Shutters are fixed to your window recess and become a permanent part of your home, while blinds hang inside or outside the window area. Because shutters are a long-term fixture, they add value to your property and tend to last for decades, whereas blinds are easier to swap out if you fancy a change. While shutters are a premium upfront investment, blinds are usually cheaper to get started with and generally provide better insulation for your windows, making them a high-performance choice for temperature control.

Proper quality shutters should last 20 years or more, easy. We’ve seen plantation shutters that are still going strong after 30 years. As long as you don’t go swinging on them or slamming them about, they’ll outlast most other window coverings by a mile. It’s one of the reasons they’re such good value—you pay once and forget about them for decades.

Not at all—they’re actually one of the easiest window coverings to keep clean. Just give them a quick wipe with a damp cloth every now and then, and they’re sorted. For wooden shutters, you might want to use a bit of wood polish once in a blue moon to keep them looking their best. The uPVC ones need even less—just a wipe down with soapy water when they get a bit grubby. No complicated cleaning, no taking them down to wash them, no faffing about with specialist products.

Absolutely. Shutters create an extra barrier between your room and the window, which helps keep heat in during winter and out during summer. They’re particularly good at reducing heat loss through your windows at night when you close them up. You won’t see a massive drop in your bills overnight, but over time it does add up. Plus, they help keep rooms cooler in summer without running fans or air conditioning, which saves you a few quid there too.

Pretty much, yeah. We’ve fitted shutters in all sorts—sash windows, casement windows, bay windows, arched windows, and even triangular windows in loft conversions. The key is getting them properly measured and made to fit your specific windows. That’s why we always come out to measure up first rather than doing it over the phone. Every window’s a bit different, and shutters need to be spot-on to work properly and look right.

That’s a tricky one. Traditional shutters are fitted to your window recess, so if you’re renting, you’d need your landlord’s permission before we could install them. Some landlords are fine with it because shutters add value to the property, but you’d need to check first. If you’re a landlord yourself, shutters are brilliant—they last for a long period of time and make your property look more upmarket, which can even help increase the rental value.

It comes down to your budget, where you’re putting them, and what look you’re after. Wooden plantation shutters have that classic, premium feel, and they’re brilliant if you want something really special. They’re perfect for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. uPVC shutters are the practical choice for bathrooms and kitchens where there’s lots of moisture, and they’re great if you’ve got kids or you’re working with a tighter budget. Both look quality when they’re fitted—the uPVC ones have come on leaps and bounds in recent years.

Once we’ve been out to measure your windows, the timeframe depends on the style you choose. Most of the time, the lead time for wooden shutters is 3-4 months, whereas Perfect Fit shutters take just 2-3 weeks. Everything is made to order to ensure a flawless finish, so while there is a wait for certain materials, it’s worth it for a bespoke fit. The actual fitting is usually done in a day for a normal-sized house—we’ll have them up and working before tea time. We’ll give you a proper timeframe when we come out to measure so you know exactly what to expect.