When you’re looking to refresh your home, few additions transform a space quite like bespoke shutters. They bring timeless elegance, effortless light control and year-round thermal comfort to any room. But if you’re at the start of your home improvement journey, one question usually tops the list: how much do shutters cost?
If you’ve tried searching online for a quick figure, you’ve probably noticed that prices can vary quite a lot. Because made to measure shutters are tailored to the exact millimetre of your window frames, there’s no single off-the-shelf price tag.
In this article, we break down what really drives the cost of shutters, how they compare to traditional window treatments over time and what you can expect when budgeting for your home.
Why bespoke shutters are priced differently to off-the-shelf options
It can be tempting to compare bespoke shutters with the ready-made blinds you can buy off the shelf at a DIY store or through an online retailer, but they’re entirely different products.
Off-the-shelf blinds are mass-produced in standardised sizes, often using lightweight, synthetic materials. Fitting them usually involves trimming fabrics or forcing a standard frame into a window opening that isn’t quite square – leading to unsightly gaps, uneven light bleed and premature wear.
In contrast, true bespoke shutters are handcrafted individually for your home. An expert shutter specialist measures every angle of your window casing, taking into account any subtle drops or quirks in your plasterwork. The result is a seamless, architectural fixture that fits like a glove, operates smoothly for decades and adds genuine monetary value to your property.
The 8 key factors that affect the cost of bespoke shutters
So, how much are plantation shutters? It all comes down to eight primary variables:
1. Window size
Shutters are priced per square metre. Naturally, larger feature windows require more raw materials, hardware and crafting time than a smaller window.
2. Material choice
The material you choose impacts both performance and price:
- CraftWood / EWC (Engineered Wood Composite): A popular, highly durable and cost-effective option made from dense wood fibre. It offers a smooth, high-end painted finish that looks indistinguishable from natural timber – ideal for high-traffic family areas.
- PermaWood/ABS (Waterproof): Engineered specifically for high-moisture environments like bathrooms, ensuites and kitchens. Made from tough, waterproof synthetic materials, these panels won’t warp, swell or peel when exposed to steam or direct splash zones.
- Sustainable Hardwood: Premium, lightweight natural timber options. Hardwood is lightweight enough for large window spans and wide tiers, and perfect for shaped windows. They offer a rich natural wood grain stain or custom-painted finish.
3. Shaped Windows
Standard rectangular windows are straightforward to frame. However, if your home features architectural glazing – such as arches, circles, gables or sharp angles – specialist craftsmanship is required. Custom-shaped shutters are engineered to mirror the exact curvature of your feature glass, making them a premium, statement option.
4. Louvre size
Whether you prefer classic 63mm slats or wider 89mm and 114mm louvres for a modern, light-filled aesthetic, slat size can subtly influence the overall cost that some retailers provide. At Just Shutters, we don’t alter the cost of your quote based on the louvre size you choose, so it’s simply down to personal preference.
5. Room requirements
Specialised functional upgrades affect total cost. For example, opting for integrated room-darkening shades or our Fortitude Security shutters adds specialised hardware designed for ground floor bedrooms, nurseries or added home or business security.
6. Automation at your fingertips
If you want the luxury of not moving a muscle whilst you adjust the light control in your room, automated shutters are the perfect solution. Whilst they do naturally add an additional cost to your quote, there are many advantages, from being perfect for hard to reach windows, to being a great choice for those with health conditions making it hard to open and close them.
7. Door solutions and complex layouts
Fitting shutters for bifold doors, wide patio entrances or French doors requires additional tracking systems so that panels slide effortlessly. Similarly, designing shutters for bay windows requires multi-angled frames that follow your bay’s natural architectural lines. We don’t charge any extra specifically for bay window shutters, but some companies do.
8. Professional installation
Precision installation is essential. Having an experienced shutter specialist assemble and fit your frames ensures seamless operation, level louvres and full insulation benefits with zero draughts. At Just Shutters, we don’t charge extra for the installation, and we always suggest using our installers as opposed to a DIY approach, this can help you avoid any costly mistakes.
Bespoke shutters vs blinds and curtains: Comparing cost over time
While off-the-shelf curtains or fabric blinds may have a lower upfront cost, they frequently need replacing every few years due to fraying cords, sun fading, staining or changing interior trends.
| Feature | Standard Blind & Curtains | Just Shutters Bespoke Shutters |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 3-7 years (prone to wear & fading) | Decades (backed by a lifetime guarantee) |
| Maintenance | Dry cleaning or wiping | Simple clean with a natural feather duster |
| Energy Savings | Minimal thermal barrier | Traps air to reduce winter heating loss |
| Property Value | Standard temporary fitting | Fixture that boosts home kerb appeal |
Over a 10- to 20-year span, made-to-measure shutters are a far more cost-effective investment for your home, especially when compared to custom curtains, which can carry a surprisingly high price tag when professionally made.
What’s included in your Just Shutters quotation?
We believe in total transparency. When you receive a quotation from Just Shutters, there are no hidden surprises, call-out fees or unexpected extras down the line.
Every quotation includes:
Complimentary in-home design consultation: A local specialist visits with physical samples, assesses your room lighting, listens to your design ideas and offers expert style advice.
Laser-accurate measurement: Every millimetre of your window casing is precisely surveyed.
Custom, handcrafted manufacturing: Your shutters are crafted using premium, sustainably sourced materials.
Complete professional installation: Cleanly and carefully installed by qualified shutter fitters.
Our signature lifetime guarantee: Complete peace of mind that your investment is protected for years to come.
Ready to find out your exact shutter cost?
Because every home is unique, the easiest way to get an accurate price is with a tailored quotation based on your exact window dimensions and style preferences.
Try our online Shutter Cost Calculator to get a fast, instant estimate for your rooms.
Book a complimentary, no-obligation home visit with your local Just Shutters specialist to view our range of finishes and receive a clear, itemised quotation.
Transform your windows with tailored elegance – get in touch with the friendly team at Just Shutters today.
