Which Types of Homes Do Window Shutters Suit Best?
15th July 2025
4 min read
One of the most common questions we get asked is whether shutters will "work" with a specific style of property. Homeowners often worry that internal shutters might look too modern for a period cottage, or perhaps too traditional for a sleek, contemporary apartment.
The truth is that shutters are one of the most versatile window dressings available. Because they are custom-made and available in a huge variety of colours, slat sizes, and frame styles, they can be designed to complement almost any architectural era.
Shutters on Period and Heritage Homes
Victorian, Georgian, and Edwardian homes were practically built for shutters. In fact, many original period properties featured solid wooden shutters long before curtains became the norm.
Sash Windows and High Ceilings
For the classic large sash windows found in Victorian villas, Tier-on-Tier shutters are a match made in heaven. They allow you to maintain the grandeur of the tall glass while giving you total flexibility over privacy at street level. Using a natural wood stain or an off-white finish helps maintain that historic, authentic feel.
Image credit: @katielouisaclarke
Shutters on Modern New-Builds
New-build homes often feature uniform, clean lines and uPVC windows. While these houses are energy-efficient, they can sometimes feel a bit "blank" inside.
Shutters add instant architectural character to a new-build room. A crisp "Vivid White" finish with large 76mm or 89mm slats creates a clean, minimalist look that makes standard windows feel much more premium. They also provide an extra layer of insulation, helping to keep those modern rooms even warmer in the winter.
Image credit: @ourfordhamhome
Shutters on Cottage Windows
If you live in a chocolate-box cottage with thick stone walls and small, uneven windows, you might think shutters are off the table.
Actually, DIY shutters are often the only thing that works well in these spaces. Because curtains can feel bulky and overwhelm a small room, Café Style shutters are the perfect compromise. They cover the bottom half of the window for privacy but leave the top open to let light into often-dim cottage interiors.
Shutters on Apartments and Urban Living
For those living in flats or apartments, privacy is usually the biggest concern. Whether you are on the ground floor facing a busy pavement or in a high-rise overlooked by other buildings, shutters offer a "set and forget" privacy solution.
Unlike blinds, which are usually either "up" or "down," shutter slats can be tilted to an angle that blocks the line of sight from the outside while still allowing you to see out and letting natural light fill your living space
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Image credit: @twentyto1
Why DIY is the best choice for any home
No matter what type of house you live in, the key to making shutters look "right" is the fit. Because our shutters are made-to-measure to the millimetre, they become a part of the window itself rather than just something hanging in front of it.
By choosing DIY, you have the freedom to take your time selecting the right louvre size and colour to match your specific décor, ensuring the final result looks like it was designed specifically for your home—because it was.