Shutters vs Blinds: Which Is Better for UK Homes in 2026?

If you’re choosing between shutters and blinds, you’re likely trying to solve a practical problem — too much glare, not enough privacy, rising heating costs, or window dressings that simply don’t suit your home anymore.

It’s one of the most common questions we hear at Totally Shutters across London, Kent, Surrey, Essex and the Home Counties:

Are shutters better than blinds in the UK?

Quick Answer

For most homeowners in 2026, yes — plantation shutters are usually the better long-term choice.

While blinds can be cheaper initially, made-to-measure shutters generally offer:

  • Better privacy
  • Superior light control
  • Improved insulation
  • Greater durability
  • A more premium look
  • Long-term value for money

If you want a short-term budget solution, blinds may suit.

If you want a feature that improves how your home looks and performs for years, shutters often come out ahead.

What’s the Difference Between Shutters and Blinds?

Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters are rigid panels fitted neatly within the window frame, with adjustable louvres that allow you to manage light and privacy.

Popular styles include:

  • Full height shutters
  • Tier-on-tier shutters
  • Café-style shutters
  • Bay window shutters

Because they’re fitted and made to measure, they become part of the architecture of the room.

Blinds

Blinds are mounted over or within the recess and include:

  • Roller blinds
  • Venetians
  • Roman blinds
  • Vertical blinds

They can work well, but they tend to be more temporary than shutters.

Shutters vs Blinds: Which Is Better?

1. Privacy

Winner: Shutters

This is where shutters excel.

Especially for:

  • Street-facing properties
  • Victorian terraces
  • Ground-floor flats
  • Bay windows

With tier-on-tier or café-style shutters, you can maintain privacy without losing daylight — something blinds often struggle to do elegantly.

2. Light Control

Winner: Shutters

Shutters allow far more precise control.

You can:

  • Tilt louvres for filtered light
  • Open panels fully
  • Control top and bottom sections separately

That flexibility is one reason searches like are shutters better than blinds UK continue to grow.

3. Insulation

Winner: Shutters

With energy efficiency still a priority in 2026, shutters offer a practical advantage.

Well-fitted plantation shutters can help:

  • Reduce heat loss
  • Minimise draughts
  • Keep rooms cooler in summer
  • Improve comfort year-round

Particularly useful in older London, Kent and Surrey properties.

4. Style and Appearance

Winner: Shutters

Blinds can look neat.

Shutters add architectural character.

They suit:

  • Period homes
  • Contemporary interiors
  • New builds
  • Minimalist spaces
  • Traditional properties

They look less like window coverings — and more like part of the design.

5. Durability

Winner: Shutters

Quality shutters can last 10–20 years or more.

Many blinds need replacing far sooner.

That changes the value equation considerably.

Are Shutters More Expensive Than Blinds?

Yes upfront — often not long-term.
Typical Blind Costs
Roller blinds: £50–£250 per window
Venetian blinds: £80–£300
Premium made-to-measure blinds: £250–£500+

Typical Plantation Shutter Costs UK

Hardwood shutters: £350–£600+ per m²

Premium bespoke installations vary by specification

Roughly: £300–£800+ per window

Bay window shutters cost UK projects can be higher due to bespoke shaping.

What Affects Cost?

Pricing varies based on:

Material

  • Hardwood type
  • Specialist moisture-resistant materials
  • Finish and paint options

Window Shape

  • Bay windows
  • Sash windows
  • Large spans
  • Special shapes

Customisation

  • Hidden tilt rods
  • Louvre size
  • Colour options
  • Tier-on-tier configurations

If you’d like tailored pricing, request a free home survey and get expert advice.

What Materials Are Best for Plantation Shutters?

This is something many homeowners overlook — but material matters hugely.
At Totally Shutters, we specialise primarily in hardwood shutters, not MDF.
That’s an intentional quality decision.

Paulownia Hardwood Shutters

Paulownia is a premium hardwood valued for:

  • Lightweight strength
  • Excellent stability
  • Smooth painted finish
  • Wider panels with less weight
  • Long-term durability

It’s one of the reasons our shutters feel refined and operate so smoothly.

