How to Measure for Exterior Shutters: A Complete Sizing Guide
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Choosing the right exterior shutters can completely change the appearance of your home—but getting the size right is just as important as choosing the style.
For decorative exterior shutters, start by measuring the height and width of the window and its trim. In most cases, the shutter height should closely match the height of the window, while the shutter width should be proportional to the window and the available space beside it.
Because decorative shutters do not actually need to close over the window, there is some flexibility. The goal is to make the shutters look properly scaled to the house rather than too small, too narrow, or oversized.
In this guide, we'll explain exactly how to measure for exterior shutters and how to choose a size that looks right on your home.
Decorative vs. Functional Exterior Shutters
Before measuring, determine whether your shutters will be functional or decorative.
Functional shutters are installed on hinges and are designed to swing closed over the window. Because they need to cover the entire window opening, their dimensions have to be very precise.
Decorative shutters are permanently mounted beside the window and are used primarily to add architectural detail and curb appeal.
At High Springs Shutter Company, our exterior PVC shutters are designed as decorative exterior shutters, so you have considerably more flexibility when choosing the width.
That flexibility is especially useful when dealing with:
- Windows located close together
- Limited wall space
- Exterior light fixtures
- Corners of the house
- Different window sizes
- Decorative window trim
- Unique architectural features
The objective is to create a balanced appearance across the entire home.
What Size Should Exterior Shutters Be?
A good starting point is:
Shutter height: Approximately the same height as the window and surrounding casing.
Shutter width: Generally about 25% to 33% of the total window width for many decorative installations.
However, these are guidelines rather than absolute rules.
A traditional shutter that appears capable of closing over the window would normally be approximately half the width of the window opening. Decorative shutters are often narrower because they remain fixed beside the window and because many homes do not have enough wall space for full-width shutters.
The most important consideration is proportion.
Step 1: Measure the Window Height
Use a metal tape measure and measure from the top of the window or window casing to the bottom.
If your window has a sill projecting underneath it, you generally do not need to include the sill itself in the measurement.
For decorative shutters, a shutter approximately equal to the window's overall visual height usually creates the most natural appearance.
Example
If the visible window and casing measure approximately:
60 inches tall
A shutter around:
60 inches tall
will usually look proportional.
You don't necessarily need to match the measurement to the fraction of an inch. Decorative shutters allow some visual flexibility.
Step 2: Measure the Window Width
Next, measure the total width of the window.
This measurement helps determine how wide each shutter should be.
For many decorative installations, a useful starting point is roughly one-quarter to one-third of the overall window width per shutter.
For example:
| Window Width | Possible Decorative Shutter Width |
|---|---|
| 36 inches | 9–12 inches |
| 48 inches | 12–16 inches |
| 60 inches | 15–20 inches |
| 72 inches | 18–24 inches |
These are not mandatory sizes. Exterior architecture varies considerably, so available wall space and visual balance should also influence your decision.
Step 3: Measure the Available Wall Space
This step is frequently overlooked.
Measure the space between the edge of the window and anything that might interfere with the shutter.
Check for:
- Exterior corners
- Adjacent windows
- Porch columns
- Outdoor lighting
- Electrical boxes
- Downspouts
- Trim
- Decorative siding details
Suppose your ideal shutter width based on the window is 16 inches, but you have only 13 inches of usable wall space.
A slightly narrower custom shutter may look considerably better than trying to force an oversized shutter into the area.
Step 4: Check Every Window
Do not assume every window on your house is identical.
Even windows that appear the same from the ground may have slightly different dimensions.
Measure each window individually and write down:
Window location:
Window height:
Window width:
Available space on left:
Available space on right:
This is particularly important when ordering custom exterior shutters.
Should Exterior Shutters Be the Same Height as the Window?
Generally, yes.
Decorative exterior shutters usually look best when their height closely matches the visual height of the window.
A common exterior design mistake is using shutters that are noticeably shorter than the window. This can make the shutters look undersized and disconnected from the architecture.
The shutter doesn't necessarily need to match every fraction of an inch, but it should visually align with the top and bottom of the window.
How Wide Should Exterior Shutters Be?
There is no single correct width for every decorative shutter.
For purely decorative shutters, approximately 25% to 33% of the window width per shutter is a useful starting point.
For a more historically traditional appearance, shutters may be wider so that the pair looks as though it could completely cover the window if closed.
But modern homes frequently have large windows, closely spaced windows, wide trim, or limited wall space that makes traditional proportions impractical.
In those cases, choose a width that maintains visual balance.
What About Double or Triple Windows?
Large grouped windows require a slightly different approach.
Trying to make each decorative shutter wide enough to theoretically cover half of a large double or triple window can result in extremely wide shutters.
