How to Measure Plantation Shutters

Welcome to Coverly's guide on measuring plantation shutters. It covers identifying your window type, choosing a mount, measuring for it, and positioning divider rails and split tilt. Feeling nervous? Don't be. Our shutter experts are available by phone, email or chat.

Our online configurator is built to stop you making a costly mistake. The questions are conditional and will not let you reach checkout with a shutter that cannot be built. We also review every order and confirm your specifications with you before manufacturing begins.

Measure to the nearest 1/8". You will need a metal measuring tape, paper and a pen. We recommend having a second person with you to check your numbers.

Do not take any deductions. Windows are rarely perfectly square and there will be some variation in your measurements. Give us what you measure and we will make the adjustments during manufacturing. See our standard factory deductions if you want to know exactly what we take off.

What style of window do I have?

Before measuring, look at your window. Does it have a recess? A sill? Molding? Different window settings are measured differently.

Does my window have depth?

Check how your window is sitting. Does it sit inside the wall, or against it? If there is space between the wall and the window, your window has depth, or a recess, and an inside mount may be possible.

Do I have window molding?

Window molding is the decorative trim around your window. It is also called window trim, casing or architrave.

Does my window have a sill?

A window sill is the ledge at the bottom of your window. It generally protrudes from the wall and sticks out further than the recess. If you have a recess, note whether the bottom is a sill or part of the recess: a sill changes how the window is measured and how certain frames are built.

How to measure window depth

Start from the shallowest point of the window and measure to the front wall.

The recess needs to be clear of obstructions: window cranks, handles, locks, keys, alarm boxes, flyscreens. Where there is one, measure from the furthest point of the obstruction to the edge of the recess instead.

Measuring around obstructions

• Measure from the window to the front of the obstruction.
• Measure from the window to the front of the recess.
• Subtract the smaller measurement from the larger one.

If you are measuring around a window winder, leave enough space that you can still reach it. Measure in a few places to be sure.

Also think about flyscreens and inward-opening windows. An inside mount shutter will sit in front of them, so you will not be able to reach them once it is installed.

How much depth do I actually need?

Less than most people expect. The shallowest frames need around an inch of unobstructed depth; the deepest, a 4 1/2" louver on an L-frame, needs 3 1/2". What yours needs depends on the frame and the louver size you choose, so check the exact figure in our window depth requirement guide rather than guessing from a single number.

If your recess is shallower than the frame you want, you have two options: choose a shallower frame, or outside mount.

Inside or outside mount?

The panels work the same either way. The frame is what changes, and it affects both how the shutter works and how it looks. For most windows there is one frame that clearly fits best.

• Inside mount shutters sit inside the window recess, usually flush with the wall.
• Outside mount shutters are installed on the wall around the window.

Some people prefer an inside mount because the shutters do not extend into the room. It also results in a slightly smaller shutter, which costs a little less.

If your recess is deep enough for the frame you want and clear of obstructions, an inside mount is usually the answer. If you are not sure, one of our designers can recommend a frame, or you can send us a photo of your window and we will help.

Measuring for an inside mount

How you measure varies slightly with the style of your window. The process is the same for an L-frame or a Z-frame.

A square set window, with no molding and no sill

• Measure the width of your window, left to right, in three places.
• Measure the height, bottom to top, in three places.
• Give us the smallest of the three, for each.

A window with molding

The only frame option for an inside mount in a window with molding is the Inside Mount L-Frame.

• Measure the width, left to right, in three places.
• Measure the height, bottom to top, in three places.
• Give us the smallest of the three, for each.

A window with a sill

• Measure the width, left to right, in three places.
• Measure the height, bottom to top, in three places. Start at the top of the sill and finish on the inside of the recess.
• Give us the smallest of the three, for each.

A window with both a sill and molding

• Measure the width inside the recess, left to right, in three places.
• Measure the height, bottom to top, in three places. Start at the top of the sill and finish at the top of the recess.
• Give us the smallest of the three, for each.

Measuring for an outside mount

An outside mount needs at least 1 1/2" of flat space around the window or molding. In some cases the frame has to be mounted on the molding itself; if that applies to your window we will contact you with specific instructions. So that we can check, please include a photo of every window you order a shutter for.

There are several places an outside mount shutter can be installed. We review every order, recommend the best method for your windows, and ask for additional measurements if we need them. You can also read about how to install an outside mount plantation shutter.

A window with no sill

Measure from the edges of the inside of the window, as if you were measuring for an inside mount.

• Measure the width of the inside of your window, left to right, in three places.
• Measure the height of the inside of your window, bottom to top, in three places.
• Give us the largest of the three, for each.

A window with a sill

Your height measurement should start at the top of the window sill.

• Measure the width, left to right, in three places.
• Measure the height, bottom to top, in three places.
• Give us the largest of the three, for each.

Divider rails and split tilt

A divider rail supports the louvers and stops them sagging, and is required above a certain height. A split tilt lets you close one section of louvers while the other stays open. Both are positioned the same way, and both have their own guide: measuring for divider rails and split tilt.

Still not sure?

If you are unsure about measuring or about the style of your window, send us a photo of your window and our team will give you a call.