Poplar Hardwood Shutters

We also commonly use Poplar hardwood, which is ideal for:

  • Traditional and period homes
  • Strong durable panels
  • Beautiful painted finishes
  • Everyday family living

For many homeowners, it offers the perfect balance of elegance and practicality.

What About Bathrooms?

For bathrooms or high-moisture spaces, we may recommend specialist vinyl shutters.

These are ideal because they resist:

  • Warping
  • Moisture damage
  • Humidity issues

Perfect for:

  • Bathrooms
  • En-suites
  • Wet rooms

Do You Offer MDF Shutters?

No — and that’s deliberate.

We do not use MDF.

We focus on hardwood (and vinyl where appropriate) because we believe they offer:

  • Better longevity
  • Better stability
  • More refined finish
  • Premium performance

For homeowners looking for a long-term investment, hardwood is often the superior choice.

Shutters vs Blinds by Room

Bedrooms

Full height shutters are especially popular because they offer:

  • Privacy
  • Better darkness
  • Calm, uncluttered styling

Living Rooms

Shutters work beautifully in living spaces because they balance:

  • Daylight
  • Privacy
  • Design impact

Especially in bay windows.

Bay Windows

One of the clearest wins for shutters.

They:

  • Follow the shape perfectly
  • Enhance original architecture
  • Look far more cohesive than blinds

If you’re searching plantation shutters London or made to measure shutters Kent, bay windows are often where shutters make the biggest impact.

Cozy living room with a bay window and white shutters, two gray armchairs, a small round table, and a braided rug.

Full Height vs Tier-on-Tier

Full Height

Best for:

  • Bedrooms
  • Modern homes
  • Larger windows
  • Simplicity
shutters-tier-on-tier

Tier-on-Tier

Best for:

  • Street-facing homes
  • Victorian properties
  • Flexible privacy
  • Traditional interiors

If privacy is a priority, they’re worth considering.

Shutters vs Curtains?

Shutters generally offer:

  • Better light control
  • Less maintenance
  • Better insulation
  • Cleaner aesthetics

Many homeowners now pair shutters with curtains for softness.

Best of both.

So — Should You Choose Shutters or Blinds in 2026?

Choose blinds if:

  • Budget is the main priority
  • You need a temporary solution
  • It’s a low-use room

Choose shutters if you want:

  • Better privacy
  • Superior insulation
  • Long-term value
  • Premium appearance
  • Hardwood craftsmanship

For most homeowners improving their forever home… Shutters usually win.

Why Choose Totally Shutters?

We design and install premium made-to-measure plantation shutters across:

  • London
  • Kent
  • Surrey
  • Essex
  • The Home Counties

Homeowners choose us for:

  • Hardwood craftsmanship
  • Bespoke design advice
  • Precision installation
  • Experience in period and modern homes
  • No-MDF premium shutter solutions

If you’d like expert advice, speak to our team or request a free home survey.

Design Your Perfect Shutters Today

Ready to explore the right shutters for your home?

If you’re considering plantation shutters, the next step is simple:
Call us on 020 3960 6963
Email sales@totallyshutters.co.uk
Visit www.totallyshutters.co.uk

Or request a free home survey and get expert advice tailored to your space.

Get a Free Quote

FAQs:

For privacy, insulation, durability and appearance — generally yes.

Many homeowners prefer hardwood for its strength, finish and longevity. At Totally Shutters, we focus on hardwood rather than MDF for exactly those reasons.

Yes — moisture-resistant vinyl shutters are ideal for bathrooms and wet rooms.

For many homeowners, yes. They often deliver better long-term value than blinds.

Absolutely. They’re one of the best treatments available for bays.

Yes — well-fitted shutters can help improve insulation, particularly in older UK homes.

If you’re comparing shutters vs blinds for UK homes in 2026, the better question may be:

Which option will still look and perform beautifully ten years from now?

For many homeowners, the answer is shutters.

What Are Plantation Shutters? Complete UK Guide

Modern kitchen with blue cabinets and large black-framed windows with shutters; sink and countertop visible.

If you’ve ever struggled with too much light in the morning, a lack of privacy in street-facing rooms, or curtains that just feel outdated — you’re not alone.

