Café style Shutters, Made to Measure

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FAQs about Café Style Shutters

What are café style shutters?

Café style shutters, also known as half shutters, cover only the lower portion of your window, offering privacy while allowing natural light through the top half. Café style shutters are most commonly used in street-facing rooms such as living rooms, dining areas, and kitchens, anywhere you want privacy at eye level but still want to let in natural light from the top of the window. They're especially popular in period properties or homes with tall sash windows.

How tall should café shutters be?

The height of café shutters can vary depending on your window design and how much privacy you want, but they typically cover between one-third to two-thirds of the window height.

A good rule of thumb is to have the shutters reach just above eye level when standing outside, especially for street-facing windows. This ensures privacy from passers-by while still allowing plenty of natural light to flow in through the uncovered upper portion of the window. You can also line them up with existing architectural elements, such as window mid-rails for a more seamless look.

How to measure for café style shutters?

Measuring for café style plantation shutters is all about getting the width of your window right, and then deciding how high you want the shutters to go. Head to our café style shutters measuring guide, and we'll walk you through it step by step so you can order with confidence.

How to install café style shutters?

Installing café style shutters is a straightforward DIY project with the right tools. You'll start by assembling and mounting the frame directly onto your window or recess. Once the frame is level and secure, simply attach the shutter panels with the provided hinges and check that they open and close smoothly. Just follow the step-by-step instructions in our shutter installation guides, complete with diagrams and tips to help you get a flawless fit.

What do Café style shutters look like?

Café-style shutters have visible panel edges with a natural, washed-effect finish, creating a charming, relaxed look.

How to design Café Style Shutters

Why should I choose a Café Style shutter?

Café Style shutters are a perfect solution to increase privacy and prevent passers-by from peering in, while also letting light flow in through the window. They are designed to cover only the lower section of your windows.

How many panels should I choose?

The first factor to consider when choosing the number of panels is the design of the window. For example, if the window is divided into three even sections, you could consider going for three panels on your shutter.

You should also consider how you will use the shutters. It is common with a Café Style shutter to leave the panels closed mostly and operate the slats to allow light through. If this is how you will use your shutters, you could opt for wider panels meaning more light will come through the slats.

However, if you will be opening the panels frequently, you may want to think about opting for more panels, making the panels smaller in size. This will mean that when the panels are opened, they will not protrude out as far into the room.

Should I add a mid-rail to my shutter?

Café Style shutters only cover the bottom portion of the window. As such, it is typical for this design to have no mid-rail, meaning the slats in a panel will all move in unison.

What frame and frame sides should I choose?

It is a classic Café Style design to opt for a 3-sided (Left, Right, Bottom) frame. This means there is no top frame.

Here at DIY Shutters, we think the Recess and Non-Recess frame works best for a Café Style shutter.

What if my window is too wide for one shutter?

If your window is larger than the maximum limitation for shutters, we suggest opting for a Full Height shutter. You can then split up the window to have multiple shutter frames.

Café Style Shutters