How to Fit Shutter Blinds: Step-by-Step UK Guide (No Drill and Traditional)

To fit perfect fit shutter blinds, slide the four fixing brackets between the glass and the rubber seal of your uPVC window (two at the top, two at the bottom), then clip the bottom of the shutter frame onto the lower brackets and press the top into the upper brackets. It takes about 15 to 30 minutes, with no drilling or screws. Traditional plantation shutters are different: they are screwed to the wall or window reveal and are best fitted by an experienced DIYer or a professional.

Shutter blinds look like a big job to fit, but it depends on which type you have. This guide shows you how to fit no-drill perfect fit shutters step by step, how traditional shutters are fitted, the tools you need and how to fix common problems.

How to fit shutter blinds: the quick answer

• Perfect fit shutters: clip-in brackets, no tools, about 15 to 30 minutes per window.
• Traditional shutters: frame screwed to the wall or reveal, drill and spirit level needed, a few hours per window.
• Before you start: check your window is uPVC with a rubber seal (for perfect fit), and that you measured correctly.
• Safety: keep beds, cots and climbable furniture away from the window.

Perfect fit vs traditional shutters: fitting compared

Before you start: check your window

• Is it uPVC? Perfect fit shutters are made for uPVC windows and doors. They do not fit wooden or aluminium frames without a rubber seal.
• Is there a rubber seal (gasket)? The brackets slide between the glass and this seal, so it needs to be flexible and in good condition.
• Is the bead deep enough? Check your window bead against the minimum depth shown on the product page before you order.
• Where is the handle? If your window handle sits close to the glass, the tilt rod should go on the opposite side so they do not clash.
• Did you measure the glass correctly? Follow our guide on how to measure for perfect fit shutters.

How to fit perfect fit shutter blinds step by step

1. Unpack and check the parts

Lay out the shutter panel and the brackets. Most windows need four brackets: two for the top and two for the bottom. Taller shutters with a midrail and multi-panel shutters come with extra brackets.

2. Fit the top and bottom brackets

Slide each bracket between the glass and the rubber seal, two at the top of the window and two at the bottom. Use the edge of a plastic card to ease the seal open and line the bracket up. Push each bracket in until it sits firmly.

3. Add side or extra brackets if needed

If your shutter has a midrail, fit the two side brackets so they line up with the notch in the side of the shutter frame. For multi-panel shutters, line the extra brackets up with the notches in each panel.

4. Clip the shutter in

Line up the cut-outs at the bottom of the shutter frame with the bottom brackets and clip them in. Then press the top of the frame into the top brackets until it clicks into place.

5. Test it

Open and close the louvres with the tilt rod, then open and close the window or door. The shutter should move with the window and stay firmly in place.

Always follow the instructions supplied with your shutters, as bracket types can vary.

How to fit traditional plantation shutters

Traditional shutters are screwed in, so they need more time and tools. If you are not confident with a drill and spirit level, use a professional fitter.

1. Assemble the frame: join the frame pieces at the corners using the keys supplied.
2. Mark and drill: hold the frame in place, mark the screw holes, drill and add wall plugs suited to your wall.
3. Fix the frame loosely: screw it in part way so you can still adjust it.
4. Hang the panels: fit each panel on its hinges and use a spirit level to line up the tops.
5. Tighten and adjust: fully tighten the frame, use hinge packers to even out gaps, then tighten the hinge screws.
6. Finish: cover the screw holes, fill any gaps around the frame with caulk and adjust the louvre tension.

Common fitting problems and how to fix them

Worried about your window seals? Read do perfect fit blinds damage window seals?

Safety tips

• Keep beds, cots, high chairs and climbable furniture away from shutter windows.
• Do not let children hang on or pull at the shutter.
• Check brackets now and then, especially on doors that are opened often.

Shop no-drill shutter blinds

Our Sierra Ice White Perfect Fit Shutter clips into your uPVC window with no drilling, no screws and no mess. Browse all perfect fit shutters or our full range of no drill blinds. Wondering about cost? See how much shutter blinds cost in the UK, or read our full perfect fit shutters guide.

Frequently asked questions

How do you fit shutter blinds?

For perfect fit shutters, slide the brackets between the glass and the rubber seal of your uPVC window, then clip the shutter frame onto them, bottom first and then top. Traditional shutters are screwed to the wall or reveal using a drill and spirit level.

Can I fit shutter blinds myself?

Yes. Perfect fit shutter blinds are made for DIY fitting and need no tools. Traditional plantation shutters can be fitted by a confident DIYer, but many people use a professional.

How long does it take to fit shutter blinds?

Perfect fit shutters take about 15 to 30 minutes per window. Traditional shutters usually take a few hours per window.

Do you need to drill to fit shutters?

Not with perfect fit shutters, which clip into uPVC windows. Traditional plantation shutters need drilling into the wall or window reveal.

Can you fit shutter blinds to tilt and turn windows?

Yes. Perfect fit shutters sit inside the window frame, so they move with tilt and turn windows and doors. Make sure the tilt rod is on the opposite side to the handle.

Can you remove perfect fit shutters?

Yes. Unclip the shutter from the brackets, then gently slide the brackets out from behind the rubber seal. They leave no holes, which makes them ideal for renters.