Instead, consider the overall architecture of the home.
A narrower decorative shutter on each outside edge of the window group can often provide the architectural accent you want without overwhelming the window.
The goal is not necessarily mathematical perfection. It is making the shutters look intentional and proportional from the street.
Should All Shutters on a House Be the Same Width?
Not necessarily.
If your home has windows of significantly different sizes, using different shutter widths may provide better proportions.
However, consistency is important.
Windows that are similar in size and located near one another will generally look best with the same shutter width.
For example, if most front windows use 14-inch-wide shutters, switching to 18-inch shutters on an almost identical window may be visually distracting.
Why Custom Shutter Sizes Matter
Many inexpensive exterior shutters are manufactured only in a limited number of standard sizes.
That can force homeowners to use shutters that are:
- Too short
- Too narrow
- Too wide
- Poorly proportioned for the window
Custom exterior shutters allow the shutter dimensions to better match the actual architecture of the home.
At High Springs Shutter Company, we manufacture custom decorative exterior shutters from expanded PVC, allowing homeowners to choose both the size and design that work with their home.
Expanded PVC is also well suited to outdoor applications because it is moisture resistant and does not absorb water like wood.
Choosing the Right Shutter Style
Once you have determined the approximate size, the next step is choosing a design that complements your home.
Different architectural styles can support very different shutter designs.
Coastal and Beach Homes
Palm trees, sea turtles, anchors, sailboats, shells, and other coastal designs can add character to beach houses and coastal-style homes.
Explore our Beach House Shutters for coastal designs.
Cottage and Farmhouse Homes
Simple decorative cutouts and traditional shapes can work particularly well with cottages, farmhouses, and country-style homes.
Explore our Cottage Shutters.
Modern Homes
Geometric patterns and clean lines can complement mid-century and contemporary architecture.
Explore our Modern Exterior Shutters.
Cabin and Lake Homes
Wildlife, trees, bears, mountains, and outdoor-inspired designs can complement cabins, lake houses, and rustic homes.
Explore our Cabin Shutters.
Don't Forget Shutter Placement
Even perfectly sized shutters can look wrong if they are installed incorrectly.
Before drilling any holes, position the shutters beside the window and step several feet away from the house.
Check:
- Alignment with the top of the window
- Alignment with the bottom of the window
- Distance between the shutter and window
- Distance from corners or other shutters
- Overall symmetry
If possible, have another person hold the shutter in position while you view it from farther away.
Small positioning changes can make a surprisingly large visual difference.
Exterior Shutter Measuring Checklist
Before ordering your shutters, confirm the following:
- Measure every window individually.
- Measure the window height.
- Measure the window width.
- Measure available wall space.
- Check for lights, downspouts, trim, and other obstructions.
- Choose a shutter width proportional to the window.
- Keep similar windows visually consistent.
- Double-check every measurement before ordering.
Because custom shutters are made specifically for your order, checking your dimensions before purchasing is especially important.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exterior Shutter Sizing
What size exterior shutters do I need?
For decorative shutters, choose a height approximately equal to the visible height of the window and casing. For width, approximately 25% to 33% of the total window width per shutter is a useful starting point, although available wall space and the architecture of the home should also be considered.
How do I measure for decorative exterior shutters?
Measure the overall height and width of the window, then measure the available wall space on both sides. Use the window dimensions to determine proportional shutter dimensions while making sure the selected shutter will fit comfortably beside the window.
Should shutters be the same height as the window?
Decorative exterior shutters generally look best when they approximately match the visual height of the window.
How wide should decorative shutters be?
A common starting point is approximately one-quarter to one-third of the window width for each decorative shutter. Wider shutters can provide a more traditional appearance, while narrower shutters may be appropriate when wall space is limited.
Do exterior shutters need to cover the entire window?
Functional shutters should be sized so they can cover the window when closed. Decorative shutters do not need to cover the opening because they remain mounted beside the window.
Can exterior shutters be custom sized?
Yes. Custom sizing allows decorative shutters to better match unusual windows, limited wall space, or the proportions of a specific home.
Should I measure the window or the trim?
For decorative shutters, consider the entire visible window assembly—including the casing or trim—because the objective is visual proportion rather than fitting inside the window opening.
Find the Right Custom Exterior Shutters for Your Home
Correct sizing makes a major difference in how exterior shutters look once installed.
Start by measuring the height and width of each window, check the wall space available beside it, and choose a shutter size that looks proportional to both the window and the house.
High Springs Shutter Company creates custom decorative PVC exterior shutters in coastal, cottage, modern, cabin, animal, nautical, and other designs.
Browse our Custom PVC Exterior Shutters to find a style for your home, or contact us if you're unsure which shutter size would work best for your windows.