaluate each room’s lighting needs and functions when planning shutter placement.

Measure Twice for Perfect Fit

Avoid frustrations by carefully measuring window openings before ordering:

• Use a steel tape measure for maximum accuracy. Lasers or folding rules increase inaccuracy.
• Measure widths at both top, middle and bottom of openings accounting for any tapering or bowing. Use the narrowest dimension.
• For height, measure left, right and center from top to bottom. Use the shortest distance.
• Confirm measurements by having a second person validate numbers.
• Take photos of each window including surrounding trim details.
• Note any obstructions protruding into the frame area.
• Measure recess depths from outside wall to window glass.

Taking extra care at this stage prevents costly redo’s later.

Match Shutters to Your Decor Style

Some style considerations when selecting design and colors:

Modern and Contemporary Homes

• Sleek minimalist plantation style in lighter neutral tones
• Solid panels or cafe-style for uninterrupted lines
• Motorization enhances clean high-tech aesthetics
• Avoid ornate decorative elements or natural wood finishes

Classic and Traditional Architecture

• Plantation shutters with wider louvers in stained wood tones
• Natural materials like cedar provide a period charm
• Protruding mid-rails and ornamental hardware for detail
• Angled louvers in gazebo-style designs suit cottage homes

Rustic and Farmhouse Interiors

• Unfinished natural wood like aged cedar no stains
• Rustic composite shutters with rough-sawn plank look
• Blackened wrought iron pulls and handles
• Accent colors like sage green or brick red on trims

Let your overall decor goals guide aesthetic choices.

Know Your Budget Expectations

Typical price ranges for quality shutters:

Entry Level

PVC plastic or composite $250 – $400 per m2 installed

Mid Range

Hardwood or aluminum
$400 – $800 per m2 installed

Premium

Teak, mahogany or specialty woods $800 – $1500+ per m2 installed

Added options like motorization or ornate detailing increase costs. Consider value and longevity when investing.

We Can Help You Select Perfect Shutters

Choosing the right shutters involves evaluating many options from styles to materials and features. While seemingly complex, our years of experience simplifies the process. We help filter choices based on your home’s unique needs. Our passion is crafting beautiful bespoke shutters guaranteed to meet your expectations for aesthetics, quality and performance. Contact us today to review how custom shutters can enhance your property’s windows for generations to come.