Are plantation shutters blackout?

Some people can drift off anywhere, but others need total darkness to sleep, no streetlights, no early-morning sunlight, not even the soft glow from a nearby lamppost. If you’re someone who relies on a pitch-black room for proper rest, the question of light control becomes incredibly important.

 

One of the most common concerns people have when investing in premium window shutters for their bedrooms is whether they’re blackout. They want the classic style, the lasting quality, and the proven privacy, but they worry the shutters won’t provide enough darkness for a restful night’s sleep.

 

The simple, honest answer is: No window shutter is 100% blackout, but some come very, very close.

 

Read on, and we’ll take you through how effective each shutter style is and which are best for a blackout effect. 

Shutters are one of the most effective light-reducing window treatments you can install. Their panels, adjustable louvres and made-to-measure fit help reduce glare and soften daylight far better than most blinds or curtains.

 

However, because shutters are designed with movable louvres and slim gaps around the frame, a small amount of light can still filter through. This is rarely disruptive for most people, but if you’re someone who needs total darkness, you’ll want to choose your shutter style carefully.

Not all shutters are created equal when it comes to light control. Here’s how each style performs:

 

Solid panel shutters – The most effective for blocking light

If achieving the darkest possible room is your priority, solid panel shutters are the strongest-performing option.

Unlike louvred shutters, solid panels have no slats or light-filtering sections, just a completely sealed, solid design that blocks up to 99% of external light.

When closed, solid shutters make the room pitch black, with only a tiny halo of light visible around the edges of the panels.

 

Full height shutters – Best for maximum light reduction

Full height shutters cover the entire window from top to bottom, giving strong control over light and privacy.

When closed, full height shutters make a room very dark, though a small amount of light can still filter through the louvres and around the edges of the panels. They’re ideal for bedrooms because they block most external light while maintaining the classic shutter look.

 

Tier-on-tier shutters – Flexible light control

Tier-on-tier shutters let you open the top and bottom panels independently, giving you flexibility in light and privacy.

When fully closed, they make the room dark, but because of the separate panels, a little light may leak where the joins meet. They’re great if you want control over how much light enters at different times of the day, but they won’t give a full blackout effect.

 

Café style shutters – Primary function is privacy rather than light control

Café style shutters cover only the lower half of the window, letting natural light in through the top.

They provide privacy and partial darkness, but they won’t make a bedroom fully dark. They’re perfect for daytime use in kitchens or living spaces where you want light at the top but still need coverage at the bottom.

 

If you love the look of shutters but still want that pitch-black finish, these solutions work brilliantly:

 

1. Add a blackout blind behind your shutters

This is one of the most effective setups. The shutter handles daytime use and privacy, and the blind adds blackout when needed.

 

2. Choose a deep frame and correct mounting

A made-to-measure frame with the correct depth will minimise gaps and reduce light seepage around the edges.

 

3. Opt for smaller louvres

Smaller louvres leave less space for light to pass through, giving better overall darkness.

 

4. Use curtains as a layered decoration

If you want hotel-style darkness, pairing full-height shutters with soft, blackout-lined curtains is unbeatable, and it adds a cosy, luxurious finish to the room.

Shutters can make a room very dark, but they won’t be 100% blackout on their own.

If your priority is a truly dark bedroom, solid panel shutters are the best choice, as they block up to 99% of external light. If you prefer the look of louvred shutters, you can still achieve near-blackout conditions by pairing them with curtains or blinds for an extra layer of light control.

With the right approach, shutters can give you:

• A beautifully dark room

• Complete privacy

• Thermal benefits

• A classic, high-end finish

So, whether you opt for solid panels or a layered louvred style, shutters are an excellent choice for combining darkness, comfort, and style in your bedroom.