Frequently asked questions

The cost depends on the size of the window, the material, and the style. As a guide, a standard window in premium timber shutters typically starts from around £400 to £600 including measurement, supply, and professional installation. We provide a detailed written quotation after your consultation with no hidden costs.

Timber shutters (Hawaii and Fiji ranges) offer the widest colour range and the most premium finish. Composite shutters (Cuba range) combine a hardwood louvre with an engineered frame, offering excellent value at a lower price. PVC shutters (Java range) are 100% waterproof and ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and wet areas. Aluminium shutters (Portchester range) provide security with style and are perfect for patio doors and ground floor windows.

PVC shutters (our Java range) are 100% waterproof and perfect for bathrooms, shower rooms, and kitchens. Composite shutters (Cuba range) also handle moisture well. Timber shutters are best suited to dry rooms like bedrooms and living rooms.

Yes. Every shutter we install is made to measure for the exact dimensions of your window. We regularly fit shutters to bay windows, arched windows, circular porthole windows, triangular gable ends, and angled shapes. If the window has a shape, we can shutter it.

Yes. Louvred shutters reduce noise by 5 to 10 dB with louvres closed, and solid panel shutters achieve 12 to 17 dB. Combined with a Duette cellular blind behind the shutter, the total reduction reaches 8 to 13 dB for louvred and 15 to 20 dB for solid panel. Read our comprehensive noise reduction guide for detailed data by noise type, material comparisons, and recommendations.

Yes. Shutters create an insulating layer of air between the shutter panel and the window glass, which helps reduce heat loss in winter. Solid panel shutters offer the best thermal performance. Some customers notice a measurable difference in room temperature and heating costs after installation.

Most installations are completed in a single day. A typical house with four to six windows takes around four to five hours. Larger projects may take two days. Our own fitters carry out every installation, so there is no waiting for third party availability.

Yes. We offer motorised shutters that can be operated by remote control or integrated into smart home systems. This is particularly useful for hard to reach windows, skylights, or for customers with mobility considerations.

From a physics perspective, placing a solid material across a window will reduce direct light. However, most of our customers say their rooms actually feel brighter after white shutters are installed. The reason is that painted shutter surfaces reflect and diffuse daylight around the room, creating softer and more even lighting instead of harsh direct sunlight from one direction.

Yes. Sash and case windows are among our most common installations across Scotland. The shutters sit within or around the window frame and do not interfere with the sash mechanism. You can still open your windows as normal. For tall sash windows, we often recommend a mid rail so the top and bottom louvres tilt independently.

Yes. The shutter panels and frame are designed so the window can still open normally. The panel layout is configured during the design consultation to ensure the tilt and turn mechanism is not obstructed. This is a common installation, particularly in newer properties.

Yes. Shutters can be installed on uPVC, timber, and aluminium window frames. The fixing method varies depending on the frame material, but our fitters are experienced with all types. The shutters are mounted into a frame that sits within or around the window recess.

Yes. By angling the louvres you can significantly reduce the amount of UV light entering the room. This helps prevent fading of flooring, carpets, upholstery, and artwork. South facing rooms in particular benefit from this. Shutters give you the flexibility to control UV exposure throughout the day without closing the window off entirely.

Yes. South facing windows receive the most direct sunlight and can cause rooms to overheat in summer. Shutters allow you to angle the louvres to block direct sun while still letting diffused light into the room. This reduces heat gain, prevents glare, and protects furnishings from UV damage. For severe overheating in conservatories or large glazed extensions, external shading such as MicroLouvre may be a better solution.

Yes. This is one of the most practical uses for shutters in a living room. By tilting the louvres you can eliminate glare on a screen without darkening the entire room. Unlike curtains or blinds, which are either open or closed, shutters let you fine tune the angle of light throughout the day.

Yes. Shutters are one of the few window treatments that work equally well in a Victorian tenement, a Georgian townhouse, and a contemporary new build. The clean lines and minimal design complement modern interiors, while the traditional craftsmanship suits period properties. The choice of material, colour, and louvre size allows the look to be tailored to any style of home.

Yes. Depending on the configuration, panels can be hinged so they fold flat against the wall or the sides of the window recess. Bi fold configurations allow multiple panels to fold neatly together, clearing the window entirely when you want maximum light or access to the window for cleaning.

No. Shutter installation is one of the cleanest home improvement jobs you can have. There is no painting, plastering, or heavy construction involved. Our fitters drill pilot holes for the frame fixings and use dust sheets to keep everything tidy. A typical room takes less than an hour to fit, and the fitters clean up before they leave.

Yes. Many of our customers begin with one room, often the living room or master bedroom, and add shutters to other rooms over time. Each set of shutters is made to measure independently, so there is no requirement to do the whole house at once. The only thing to be aware of is that paint batches can vary very slightly between orders, though this is rarely noticeable.

