Instant
01 · Ask
Full, cafe or tier-on-tier?
Privacy, view, light control — different shutters for different priorities. Describe each room and the AI tells you the right style.
Compare shutters vs blinds.
Shutters look premium, blinds are flexible and cheaper — which suits your room, light and budget.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
20,000+UK homeowners
50,000Quotes sent
Keep going
Hire a shutter fitter. Hardwood, surveyed, snug.
Read the brief on materials, styles and louvre sizes — then let Three local shutter specialists quote.
Free
02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
Hardwood vs MDF, louvre sizes, hinge types, surveys vs self-measure, child-safety rules. Know what to ask for.
60 seconds
03 · Compare
Compare 3 shutter quotes
Three local fitters quote on the same spec — material, style, louvre, fitting — so the premium is for craft, not markup.
✦
Get shutter quotes Ready when you are
Enter your postcode and get free quotes from local pros.
Top tips
Hiring a shutters, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Hardwood lasts twice as long.
MDF/composite shutters: 10–15 years. Hardwood (basswood, paulownia): 25+. The premium pays back in lifespan and resale value.
Plantation vs cafe-style.
Full-height shutters: privacy + light control. Cafe-style (bottom half only): keeps top open. Tier-on-tier: independent halves. Match style to view.
Insist on a survey.
Shutters are millimetre-precise. A reputable fitter measures themselves — never asks you to. Out-of-square windows need careful templating.
Get the louvre size right.
Standard louvre: 64mm. Larger (89mm, 114mm) = more view, more light. Smaller (47mm) = traditional. Choose for room scale.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
MDF shutter (per window)
£250–£600
Hardwood shutter (per window)
£400–£1.2k
Bay window shutter (large)
£800–£3k
Cafe-style (half height)
£200–£500
Tier-on-tier (per window)
£350–£900
Whole house shutters (3-bed)
£3k–£12k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Shutters briefing.
Infographic
Shutters quick-view
Video guide
Shutters explained
Shutters and blinds offer different aesthetics and longevity. Shutters premium, blinds mid-tier. Decision depends on budget and style. Compare to choose.
What Does the Work Involve?
Comparing window treatment options: cost, lifespan, aesthetic, function. Shutters: premium fitted, long lifespan, traditional/modern aesthetic. Blinds: mid-priced, varied lifespan, easier to update.
Typical Comparison
| Factor | Shutters | Blinds |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per window | £500-£2,500 | £40-£500 |
| Lifespan | 25+ years | 10-15 years typical |
| Aesthetic | Premium fitted | Mid-range |
| Light control | Excellent (louver tilt) | Good (varies) |
| Privacy | Excellent | Good |
| Installation | Specialist 6-12 weeks | DIY or specialist 2-6 weeks |
| Insulation | Some thermal | Cellular excellent |
| Property value | 2-3% uplift | 1-2% uplift |
How Long Does It Take?
Shutters: 6-12 weeks total. Blinds: 2-6 weeks. Both premium with manufacturing lead time.
DIY or Professional?
Shutters: specialist only. Blinds: DIY-friendly to specialist.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Different specialists for shutters vs blinds. Some retailers (Hillarys, Apollo) offer both.
UK Regulations
BS EN 13120 child safety for both.
Common Decision Points
- Budget: Blinds cheaper. Shutters investment.
- Long-term: Shutters last 25+ years. Blinds 10-15 years. Cost over life similar.
- Aesthetic: Shutters premium. Blinds easier to update if you change style.
- Light control: Shutters more flexible. Blinds depend on type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shutters or blinds — which better?
Shutters: premium long-term investment. Blinds: budget-friendly, easier to update. Match to budget and longevity preference.
Cost over 25 years?
Shutters: £500-£2,500 single install. Blinds: £40-£500 + replacement at 10-15 years. Total similar long-term.
Resale value impact?
Shutters: 2-3% property value. Blinds: 1-2%. Shutters slight premium for high-end homes.
Light control comparison?
Shutters: tilt louvers fine. Blinds: depends on type. Both can give precise control.
DIY install both?
Blinds: cheap stock DIY-friendly. Made-to-measure both specialist. Shutters always specialist.
Bedroom blackout?
Blinds: blackout fabric. Shutters: louvers can block light but not 100%. Blackout blind for bedroom.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
NEWAI Trade Assistant
Got more questions
about shutters?
Ask follow-ups in plain English. The AI explains options, sequencing and what to ask the shutters — so you walk in informed.
I'm planning a job. Should I be looking for a shutters?
Sounds like a job for shutters. Tell me what you're trying to do — I'll walk you through costs, timeline and what to ask before they start.
FREE QUOTES60 SECONDS
Keep reading
VIEW ALL SHUTTERS GUIDES →More shutters guides.
Guide
Plantation Shutters — UK Cost & Style Guide
Plantation shutters are premium fitted window treatment. UK costs by material and style.
READ GUIDE →GuideWindow Shutter Materials — UK Comparison Guide
Shutter materials compared. UK costs for hardwood, MDF, aluminium.
READ GUIDE →GuideCafe Style Shutters — UK Cost & Style Guide
Cafe-style shutters cover lower half. UK costs and traditional aesthetic.
READ GUIDE →GuideTier-on-Tier Shutters — UK Cost & Flexibility Guide
Tier-on-tier shutters with independent halves. UK costs and modern aesthetic.
READ GUIDE →GuideShutters for Bay Windows — UK Cost & Fitting Guide
Bay window shutters need specialist fitting. UK costs and design.
READ GUIDE →GuideBathroom Waterproof Shutters — UK Cost & Material Guide
Waterproof shutters for bathrooms. UK costs for aluminium and ABS.
READ GUIDE →