
Whilst shutters alone won’t provide complete blackout in a room, there are solutions to help achieve this, in a bedroom for example.
Solution 1: Shutters with integrated blackout blinds
We offer a built-in system with a blind mounted within a specially designed frame behind the shutter.
The blind runs in a channel behind the closed shutter panels and the channel acts to stop light going around the blind and therefore maximises light reduction.
These are the best shutters to block out light but are the most expensive of these four solutions.
Solution 2: Blackout blinds behind shutters

This is an excellent and cost effective way to achieve near blackout. We have used this approach ourselves in our children’s bedrooms. It’s a great way to create a sense of ‘its bedtime’ in those summer months, but also allowing a small amount of natural light for waking!
If you are unsure whether shutters alone will suffice, where the window reveal allows, we can mount the shutter with space to retrospectively fit a blind behind if light closure proves to be insufficient.
This allows you to try out your shutters first before incurring additional expense should you decide it’s required.
Plantation shutters with blackout blinds is an especially good option if you have never had shutters before and are used to Venetian blinds or curtains.
Solution 3: Shutters with curtains
A combination of treatments can often be very effective indeed and can create the light closure required.
If a heavy fabric curtain is hung in front, the combined efforts will usually provide the desired result.
Solution 4: Shutter design
Finally, there are elements of the shutter design that will assist with making a room darker.
Where you opt for a shutter in Pure White, when the louvres are open, these will actually help brighten a room.
However, if you were to opt for a dark wood shutter, or even a dark custom colour, when the louvres are closed, this will help darken the room.
You also have the option of considering a Solid shutter. With the absence of any louvres, when closed, this will most certainly achieve the desired result.
Do consider though, that in the daytime, your options are much reduced compared to a louvred shutter and you can only have the panels fully open or fully closed.