Bespoke shutters are made to measure for your exact window dimensions, professionally installed, and built from quality timber or composite materials. DIY shutter kits are typically lightweight polymer or MDF panels in standard sizes that you cut and fit yourself. The difference in fit, finish, durability, and appearance is significant. Bespoke shutters last decades. Most DIY kits do not.

Many homeowners feel their rooms look larger and more structured after shutters are installed. The clean lines, the absence of bulky curtains, and the clear window sills all contribute to a more spacious feel. White or light coloured shutters are particularly effective at reflecting light around the room.

We supply the full Luxaflex range including Duette honeycomb blinds, Silhouette shades, Pirouette shades, roller blinds, Venetian blinds (wood and aluminium), vertical blinds, and Facette shades. We also supply motorised cellular blinds for shaped windows like gable ends, arches, and skylights.

Duette is the Luxaflex brand name for honeycomb (cellular) blinds. They have a distinctive honeycomb structure that traps air, providing excellent insulation. They are available in a huge range of colours and opacities, from sheer to room darkening. They can be top down, bottom up, or motorised.

Yes. We specialise in shaped window blinds for gable ends, arched windows, triangular windows, and skylights. These are motorised cellular blinds that stack neatly to the slope when retracted, giving you full control over light, privacy, and heat.

We use the term "room darkening" because even the darkest blind will allow some light to enter around the edges. True blackout requires architectural channels or cavities built into the window reveal. Room darkening blinds significantly reduce light and are suitable for bedrooms, but they will not create complete darkness.

Yes. Perfect fit blinds clip directly into uPVC window frames without drilling, making them ideal for tilt and turn windows and conservatories. We supply Luxaflex TruFit blinds which offer the same no drill convenience with superior build quality.

Yes. Most of our blind ranges are available with Somfy motorisation, either battery powered or hardwired. Battery motors are rechargeable and last several months between charges. Motorised blinds can be controlled by remote, wall switch, app, or voice assistant.

Yes. We supply Luxaflex folding arm awnings in a range of sizes, from compact balcony models to large patio awnings covering up to six metres. All are motorised with optional wind and sun sensors for automatic operation.

MicroLouvre (also known as KoolShade) is an external solar shading screen made from tiny aluminium louvres. It blocks up to 90% of solar heat gain before it reaches the glass, making it one of the most effective ways to prevent overheating. It is particularly useful for conservatories, large glazed extensions, and south facing windows.

Dust regularly with a soft cloth or feather duster. For a deeper clean, wipe louvres with a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or excessive water. PVC and composite shutters can handle more moisture than timber, but all types benefit from gentle cleaning.

Use a soft brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner at low suction, or gently dust with a microfibre cloth. For spot cleaning, dab gently with a damp cloth. Retract the blinds fully for a few hours each week to help preserve the pleated shape.

We recommend topping up the charge every three to four months, or when the motor begins to slow. Most battery packs are rechargeable via USB. Mains powered motors require no maintenance.

Yes. For hardwired motorised blinds and shutters, we provide wiring specifications and guidance for your electrician. If you are building or renovating and want to plan for motorised window coverings, contact us early in the project so we can advise on cable routing and switch placement.

No. Shutter panels are installed on hinges so they swing open like doors, giving you full access to the window glass for cleaning. You do not need to remove anything. Simply open the panels, clean the glass, and close them again.

No more than any other furniture in your home. If your house is dusty, the shutters will show dust in the same way that shelves or tables do. The difference is that shutters are much easier to clean than curtains or fabric blinds. A quick wipe with a microfibre cloth or feather duster is all they need.

Yes. We measure, supply, and install across the whole of Scotland, from the Borders to the Highlands and Islands. Home consultations in and around Dundee, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow are included at no extra cost. For locations beyond these areas, a £500 site visit fee applies, which is fully refundable against any order placed within three months.

No. Every installation is carried out by our own trained fitting team. We do not use subcontractors anywhere in Scotland. This means the same standard of workmanship whether you are five minutes from our studio or five hours away.

All products we install come with our Five Year Perfect Fit Promise, covering materials, workmanship, and installation. If something goes wrong, we put it right. See our warranty page for full details.

Yes. We carry out repairs and service work for products we originally installed, even outside the warranty period. Whether a shutter panel needs adjusting, a tilt rod needs tightening, or a blind motor needs a replacement battery, call us on 0800 086 2989.

A deposit of 50% is required when you confirm your order. The remaining balance is due upon completion of installation. We accept bank transfer, debit card, and credit card.

Yes. The Scottish Shutter Company is a full member of the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA). Our Technical Director is the BBSA Immediate Past President. This means we adhere to the highest industry standards for quality, safety, and customer service.