Shutters can help a room feel warmer in winter by adding another layer between the room and cold glass, but how much difference they make depends on the shutter, the window, the fit and how you use the panels. Research commissioned by the British Blind and Shutter Association found internal shutters can reduce heat loss. They are, however, not a substitute for efficient glazing, draught-proofing or insulation, and we do not quote energy savings for any specific product without tested evidence.
How shutters affect comfort
When shutters are closed on a winter evening, they do several useful things:
- Add a layer. Closed panels and louvres create a pocket of air between the glass and the room, which slows the movement of heat.
- Reduce the chill from cold glass. Sitting next to a large single-glazed or older window can feel cold even in a warm room; a closed shutter puts a barrier between you and that cold surface.
- Reduce draught sensation. A closely fitted shutter can make gaps around an older window less noticeable, though it does not seal them.
- Give privacy on dark evenings. Shutters can be closed early in the evening without making the room feel shut in.
What affects how much difference they make
- The window. Shutters tend to make the most noticeable difference on older, draughtier or single-glazed windows. On modern high-performance glazing, the change will be smaller.
- The fit. A shutter fitted closely within the recess, with a well-made frame, performs better than one with large gaps around it.
- The panels. Solid panels create a more enclosed layer than louvred panels. See solid panel shutters.
- How you use them. Closing the shutters and louvres fully in the evening makes the most difference. Opening them on sunny winter days lets in the sun's warmth.
- The coverage. Full height shutters cover the whole window; café style leaves the top uncovered. See Which Shutter Style Suits Your Window?
What shutters cannot do
Shutters do not replace efficient glazing, draught-proofing or insulation, and they will not cure condensation or damp. In older homes, dealing with draughts around the window frame itself is usually worth doing alongside shutters, not instead of them.
We also avoid quoting percentage energy savings. Performance varies with the shutter material, construction and fit, and with the window. Any figure should come from testing of the specific product.
Period homes and sash windows
Shutters have a long history in period homes, and some older properties still have original shutters folded into the window reveals. Fitted shutters can suit sash windows well, giving a traditional look with practical benefits on cold evenings. Tier-on-tier designs let you keep privacy on the lower sash while opening the top. See tier-on-tier shutters.
Other ways to make a window feel warmer
Shutters are one of several options. Depending on the room and the look you want, you might also compare:
- Cellular blinds — honeycomb cells trap air close to the glass. See Pleated vs Cellular Blinds.
- Interlined curtains — a soft, heavy layer that can make a window feel noticeably less cold. See Curtain Linings Explained.
- Lined Roman blinds — a softer look with an extra fabric layer.
- Layered schemes — shutters with curtains over them, for the most enclosed winter window.
For a wider view of comfort through the year, see thermal comfort and Best Blinds for Heat & Glare.
Shutters in summer
The same louvres that help in winter can help on bright summer days, angling sunlight away and reducing glare while keeping the room private. For serious summer overheating, though, external shading is usually more effective.
Is it worth choosing shutters for warmth?
We would not recommend shutters for warmth alone. They are best chosen because you like their look, their privacy and their light control — with improved winter comfort as a welcome benefit. If warmth is your main goal, we can talk through the alternatives on a free shutter survey.
Frequently asked questions
Do shutters keep heat in?
They can help. Research commissioned by the British Blind and Shutter Association found internal shutters can reduce heat loss. The effect for any home depends on the window, the shutter and the fit.
Are solid shutters warmer than louvred shutters?
Solid panels create a more enclosed layer, so they are generally more effective at making a window feel less cold.
Do shutters help with draughts?
A closely fitted shutter can reduce the feeling of a draught, but it will not seal gaps in the window frame. Draught-proofing is still worthwhile.
Should I close shutters during the day in winter?
On sunny days, opening them lets in the sun's warmth. Closing them as it gets dark makes the most difference.