Many UK homeowners are now turning to plantation shutters as a smarter, more stylish solution. But what exactly are they, and are they worth the investment?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from styles and costs to whether shutters are better than blinds — so you can decide if they’re right for your home.

What Are Plantation Shutters?

Cozy living room with a bay window and white shutters, two gray armchairs, a small round table, and a braided rug.

Plantation shutters are solid window coverings made from wood or MDF, fitted neatly within your window frame. They feature adjustable horizontal slats (called louvres) that allow you to control light and privacy with precision.

Unlike curtains or blinds, shutters are:

  • Fixed to the window (not hanging)
  • Made to measure for a seamless fit
  • Designed to become a permanent part of your interior

They originated in warmer climates (hence the name “plantation”), but have become hugely popular in the UK — especially in London, Kent, Surrey, and Essex homes.

Why Are Plantation Shutters So Popular in the UK?

There’s a reason searches like “plantation shutters London” and “are shutters better than blinds UK” are growing every year.

Key Benefits

  • Privacy without blocking light
  • Excellent light control (tilt slats to your preference)
  • Improved insulation (keep heat in during winter)
  • Timeless design that suits both period and modern homes
  • Adds value and kerb appeal

For many homeowners, shutters strike the perfect balance between style and practicality.

Types of Plantation Shutters Explained

Full Height Shutters

Cover the entire window from top to bottom.

Best for:

  • Bedrooms
  • Living rooms
  • French doors

👉 Most popular choice across UK homes

Bedroom with white window shutters, gray curtains, and a neatly made white bed against light walls.

Tier-on-Tier Shutters

Top and bottom panels operate independently.

Best for:

  • Street-facing homes
  • Period properties (Victorian/Edwardian)

👉 Ideal if you want privacy below and light above

Café-Style Shutters

Cover only the lower half of the window.

Best for:

  • Kitchens
  • Ground-floor rooms
  • Urban properties

👉 A stylish solution for privacy without sacrificing daylight

Bright bedroom featuring a curved bay window with white plantation shutters, a built-in window seat, and part of a metal-bed frame in the foreground.

Bay Window Shutters

Bay windows are common across London and the Home Counties — and shutters are one of the best ways to dress them.

👉 Made-to-measure shutters follow the exact shape of the bay, creating a clean, architectural look.

How Much Do Plantation Shutters Cost in the UK?

Cost is one of the most searched questions — and understandably so.

Typical UK Price Guide

  • £250 – £350 per m² (MDF shutters)
  • £350 – £600+ per m² (hardwood shutters)

Or roughly:

  • £300 – £800+ per window, depending on size and specification
Modern kitchen with blue cabinets and large black-framed windows with shutters; sink and countertop visible.

What Affects the Cost?

Several factors influence pricing:

  • Material
    • MDF (more affordable)
    • Hardwood (premium finish, longer lifespan)
  • Window type
    • Bay windows cost more due to complexity
    • Large spans require more panels
  • Finish
    • Standard white vs custom colours
    • Special finishes (e.g. wood grain)
  • Design style
    • Tier-on-tier is usually more expensive than full height
  • Installation
    • Professional fitting ensures perfect alignment and longevity

If you’re searching “bay window shutters cost UK” — expect these to sit at the higher end due to bespoke shaping.

Shutters vs Blinds: Which Is Better?

👉 Verdict: If you’re looking for a long-term investment and premium finish, shutters win.

Plantation Shutters vs Curtains

👉 Verdict: Shutters offer more flexibility and a cleaner look, especially in modern homes.

Wooden vs MDF Shutters

MDF Shutters
  • More affordable
  • Durable and resistant to warping
  • Ideal for most standard windows
Hardwood Shutters
  • Premium look and feel
  • Wider panels available
  • Longer lifespan

👉 Many homeowners in Kent, Surrey, and Essex choose MDF for value, while hardwood is popular in high-end London properties.

Where Do Plantation Shutters Work Best?

