What Size Shutters Do I Need? How to Measure Your Windows and Order With Confidence
The most common mistake homeowners make when ordering shutters isn't choosing the wrong style or the wrong wood: it's ordering the wrong size. And unlike paint color, you can't just try again tomorrow. This guide walks you through everything you need to know so you can measure once, order with confidence, and look forward to the moment your shutters go up.
Why Getting the Size Right Changes Everything
A shutter that's even an inch too narrow looks like it doesn't belong. A shutter that's too wide overwhelms the window and throws off the entire facade of your home. But a shutter sized correctly? It looks like it was always meant to be there.
The good news is that sizing shutters is simpler than most people think. There's one core formula that applies to almost every window, and once you know it, measuring your entire home takes less than an afternoon.
The Golden Rule of Shutter Sizing
When shutters are installed in pairs (one on each side of a window), each individual shutter should equal half the width of the window opening. This ensures that if the shutters were ever closed, they would meet in the middle and cover the window completely. It's the standard that craftsmen and architects have followed for generations.
Here's the formula:
Measure the width of your window opening from inside edge to inside edge. Divide that number by two. That is the width of each individual shutter.
Example: A window that measures 36" wide requires two shutters. Each shutter should be 18" wide
For height, measure the full height of the window opening from top to bottom. Your shutters should match that height exactly. This keeps proportions clean and ensures the shutters frame the window naturally without leaving awkward gaps above or below.
Step by Step: How to Measure for Shutters
What you'll need: A tape measure, a pencil, and a notepad
Step 1 — Measure the Width
Measure your window opening from the inside edge of the trim on the left to the inside edge of the trim on the right. Write this number down.
Step 2 — Divide by Two
Divide your width measurement by two. This is the width of each individual shutter in the pair.
Step 3 — Measure the Height
Measure the full height of the window opening from the top of the trim to the bottom. Write this number down.
Step 4 — Double Check Everything
Take each measurement a second time before ordering. Accurate measurements help make sure you choose the right standard size, or let us know if you need a custom width. Thirty seconds of double checking can save a lot of frustration.
Step 5 — Place Your Order
Choose the standard width closest to your measurement for a single shutter, and enter the full height when placing your order. Set the quantity to 2 for a pair. If your measurement falls between our standard widths, or you'd like a custom width or other customizations like hardware, message us at 479-388-0570 or info@woodgablevent.com and we'll help you get it right.
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Order
Functional vs Decorative Installation
If you plan to install your shutters with functional hardware so they open and close over the window, make sure the wall space beside your window is wide enough to accommodate the open shutter. Each shutter needs roughly its own width of clear wall space on the hinge side to swing open fully.
Learn more about functional shutter hardware and installation options.
Standard Widths, With Custom Options Available
Our shutters are built in a set of standard width sizes to keep quality high and turnaround times reasonable. When you order, choose the standard width closest to your measurement. If your window falls between sizes, or you're looking for a custom width or other customizations like hardware, message us at 479-388-0570 or info@woodgablevent.com and we'll help you get the right fit.
Explore Our Shutter Styles
Once you have your measurements, the fun begins. Each of our shutter styles brings its own character and personality to a home's exterior:
Louvered Shutters — a timeless classic with open or closed louver options and natural ventilation
Board and Batten Shutters — bold vertical lines with honest, rustic character
Raised Panel Shutters — refined and elegant with a traditional architectural feel
Flat Panel Shutters — clean and versatile, at home on modern and traditional exteriors alike
Diagonal Slat Shutters — distinctive and dynamic with a look that stands apart
Frequently Asked Questions
Should shutters be the same height as the window?
Yes. For the most proportional and authentic look, your shutters should match the full height of your window opening from top to bottom. This is the standard followed by craftsmen and architects and is the measurement we build to.
What if my windows are all different sizes?
That's completely normal and exactly why custom shutters exist. Each window gets its own measurement and its own set of shutters built to fit. Simply measure each window individually and place your order with the correct dimensions for each.
Can I order a single shutter instead of a pair?
Absolutely. Our shutters are sold individually so you have full control over quantity. Simply set the quantity to 1 for a single shutter or 2 for a pair.
What if my window size falls between standard increments?
We offer a set of standard width sizes to keep quality high and turnaround times reasonable. Message us at 479-388-0570 or info@woodgablevent.com and we'll help you find the right fit, including custom widths when you need one.
What if I measure wrong?
Double checking your measurements before ordering is always the best protection. If you have any questions or uncertainty before placing your order, reach out to us directly and we'll help you work through it before anything gets built.
Ready to Order Your Custom Shutters?
You have your measurements. Now it's time to build something beautiful.
Every shutter we build is handcrafted by skilled artisans who take genuine pride in every cut, every joint, and every finished product that leaves our shop. This isn't something you'll find at a big box store. This is a shutter built for you, and for the life of your home.
Comments