Whether you’re a nightworker who needs daytime sleep, a parent trying to keep nap times consistent, or you’re crafting the ultimate home cinema room, one thing’s certain: you want to banish sunlight from your room completely!
Window shutters are stylish, sturdy, and offer brilliant control over light and privacy. But let’s answer the big question once and for all:
Are shutters blackout?
In short: not completely.
Shutters are fantastic at dimming a room, cutting out glare, and giving you a huge amount of control over the light levels. But they’re not technically blackout on their own. That’s because even the best-fitted shutters will still have tiny gaps around the edges and between the louvres. It’s the nature of the design; they’re made to move.
That said, they’re far better than most curtains and blinds when it comes to managing light throughout the day. If you’re after something that gets you very close to blackout but still looks refined and timeless, shutters are a strong choice. You just might want to give them a little extra help.
What Type of Shutters Are Best for Darkness?
If reducing light is a top priority, then not all shutters are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
These cover the entire window from top to bottom, meaning fewer seams and less light leakage. They’re the best all-rounders for bedrooms and cinema rooms.
Tier-on-tier shutters give you great flexibility, but they do come with extra joins, which means more places for light to creep in. If you’re prioritising style and control over complete darkness, they’re still a great option.
This is the gold standard if you’re chasing blackout without compromising on looks. These shutters have a fitted, built-in blind that sits snugly behind the louvres. When closed together, they provide near-total darkness, we’ll get to that next.
Can You Add a Blackout Blind Behind Window Shutters?
Absolutely, and this is where things get clever.
If you want the aesthetic and privacy of window shutters but need complete darkness, combining shutters with a blackout blind is the way to go.
There are two ways to do it:
Add a separate blackout blind behind your shutters, a simple roller or cassette blind mounted inside the window recess. This works well and keeps things flexible.
Choose shutters with an integrated blackout blind, these are custom built to include a honeycomb-style blackout blind within the shutter frame itself. It’s a tidy, all-in-one solution that looks clean and performs brilliantly.
The beauty of this combo is you can enjoy soft natural light during the day with just the shutters, then draw the blind when it’s time to block it all out.
💡 Top Tip
Want to take your blackout setup even further? Try pairing shutters with curtains for the perfect blend of style and total light control. It’s easier than you think.
Read our guide to pairing shutters and curtains
Are Shutters Enough for a Dark Room?
They can be, especially if you go with full height panels or add a blackout blind.
But it’s worth asking: How dark do you really need it?
For most people, full-height shutters alone are more than enough to dim a room significantly, ideal for lazy Sunday mornings, evening wind-downs or simply reducing glare. If you’re after true blackout though, whether for health reasons, sleep quality or cinema effect, you’ll want to level up with either integrated blinds or heavy curtains layered over.
This layered look isn’t just functional either, it can feel premium and plush. Pairing shutters with blackout curtains or blinds gives you the best of both worlds: stunning daytime style and perfect night-time darkness.
Benefits of Window Shutters Beyond Light Control
Even if you don’t need a total blackout solution, window shutters come with a stack of other benefits that make them a smart, long-term investment.
Privacy On Your Terms
The adjustable louvres mean you can keep your space private without sacrificing natural light. Tilt them just right, and nosy neighbours don’t stand a chance.
thermal Insulation
Shutters act as a barrier against heat loss in winter and keep rooms cooler in summer. That means better energy efficiency, and potentially lower bills.
Noise Reduction
Thicker, high-quality shutters can help muffle external noise. If you’re near a main road or have chatty seagulls outside, you’ll notice the difference.
Long-Lasting Style
Unlike curtains or blinds that fade or fall out of fashion, shutters are timeless. They suit all interior styles, from modern minimalist to traditional charm.
Low Maintenance
No fiddly cords or awkward washing. A quick dust or wipe-down keeps shutters looking sharp for years
If you’ve been wondering “Are shutters blackout?”, the answer is no, not quite. But with the right type of shutter and a clever bit of layering, you can absolutely achieve a blackout effect. Whether you go with full-height frames, or integrate a blackout blind, you’ll get the look you love with the darkness you need.