Ideal Use Cases

  • Bay windows – enhances architectural features
  • Victorian & Edwardian homes – perfect for sash windows
  • Street-facing rooms – maintain privacy without darkness
  • Bedrooms – better sleep with controlled light
  • New builds – adds character to modern spaces

Design Tips: Getting the Most from Your Shutters

Light Control

Tilt louvres upwards to let light in while maintaining privacy.

Colour Choices

  • White shutters – timeless, bright, and most popular
  • Custom colours – match walls or contrast for impact

Maximising Natural Light

Opt for:

  • Tier-on-tier designs
  • Wider louvre sizes

Matching Your Interior

Shutters suit:

  • Minimalist interiors
  • Traditional homes
  • Contemporary spaces

👉 They’re one of the few window solutions that work across all styles

Are Plantation Shutters Worth It?

In short — yes, if you value:

  • Longevity
  • Style
  • Practical performance

They’re not the cheapest option upfront, but they often outlast and outperform blinds and curtains, making them a smart long-term investment.

Why Choose Totally Shutters?

At Totally Shutters, we specialise in made to measure shutters in London, Kent, Surrey, and Essex, with nationwide capability.

We offer:

  • Expert home surveys
  • Bespoke design advice
  • High-quality craftsmanship
  • Professional installation

    Whether you’re updating a period property or finishing a new build, our team ensures a perfect fit — every time.


    Ready to Transform Your Windows?

    If you’re considering plantation shutters, the next step is simple:
    Call us on 020 3960 6963
    Email sales@totallyshutters.co.uk
    Visit www.totallyshutters.co.uk

    Or request a free home survey and get expert advice tailored to your space.

Get a Free Quote

FAQs: Plantation Shutters (UK)

Yes — they offer better durability, insulation, and a more premium appearance, making them a popular long-term choice.

They can — especially in London and the Home Counties, where buyers value quality finishes and built-in features.

Absolutely. You can angle the louvres to block visibility while still allowing light in.

Typically 10–20 years or more, depending on material and usage.

Yes — they are one of the best solutions for bay windows due to their made-to-measure design.

If you’re exploring “made to measure shutters Kent” or comparing options in London and beyond, plantation shutters remain one of the smartest, most stylish choices available today.

Are Shutters Good for Insulation?

are-shutters-good-for-insulation

Curtains, blinds, shades and shutters. There are a variety of different shutters but which one comes out on top? All of these window coverings come in all types of shapes and sizes and they’re no doubt stylish in their own right. However, do they offer insulation? For most of these window coverings, the answer is no.  Fortunately, we have one knight in shining armour that offers excellent insulation: window shutters! In particular, wooden and plantation shutters. Aside from their bespoke beauty, window shutters are famous for their excellent insulation.

 

Is Insulation Important?

 

For many of us, insulation is incredibly important. There’s nothing worse than an annoying draught that creeps into your home and makes you cold. You’re left with no choice but to turn on the heaters which means your energy bills will go up. That’s why window shutters make a great addition to your home.

 

Window shutters keep those annoying draughts out and trap heat inside. This naturally means that your home will be kept warmer without relying on your heating. Due to their energy efficiency, you will soon see your energy bills decrease.

 

Unfortunately, curtains and blinds aren’t as energy efficient. This is because they merely cover the window without acting as a barrier. Thus, pesky draught will manage to infiltrate your home.

 

The Benefits of Shutters in the Summer Months 

 

Shutters aren’t just good for winter heat loss; they also reduce heat gain in the summer. It’s common for heat gain to take place in the home during the summer. This causes stuffy and suffocating rooms. While curtains and other methods can keep the heat out, they often completely block out light, and heat still sneaks into your room

 

That’s not the case with shutters. You can control how much heat you let in when you have plantation shutters. All you need to do is move the louvers up and down until you feel comfortable with the heat and light in your room. So, no more depending on the AC during the summer.

 

Which Shutters Offer the Best Energy Efficiency

 

There are a variety of different shutter styles, and each has its own unique beauty. However, their insulating features depend on their style.

 

Solid Shutters– Wooden shutters are great for insulation, but solid wooden shutters? Well, they’re in a league of their own. Solid shutters completely block out light and they offer incredible insulation.

 

Full Height Shutters– Full-height plantation shutters offer excellent insulation, but they also allow for temperature control.

