The short answer
Short answer: choose recess fit when the reveal is deep and square enough, because it sits flush inside the window and keeps the cill clear; choose face fit when you want a better light seal, the reveal is shallow or untidy, or a handle projects. For shutters fully inside the recess we look for at least 70mm of depth, measured where the hinge will sit. That single decision affects light leakage, how much of the glass is covered and whether the window still opens properly.
- Recess fit
- Neat, flush, needs adequate depth
- Face fit
- Better light seal, hides an untidy reveal
- Deciding factor
- Reveal depth and window ironmongery
Recess fit
Sitting inside the reveal gives the tidiest result and keeps the cill clear. It needs enough depth for the mechanism or the shutter frame, and enough clearance for the handle when the window is closed.
The downside is light leaking round the edges, which matters in a bedroom and not at all in a kitchen.
Face fit
Mounting on the wall face lets the dressing overlap the opening, which seals light far better and hides a reveal that is out of square or poorly plastered. It also lifts the mechanism clear of a projecting handle or a tilt-and-turn action.
It projects further into the room, so it needs to be considered against furniture, radiators and door swings.
- Deep, square reveal, recess fit
- Blackout bedroom, face fit or side channels
- Shallow reveal on a new build, face fit
- Handle projecting into the reveal, face fit clears it
Why we measure on site
Reveal depth varies within a single opening, handles project by different amounts, and cills are rarely level. Two millimetres of error on a shutter frame shows as a visible gap. Posted-in measurements are how people end up with panels that catch or blinds that will not sit square.
Our survey records depth at multiple points, the out-of-square, the ironmongery and anything in the reveal such as pipes or vents.
Who takes responsibility
Because we measure, we own the fit. If something needs adjusting on the day, that is our problem to solve, not a conversation about whose figures were wrong.
Face fit plantation shutters in practice
A face fit shutter is carried on a frame that laps onto the wall around the opening. An L-frame laps slightly and hides an untidy plaster edge; a Z-frame projects further and lets panels sit proud of the glass in a shallow reveal. Both let louvres tilt freely past a projecting handle.
The trade-off is projection into the room, so on survey we check radiators, furniture and door swings before recommending it. Where the reveal is deep and reasonably true, a bead-fit frame inside the recess is the most discreet finish.
Common questions
What is a face fit plantation shutter?
A shutter mounted on a frame fixed to the wall face around the window, rather than inside the reveal. It seals light better, hides an out-of-square opening and clears projecting handles.
How deep does a reveal need to be for shutters?
It depends on the frame type and whether the panel needs to clear a handle. Shallow reveals are handled with a face-fit or Z-frame, so a shallow reveal never rules shutters out.
Which gives better blackout?
Face fit, because the fabric overlaps the opening rather than sitting inside it. Side-channel systems seal even better.
Can I measure myself and send it to you?
We survey in person as standard. It removes the most common cause of ill-fitting dressings and it means the fit is our responsibility.
Does face fitting look bulkier?
It projects slightly more into the room. In practice, once dressed it reads as deliberate joinery rather than as something added on.