Shutters Design

Made-to-measure interior shutters in the South East of England

Shutters Design is a family-run company that designs, measures and installs made-to-measure interior shutters (plantation shutters). Its activity focuses on the UK residential market and covers everything from the initial visit to post-installation adjustment, without subcontracting the fitting. The firm presents itself as a single team handling the survey, measuring, installation and aftercare, so the customer always deals with the same people.

Two materials and two ways to order

The range is built around two main materials and two purchasing options that determine lead time and price.

• Polycomposite: waterproof material, designed for bathrooms, kitchens and rooms with regular moisture. It incorporates metal insertions in the louvres and frame which, according to the company, improve thermal and acoustic insulation compared to wood. It includes a ten-year guarantee.
• Hardwood: natural wood, lighter, suitable for dry rooms and larger panels. Durable surface finish and five-year guarantee.

Both materials are made to measure. The Express option is produced in the UK and has a lead time of two to three weeks. The Plan & Save option is made overseas to the same specification and extends the lead time to eight or nine weeks in exchange for a lower price. Lead times begin once the 50% deposit is paid and the order is placed.

Shutter styles according to the window and the room

The company organises its range by styles, with the criterion that the choice depends on the type of window, the use of the room and the degree of privacy or light control required.

• Full height: covers the entire window and offers a clean finish, with good privacy and simple operation.
• Cafe style: covers only the lower half and leaves the upper part free, ideal for street-facing facades where natural light is sought without sacrificing privacy at eye level.
• Tier on tier: independent upper and lower panels, designed for tall sash windows and bay windows, with separate control of light and privacy.

In addition to these three main styles, the firm offers specific solutions for bay windows, bifold doors, shaped windows, tracked sliding doors and solid panels. It also has aluminium security shutters for internal windows, with an optional locking feature.

Four-stage working process

The method described by the company consists of four steps and aims to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.

• Consultation: home visit to examine the windows and assess suitable styles and materials for each room, with no obligation.
• Specification and measuring: taking precise measurements and confirming details such as panel layout, frame type, louvre size, material and finish before placing the order.
• Installation: fitting carried out by the company's own team, with checks on alignment, louvre movement and panel operation, and final clean-up.
• Aftercare: support for adjustments, maintenance advice and warranty questions.

The home survey is free and without obligation in the covered areas. The company states that it responds within 24 hours, except on Sundays, and that the visit usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. The quote is normally sent the same day or the day after the assessment and no deposit is requested during the survey.

Indicative prices and factors that affect them

The rate is calculated per square metre for standard shutters. The consulted catalogue shows the following references, including VAT, home survey, supply and fitting: Express Polycomposite at £315/m², Express Hardwood at £380/m² and Plan & Save at £260/m² for both materials. Bay windows, tier-on-tier panels, shaped windows and tracked sliding doors require a prior survey to be quoted. The company notes that the final price depends on the window size, style, material and ordering option.

Installation, repair and restoration

Fitting time varies depending on the scope: a simple window usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes, a room between two and four hours, and a full installation of six to ten windows normally one day. Bay windows, shaped windows and tracked systems can take longer.

The company also services existing shutters through Shutter Installation, its specialist brand. It covers the repair of broken louvres, hinges, tilt rods and panels; the restoration of old or inherited shutters with frames in good condition but deteriorated finish or several faults; and the fitting of shutters purchased elsewhere or moved from another home.

Geographic coverage and customer service

Shutters Design works in 50 towns and areas across the UK, including Kingston, Esher, Wimbledon, Cobham, Richmond, Weybridge, Hampton, Surbiton, Twickenham, Teddington, Barnes and New Malden. The company asks customers to enter their postcode when starting the enquiry to confirm whether their address is within the coverage area.

Opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 19:00, and closed on Sundays. The firm operates under the company name Shutter Design Limited and maintains Shutters Design and Shutter Installation as separate service brands.