Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we truly are! Ideal Shutters is a proud family-run business, built on strong family values. I (Nick) lead the team, with my sister Louise keeping things organised and my wife Megan managing the finances. Nick, Dan, and Adam are experienced carpenters who’ve worked together for over a decade—Dan and Adam are like "brothers from another mother." This close-knit team lets us offer a personal, trustworthy service with top-quality shutters.

Yes, all our shutters come with a full guarantee for your peace of mind. The length of the guarantee varies from 3-10 years depending on the shutter range you choose, but we always stand by the quality of our products and workmanship.

We know you have plenty of options, but here’s what makes us different: honest pricing from the start—no inflated quotes, no pushy sales tactics. Unlike many others, we only work with industry-leading manufacturers, ensuring top-quality shutters. Plus, as skilled carpenters first and foremost, we take pride in every installation, delivering a perfect fit with precision and care. With 200+ five-star reviews, our customers’ feedback speaks for itself!

Our Instant Estimate tool gives a great ballpark figure based on your measurements. The final price after a home visit may be slightly higher or lower, as many factors affect the cost. For a fixed quote, a home visit is essential—but if you’re unsure about pricing, the online estimate is a great place to start!

Our shutters are custom-made to fit your windows to perfection. Depending on the material, lead times vary from 3-4 weeks to 10-14 weeks. We always give every customer regular updates throughout the process and even offer free temporary blinds whilst your shutters are being made.

Arranging to see our samples is simple! Just get in touch by phone or click here to book. We’ll bring a selection of large shutter samples in various styles, colours, and finishes to your home, helping you visualise how they’ll look and allowing you to feel the quality for yourself. Our home visits take on average of around 60 minutes, with no pressure and no obligation to buy. We’ll also provide a clear, no-hassle quote, so you can make your decision at your own pace. Just give us a call or fill out the contact form on our website!

This is one of the most common questions we get! Many assume shutters make a room darker, but the truth is, designed correctly they can actually make it feel brighter and more open.

Here’s how to maximise light with shutters:

• Match panels to window sections so only louvres cover the glass.
• Opt for a bright white finish to ensure light reflects off the louvres and bounces around the room.

With the right design, shutters enhance natural light, creating a bright and airy space.

Shutters aren’t fully blackout, but they do an excellent job at blocking most light. For near blackout results, we offer integrated blackout blinds, which are built into the shutter frame and sit behind the shutter panel. They’re discreet and ideal for bedrooms or media rooms where extra darkness is needed.

A home visit usually takes between 45 to 90 minutes, depending on how many windows you’re considering and how familiar you are with shutters. We’re happy to take the time to answer all your questions and help you decide whether shutters are the right choice for you.

• A discussion about your needs and preferences
• Shutter samples to see colours and styles
• Accurate window measurements
• A no-obligation quote with transparent pricing
• Free Temporary Blinds for all orders placed

The cost of our shutters depends on the size, style, and material you choose. We believe in honest pricing, which is why we offer our best price from the outset—no haggling, no pressure, just great value.

For a ballpark figure, you can use our Instant Online Estimation Tool, or if you haven’t got a tape measure handy, just get in touch, and we’ll send you our price guide brochure, featuring real examples from previous jobs.

Several factors can influence the cost of your shutters:

• The size (m²) of your windows
• The complexity of the installation, as more intricate installs can take longer
• The material you choose
• Any additional features, such as custom colours, special shapes, or integrated blackout blind frame upgrades

We’ll be happy to discuss these with you during your home visit to ensure you get the best solution for your needs.

We always offer our best prices from the outset. By focusing on delivering excellent service, we gain a lot of our customers through referrals. This helps keep our marketing costs low, giving us the freedom to offer very competitive rates on our high-quality products. We also run promotions at certain times of the year, so make sure to keep an eye out for those!

Because our shutters are bespoke and made to the millimetre for your windows, we require a 50% deposit when you place your order. The remaining balance is only due once your shutters have been installed and you’re 100% satisfied with the final result.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it all depends on your window height, personal preference, and the style you’re after. The good news is that louvre size doesn’t affect the price, so it’s all about what looks and feels right for you. We bring large sample panels of each size to home visits, making it easy to compare and choose the perfect fit.

Inward opening windows can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry—we have plenty of smart solutions to make shutters work for you. There may be some limitations, but we’ll go through all the options to find the best fit for your home.

No problem at all—we love a wonky window carpentry challenge! All our shutters are made-to-measure to the millimetre, ensuring a perfect fit no matter how uneven your windows are. With our advanced tools and expert carpentry skills, we’ve left many wonky window owners amazed by the transformation. Don’t just take our word for it—have a read through our reviews, and you’ll find plenty of happy customers who had the same concern!

Shutters are fitted as close to the window as possible, with just enough clearance to avoid obstructing the handle. In most cases, there’s still plenty of room for pictures, ornaments, or even your Alexa. We offer a range of frame options and installation positions, so we can tailor the fit to suit your space—this is something we’ll happily discuss during your home visit.