Made to Measure
Right here in the UK
Right here in the UK
At the lowest prices
by 1st class post
If you’re looking for the best way to measure for café style shutters, our experts cover all you need to know in our measuring guide below.
The type of frame you choose will depend on where within your recess you plan on installing your shutters and whether your window has a significant amount of run-off.
L Frames are typically used when installing your shutter within the window recess. They can be used both further back into the recess or on the recess edge. This style of frame provides a clean, simple look, fitting neatly within the window opening.
Please Note: You should select an L frame if your window is less than 15mm out of square. Gaps between the frame and the wall may require caulking.
Z Frames get their name from their Z-shaped profile and are used when fitting your shutter on the edge of your window recess. Designed to fit flush against the wall, their extra trim extends outside of the recess space and wraps around each edge. This creates a neat finish that allows your shutters to meld into the wall.
Please Note: When selecting a Z frame, if your window has a sill, please select a frame option with a sill bar when ordering. In this case we’ll use an L style bottom bar to account for the windowsill.
Please Note: If your window is more than 15mm out of square, this is the frame for you. To reduce light leakage, this style may also require caulking to cover any gaps.
Important: when choosing your frame type, you should always look for any obstructions such as handles, windowsills, or windows that tilt inwards. Our standard L/Z frames are 60mm deep.
Café style shutters are measured differently from full height, and tier-on-tier style shutters as you don’t measure the complete recess. You’ll instead measure up to the point you want the shutter panel to finish.
Measuring the Width
Take 3 measurements across the width of your window, where your shutter will be installed.
Note down the smallest measurement and use this as your width.
Measuring the Drop
Measure from the bottom of the recess up to where you want the shutter to stop. This is usually the centre of the window or if you have a sash, where this breaks.
Important: We recommend deducting 5mm from your width and drop measurements to ensure a snug fit within your recess space.
If you are ordering shutters for windows in the same room that are similar in size, please note that the number of louvres may vary slightly between each shutter. The height of the top and bottom rails may also differ depending on the final measurements, this is to allow us to fit the correct number of panels required to cover your recess space.
For Example:
If you have two windows next to each other and one measures 1200mm high while the other measures 1205mm high, we recommend ordering both shutters at the smaller size to ensure the louvre layout and overall appearance match as closely as possible.
When installing the shutter in the slightly taller window, you can simply use a little extra caulk or filler to cover the additional gap.
If the size difference is more noticeable, or the windows already look visually different to the eye, then we recommend ordering each shutter to their exact, individual measurements instead.
Helpful Tip
In situations where window sizes vary slightly, a Z Frame can often provide a better finish, as it may require less caulk or filler to hide gaps.
Before You Order
Please double-check all measurements carefully and consider:
It’s important that you ensure your shutters can installed correctly and be operated without obstruction from window handles. This is particularly important if you’re installing your shutter further back into the recess, however it should be checked for all install types.
Our standard shutter frames are 60mm deep, so you’ll need to check you have enough sill space to allow for this.
The size of slat you choose will determine how much clearance you will need from the front of the window handle to the back of the shutter frame. Larger blades require more clearance from any obstructions. Minimum clearance for slats are as follows:
63mm Louvre: 18.05mm
76mm Louvre: 24.4mm
89mm Louvre: 30.8mm
Please Note: If your windows open inwards, you’ll need to ensure you have enough clearance to ensure they don’t hit off the louvres of the shutter. If you don’t think you have enough clearance, call or email our Customer Support team for assistance. You may still be able to order shutters, however this may require a slightly different measure and install type.
