What to Call Shutters (and the One Word We Avoid)

If you’ve started looking into interior shutters, you’ll have seen them called ‘plantation shutters’ almost everywhere. It’s the common name in the trade. We don’t use it, and this is a short, plain guide to what these shutters are actually called, plus the one word we leave out and why.

The names we use

A shutter is simply a set of timber panels fitted inside your window, with adjustable louvres you tilt for light and privacy. We describe them by what they are and how they’re arranged.

There are four main styles, and each name just tells you how the panels are set out.

Full height shutters cover the window with one continuous run of panels. This is the most popular choice.
Tier on tier splits the window into two independent sets, top and bottom, so you can open one without the other.
Cafe style covers only the lower half of the window, letting light in at the top while keeping privacy below.
Solid panel shutters have no louvres at all, for a traditional, cosy look that blocks more light.

You might also hear us say window shutters, interior shutters or interior timber shutters. They all mean the same thing: a well made, made to measure shutter. You can see all of them on our full range of shutters page.

The one word we avoid

Louvred shutters are old. Versions have been used for centuries to manage heat and light. The product isn’t the problem. One of the names it later picked up is.

‘Plantation shutter’ ties a simple window covering to the plantations of the American South, and to the slavery those plantations were built on. We’d rather not carry that into your home, so we don’t use the word. Plenty of good firms still do, usually because it’s just what the trade has always said. We simply prefer to call the product what it is.

If you call them plantation shutters, that’s fine

None of this is a test. Most people who contact us use the old term, because it’s everywhere, and we know exactly what you mean. We’ll never correct you or make you feel you’ve said the wrong thing.

We’ll just answer your question and, somewhere along the way, use our own words. You’ll see these called plantation shutters online. It’s the very same product, and we call them window shutters.

In short

The shutters you’re looking at are often called plantation shutters. We call them window shutters or interior shutters.
We avoid the old name because it ties the product to the plantations of the American South and the slavery they were built on.
By style, the choices are full height, tier on tier, cafe style and solid panel.
If you use the old term, that’s absolutely fine. We know what you mean and won’t correct you.
It’s exactly the same product, beautifully made and properly fitted. Only the name is different.

Ready to explore your options?

If you’d like to see the styles for yourself, you can request our brochure or arrange a visit to one of our Design Studios. There’s no pressure and no hard sell, just honest advice and a proper look at your options.

Frequently asked questions

What are plantation shutters? It’s the common trade name for interior timber shutters with wide adjustable louvres, fitted inside the window. They’re exactly the same product we call window shutters or interior shutters. We just don’t use the older name.

What should I call shutters instead? You can call them window shutters, interior shutters or interior timber shutters. If you want to be specific about the style, the main options are full height, tier on tier, cafe style and solid panel.

Why doesn’t The Scottish Shutter Company use the term plantation shutters? Because the name ties the product to the plantations of the American South and the slavery they were built on. We’d rather not bring that into your home, so we use clear, modern words instead.

Are window shutters and plantation shutters the same thing? Yes. They’re the same product, and the only difference is the name. We use window shutters or interior shutters.

Will you mind if I call them plantation shutters? Not at all. Most people do, because it’s the common name. We’ll know exactly what you mean and won’t correct you as we help you.