 

Cafe Style Shutters– These shutters are known for their beauty, but they compromise on insulation.  The upper portion of your window will remain uncovered, which has an impact on the temperature of your room.

 

Are Shutters Right for You?

 

There are a variety of shutters you can choose; from solid shutters to plantation shutters- the options are endless! Aside from offering incredible insulation, they also offer a chic beauty that you can’t find with other window coverings.

 

Take a look at our shutters to find your perfect, insulating shutters.

Plantation Shutters: Should They Be Lighter or Darker Than My Interior?

wood-plantation-shutters-kent

Plantation shutters are a bespoke product; every detail chosen by you takes you a step closer to your perfect window covering.

Some decisions come naturally – you may know which style plantation shutter you want, tier-on-tier, cafe style, full height or solid. However, some choices can be more difficult.

Colour choice is often one of the factors that customers struggle with deciding. Then the fun begins when choosing the finer colour choices.

A question we often hear when customers are deciding the colour for their plantation shutters is: should my shutters be lighter or darker than their surrounding walls?

Light vs Dark

Just like all design selections, the answer to the question very much comes down to personal preference and what you are looking to achieve in your interiors.

When deciding the colour for your shutters, ask: how do I want the shutters to feature in each room? Do I want them to blend seamlessly into the chic architecture or be a statement addition?

The most common choice for painted shutters is often to choose a finish that is the same colour as the walls or lighter. However, darker colours can create a wonderful contrast and is a popular choice for those looking to make a bolder statement.

If you’re finding yourself on the fence on whether to go a lighter or darker colour finish, our shutter specialists can talk you through the different choices at your free, no obligation in-house survey.

 

For more information on plantation shutters or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Are My Windows too High for Plantation Shutters?

At Totally Shutters, we are often confronted by customers who want plantation shutters but believe their windows are too high up.

At first, they believe their windows cannot be covered with plantation shutters, and then they believe they cannot open and close them.

Plantation shutters for high windows

Plantation shutters can be installed on almost any window, no matter how high the window may seem.

If you want to have control of the louvres and the shutter panels of your plantation shutters and they’re too high to reach, a telescopic pole is an ideal solution. It extends to reach and has a shaped rubber end, perfect for getting between the slats to control them without damaging anything.

 

For more information on plantation shutters or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Can Plantation Shutters Prevent Condensation on Windows?

The temperatures have dropped, and as we prepare our homes for winter, the windows become more prone to condensation.

Window condensation can be a nightmare for any homeowner, leading to mould and mildew growth. But what causes condensation, and is there anything that to prevent it? And can plantation shutters help prevent condensation?

What causes condensation on windows?

Condensation is when water vapour in the air deposits itself on surfaces at lower temperatures. When most air comes into contact with the cold glass surface of a window, it condenses and forms droplets.

Internal condensation often occurs due to humidity within the space or insufficient air circulation.

How can plantation shutters help to stop condensation on windows?

Condensation on windows can be a problem, especially in the winter. Plantation shutters can help reduce condensation effectively.

As shutters have moveable slats, allowing for the windows to be open with privacy maintained to keep ventilation and reduce condensation.

 

For more information on plantation shutters or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

My Shutter Slat is Broken – How Can I Repair It?

Accidents happen, and over the years we have come across a number of incidents that have resulted in plantation shutters being broken.

From shutters being at the brunt end of being hit by a ball to animals using the window dressing as a scratching post, it seems that even something as robust as plantation shutters can still be the victim of accidental damage.

We are therefore occasionally contacted by disgruntled homeowners asking “how can I repair my broken plantation shutter?”

Replacing your broken plantation shutter slat

In most cases, where a slat has been broken, we can arrange for a replacement slat to be fitted in place and get those plantation shutters back to their beautifully finished former self.

To order a replacement slat, simply get in touch with our team of shutter experts, who will be able to assist. Replacement slats will be linked to your previous order so that batching methods are precisely matched in manufacturing the slat, ensuring the exact match to the shutters in place.

For this reason, we are only able to offer replacement slats for plantation shutters that have been supplied by Totally Shutters.

