Which mounting option is most popular?

We often install shutters inside the window recess, and the inside mount is often the preferred shutter mounting option because it makes the shutter look like an integral part of the window.

Can inside mounted shutters fold back completely?

No. With an inside mount the reveal walls prevent the shutter panels from folding completely back, so the shutters can only fold by about 90 degrees, or until they touch the walls.

When should I choose an outside mount?

If your window alignment is not regular, which you can check by measuring according to our guide, an outside mount is advisable: the frame fits outside the recess and squares off inconsistencies in the window alignment. It also lets the panels fold back completely against the wall, if you have enough space to fold them.

Which frames can be used for an inside mount?

For an inside mount the frame choice is mainly limited to the deep plain L frame, the Insert L frame and the Bull nose Z frame.

What is the difference between the deep plain L and Insert L frames?

The difference is the way they are fixed to the wall, as the sketches on this page show: the arrow shows the direction of the screw.

Do window handles affect the frame position?

Yes. The correct position of the frame also depends on the louvre size, which should take into account any elements, like window handles, that might stop the louvres from opening correctly.

What if I am not sure which mounting option to order online?

If you order your shutters online, we will not complete the order without contacting you first to clarify any doubt. You can also contact us before completing your order and we will go through the options with you.

Can you choose the frame for me?

Yes. If you choose our measure and fit service, our surveyors explain the options and make sure the best frame is selected for your preferences and window measurements. For difficult window shapes, sliding shutters or bay windows we recommend booking a free survey.

White plantation shutters inside-mounted in a deep bedroom window recess, one panel folded back against the reveal

DIY guide

Plantation shutters mounting options

Q: What is a Bull nose Z frame?

The Bull nose Z frame lets you combine the practical inside mount assembly with a more decorative frame edge.

Q: Which frame is best for an outside mount?

For an outside mount we suggest a frame with a more decorative aspect, so the Camber Deco frame is probably the best choice. The simpler Insert L frame is an alternative.

Q: Which frame suits sash windows?

The Insert L frame is often the preferred choice for sash windows, because a simpler frame can more easily match the elaborate window frames found on this type of window.

Inside or outside the window recess, and which shutter frame to choose: a short guide for ordering your shutters online.

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Choosing the right frame

Mounting your shutters, made simple

We offer different plantation shutters mounting options. If you choose our measure & fit service, our surveyors will explain the options available and make sure that the best shutter frame is selected, according to your preferences and the window measurements.

However, if you are a DIY enthusiast and want to order your shutters online, this choice is often the most difficult to make. With this short guide, we explain in more detail the elements that determine the choice of the correct shutter frame.

Download the measuring guide (PDF)

The first decision

Inside mount or outside mount?

Often, we install shutters inside the window recess, as close as possible to the windows, so that the window sill can still be used. The correct position of the frame also depends on the louvre size, taking into account elements like window handles that might stop the louvres opening correctly.

Tier-on-tier shutters fitted inside the recess of a bedroom bay window

Inside mount

The inside mount installation makes the shutter look like an integral part of the window, and is often the preferred shutter mounting option.

Looks like an integral part of the window
Keeps the window sill free to use
Panels fold by about 90 degrees, until they touch the reveal walls

Frames: Deep plain L, Insert L, Bull nose Z

Full-height shutters framing a living room bay window

Outside mount

If your window alignment is not regular, which you can check by measuring according to our guide, choose an outside mount: the frame fits outside the window recess.

Squares off inconsistencies in the window alignment
Panels fold back completely against the wall
Needs enough wall space to fold the panels back

Frames: Camber Deco, Insert L

This choice is easier than you might think. Windows can still have very tricky measurements, so if you order online we will not complete the order without contacting you first to clarify any doubt. For particularly difficult window shapes, sliding shutters or bay window shutters, we suggest our measure and fit service.

Book a free survey

Shutter frames

Which frame for your mount?

Frames for an inside mount

If you have chosen an inside mounting option, the frame choice is mainly limited to the deep plain L, Insert L and Bull nose Z frames. The difference between the deep plain L and the Insert L frames is the way they are fixed to the wall: the arrow in each sketch shows the direction of the screw. With the Bull nose Z frame, you can combine the practical inside mount assembly with a more decorative frame edge.

Deep plain LFixed through the side of the recess.
Insert LFixed from the front, a simple, versatile frame.
Bull nose ZInside mount with a more decorative edge.

Frames for an outside mount

If you prefer an outside mount, we suggest a frame with a more decorative aspect, so the Camber Deco frame is probably the best choice. An alternative is the simpler Insert L frame, the same that can also be used for inside mounting. It is often the preferred choice for sash windows, because a simpler frame can more easily match their elaborate window frames.

Camber DecoOur suggested decorative frame for outside mounting.
Insert LA simpler alternative, often preferred for sash windows.

White tier-on-tier shutters in a living room bay window

Any further questions?

Ready to design your shutters?

We hope we have simplified the choice of the right shutter mounting option and the correct shutter frame, but if you have any further questions do not hesitate to contact us.

Try our design and buy online tool to get a precise estimate and define more details, like shutter styles, materials, colours and number of panels. Once you have placed your order, we will contact you to check everything is fine and you are happy with your choices. Only then is the order entered.

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Your questions answered

Mounting options FAQs

What is the difference between an inside and an outside mount?

With an inside mount the shutter frame is fitted inside the window recess, as close as possible to the window, so the window sill can still be used and the shutter looks like an integral part of the window. With an outside mount the frame fits outside the window recess.

Mounting options

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