How do Plantation Shutters fold back?

When considering shutters for the first time, you may wonder how panels will fold back against the wall once they have been installed.

The answer to this really depends on what configuration is selected for the window and the area which it is installed. Panel configurations are decided based on a couple of different variables including the size of the window, the preferred style of shutter, and the overall design looking to be achieved.

For standard mid-sized windows, single hinged panels are usually selected but this does depend on the window width. Multiple panels can make a window space look too busy as each panel houses the shutter louvres. So, the narrower the panel, the smaller slats will be.

If shutters are fitted on the front edge of the window space, the single panel will swing out and sit flush against the wall. Obstruction around the wall area or in front of the window may prevent this. If the shutter frame has been fitted further back within the window recess (anything further back than the front edge), panels will be restricted by the remaining recess in front of the window from opening beyond a 90-degree angle as they will naturally hit against the recess.

Bi-folding panels have different opening capacities to single opening options as multiple panels will all fold back to the same direction. Panels can either remain open as a combined width (one panel on top of another on part of the shutter) or fold on top of one another to reduce the size of the shutter folded back on the wall.

Shutters can also be installed onto track systems. Track systems are usually used for very large window areas where panels require additional support but are either too large for T-posts or are being used as a partition or sliding door of some description.  Shutters on track systems can be hinged with various different splits or to ‘float’ on the track where each panel is disconnected from each other. Panels that are hinged together fold at the hinges and will fold back into the edges.

The best way to achieve shutters that open as flush as possible onto a wall is to either choose a framing that face fixes onto the surrounding wall, or to have the frame side fixed at the front of the recess. This will mean that panels sit flat against a wall when open as there are no obstructions of extra wall space to obstruct full opening.

It is a common misconception that how a shutter opens is a significant feature and we occasionally see clients getting bogged down with this detail. In reality, the versatility that louvres offer by having varying tilt angle possibilities means that panels commonly remain closed unless cleaning the area behind. Prior to installing shutters, it is always worth considering exactly what the rate of use will be as sometimes the shutters overall aesthetic of the shutters and how they sit in a space may be a more important consideration than how panels will fold back.

Our experts are always on hand to help advise what the best option for you is and what shutter design will best meet all your needs. To book in for a full consultation today simply get in touch with one of our friendly team on 02088719333, or email hello@london-shutters.co.uk.