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For more information on repairing a broken plantation shutter slat or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Reduce Hayfever with Plantation Shutters

Daytime is getting longer, the sun is finally making an appearance, and Summer will be here before we know it. 

As much as we love the sun, let’s not forget the rise in pollen count over the Summer season. And for those who suffer from hayfever allergies, sneezing, puffy eyes, and other symptoms can be too overbearing to handle.

What if we told you plantation shutters help reduce allergies in your household?

Plantation shutters for hayfever 

As pollen and dust come through the window, fabric curtains and blinds absorb these elements and make it hard to handle for hayfever sufferers. As a result, many sufferers choose to overheat in their homes rather than open their windows.

Plantation shutters, on the other hand, are the ideal choice for hayfever suffers, as you can open your windows and block these elements by keeping the shutter slats closed. They are also easy to clean, removing the pollen and dust build-up with a quick wipe down.

Great for pet allergies too

It’s not just pollen allergies that can be a nightmare to deal with, as pet hair can contribute to all-year-round allergies. Just like pollen and dust, pet hair collects on fabric, but because plantation shutters are made from hardwood, nothing sticks to them, and they’re easy to wipe down.

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For more information on plantation shutters for your home and their benefits or to book your free no obligation in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

How Do Plantation Shutters Open and Close?

In terms of flexibility, plantation shutters are the ideal window treatment. You can tilt the slats to adjust privacy levels and light control, and you can create separate sections of moving louvres using mid-rails. You also choose how many shutter panels you have in each window opening and how those panels open.

How plantation shutter slats open and close

Plantation shutters are designed with the louvres closing fully flat in the upward position. This design provides you with the optimum light blockage and privacy, as no passers-by can peer into your home through the slats. 

The louvres slightly overlap one another which creates a seal that blocks light and insulates your home. You can also add a mid-rail to separate the upper and lower sections of the slats for separate control, keeping the bottom closed for privacy while letting in light from the top.

Central tilt rod vs hidden tilt rod

With a hidden tilt rod, the louvres are connected by a thin metal rod in the back of the panel, hidden off to the side near the hinges. To move the louvres, you will turn one by hand, and the rest on that rod will move in unison.

For windows over 42″ in height, a central split tilt may be added to the hidden tilt rod to allow separate control of the upper and lower slats as well as for overall structural integrity. The split tilt gives the same functionality as a central mid-rail without having a solid rail separating the upper and lower sections.

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For more information on plantation shutters central tilt rod and hidden tilt rod or to book your free no obligation in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Choosing the Right Plantation Shutters for Your Children’s Bedrooms

Are you looking for a new window covering to dress your child(ren)’s bedroom(s) but unsure which option would be best? If you’re looking for a stylish option that would provide maximum light control, privacy and safety, plantation shutters may be the option for you. 

Benefits of Plantation Shutters for Children’s Bedrooms

Plantation shutters host a range of benefits, including maximum light and privacy control. However, they also have a handful of benefits that are paramount to children’s bedrooms:

Safety: 

Certain types of window dressings are not ideal for children, particularly blinds that have a long drawstring. These window dressings can be very dangerous for a baby or small child to play near. Plantation shutters are installed safely inside the window frame with no drawstrings, keeping the whole ensemble out of reach.

Security:

Plantation shutters add an extra layer to your home. Made-to-fit your window perfectly, they make it impossible to see inside of your home, so no passers-by will be able to peek inside. The shutter slats can be angled to let light and fresh air in without making it easy for people to see inside your home. 

Light blocking:

Plantation shutters help children sleep better at night by blocking out outside noise and sounds. They block sunlight from entering the house when it’s time for sunrise. This is particularly useful for nap times and during the longer days of the year. 

Choosing the perfect plantation shutters for your children’s room

If you’re preparing a nursery, you may have a colour scheme in mind, and you may be considering shutters in that colour. However, you must remember that your baby will grow up, and this colour may not serve them through the years.

We advise keeping your plantation shutters neutral and consider adding a splash of colour to your nursery with paint, furniture and other decorations. 

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For more information on plantation shutters for children’s bedrooms or to book your free no obligation in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.