When most people start looking at plantation shutters, they focus on colour, material, and style. Louvre size often gets overlooked. But it is one of the most important choices you will make, because it affects how the shutters look, how much light they let in, and how well they suit your windows and rooms.
This guide covers the four standard louvre sizes available for plantation shutters in Kent and helps you work out which one is right for your home.
What Is a Louvre?
A louvre is one of the horizontal slats that run across the face of a plantation shutter panel. You tilt them to control light and privacy. Louvre size refers to the width of each slat, measured in millimetres. The wider the louvre, the bigger each slat, and the fewer slats you will see on the panel.
The Four Standard Louvre Sizes
| Louvre Size | Best Described As | Best Suited To |
|---|---|---|
| 47mm | Small and traditional | Narrow windows, period homes, sash windows |
| 63mm | The most popular size | Most windows in standard UK homes |
| 76mm | Wide and modern | Larger windows, contemporary interiors |
| 89mm | Extra wide, bold look | Floor-to-ceiling windows, open-plan spaces |
47mm Louvres
The 47mm louvre is the smallest standard size. Because each slat is narrow, you get more slats per panel, which creates a finer, more traditional look. It works well for narrow windows, Victorian and Georgian period homes, sash windows, and smaller rooms like bathrooms.
It is also a popular choice for cafe style shutters, which cover only the lower half of a window. Because cafe style panels are shorter in height, a smaller louvre keeps the proportions looking right.
63mm Louvres
The 63mm louvre is the most popular size fitted in UK homes. It sits in the middle of the range and works well in most rooms and with most window sizes. It offers a clean, classic look without feeling too chunky or too fine, and it suits both modern and traditional interiors.
This size is especially common in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and kitchens. It is also the size most often chosen for tier on tier shutters, where the top and bottom panels operate independently. The 63mm louvre keeps the proportion looking balanced across each half of the panel.
If you are unsure which size to go for, 63mm is a safe and smart starting point.
76mm Louvres
The 76mm louvre is noticeably wider. Each slat is bigger, so there are fewer of them on the panel, giving the shutter a bolder, more contemporary look. It suits larger windows, open-plan living areas, bay windows with wide panes, and homes with a clean, minimal style.
When fully open, 76mm louvres let in significantly more light than the 47mm option, and the view through is much clearer. According to the Energy Saving Trust’s guidance on energy efficient windows, reducing heat loss through windows matters for home energy efficiency, and a well-fitted shutter helps with that regardless of louvre size.
89mm Louvres
The 89mm louvre is the widest standard size. It gives shutters a bold, statement look that works best in spaces with large windows or high ceilings, including floor-to-ceiling openings, bi-fold door spans, and open-plan rooms.
When fully open, the view through is almost unobstructed, making it popular for rooms facing a garden or an attractive outlook. One thing to note: on very narrow or short windows, 89mm louvres can look out of proportion. For windows under around 600mm in height, a smaller size usually fits better.
How Window Height Affects Your Choice
Window height is one of the most practical factors to consider.
Short windows (under 900mm): Stick to 47mm or 63mm. Larger louvres on a short window look unbalanced, with too few slats to fill the panel.
Medium windows (900mm to 1,500mm): All four sizes can work, but 63mm and 76mm tend to look the most natural. This covers most windows in standard UK homes.
Tall and floor-to-ceiling windows (over 1,500mm): The 76mm and 89mm louvres come into their own here, filling the space proportionally and letting in plenty of light.
See the Sizes in Your Own Home
The best way to choose is to see samples in your own light. At The VIP Shutter Co, we bring a full sample kit to every free survey so you can hold each size against your actual windows before committing to anything.
Whether you are considering full height shutters for a living room or cafe style shutters for a period property, louvre size is something we always walk through during the visit. No pressure, no commission, just honest advice.
Book a free home visit and we will come to you anywhere across Kent.
