how-to
Can You Install Plantation Shutters on Inward Opening Windows?
Last Updated: 26 October 2026
Quick Summary
Yes, you can install plantation shutters on inward opening windows, but the frame rather than the shutter has to change. The shutter frame must sit forward of the sash swing path, with a handle cut-out and panels that open clear of the inward swing, so the window keeps its full tilt and turn movement.
- The sash needs clear space to swing inwards, so the shutter frame must sit forward of that swing path.
- Plantation shutters for tilt and turn windows use a deeper frame that stands proud of the window reveal.
- Outside mount keeps the full sash swing and suits most inward opening windows; inside mount often blocks it.
- Measure the opening, the sash swing and the handle projection, and record all three before ordering.
- We offer a free home consultation and measurements, with no pressure, talking through styles, colours and tilt rods.
Table of Contents
- Why Inward Opening Windows Make Shutter Fitting Different
- How Plantation Shutters for Tilt and Turn Windows Actually Work
- Outside Mount vs Inside Mount Shutters on Inward Opening Frames
- Measuring Windows for Plantation Shutters Before You Order
- Step-by-Step: Installing Shutters on an Inward Opening Window
- Common Installation Problems and How to Solve Them
- Booking a Free Home Consultation and Measure
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Inward Opening Windows Make Shutter Fitting Different
Yes, you can install plantation shutters on inward opening windows. The catch is that the frame, not the shutter, has to change. A standard shutter sits in the reveal and lets the sash swing past it. An inward opening sash swings into the room, straight through that space. The window needs to keep its full swing, and the shutter needs to be built around it.
That single constraint changes everything downstream. Frame depth, mounting style, handle position and how the panels open all follow from the direction the sash travels.
- The sash needs clear space to swing inwards
- The shutter frame must sit forward of that swing path
- The handle must stay reachable at all times
- The panels must open without fouling the window
Get any one of these wrong and the shutter will foul the sash, or you will not be able to open the window at all. None of it is difficult. It just has to be planned before anything is made.
How Plantation Shutters for Tilt and Turn Windows Actually Work
Plantation shutters for tilt and turn windows use a deeper frame that stands proud of the window reveal, with a cut-out for the handle and panels that open clear of the inward swing. The shutter becomes a second layer in front of the glass, not a lining inside the reveal.
The handle cut-out and why it decides the frame depth
On an inward opening window, the handle has to stay usable once the shutter is in place.
Frame depth affects how far the shutter projects into the room.
Tilt position versus turn position: keeping both usable
A tilt and turn window has two modes, and both must survive the fit. In the tilt position the top of the sash leans into the room. In the turn position the whole sash swings in on its hinges.
The panels need to open far enough to clear both positions.
Outside Mount vs Inside Mount Shutters on Inward Opening Frames
For inward opening windows, the mounting position needs to allow the sash to swing.
The mounting position affects how far the shutter projects into the room.
If you are weighing bespoke against off-the-shelf units, you can read more on bespoke shutters versus off the shelf before you commit to a style.
| Mount type | Sash clearance | Projection into room | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outside mount | Full swing kept | Deeper | Most inward opening windows |
| Inside mount | Often blocked | Flush | Deep reveals only |
| Inside mount with spacer | Partial | Moderate | Shallow sashes, careful measuring |
Measuring Windows for Plantation Shutters Before You Order
Measure the opening, the sash swing and the handle projection, and record all three.
What to record at each window
Work through this list at every window:
- Width and height of the opening, taken in three places each
- Depth of the reveal, from wall face to window frame
- Handle projection into the room
- Clearance needed for the sash to tilt inwards at the top
- Clearance needed for the sash to turn inwards on its hinges
- Whether the wall around the frame is square and plumb
- Any radiators, sills or obstructions in the swing path
Bay and arched frames need more care again. If yours are bay windows, our guide on how to measure bay windows for shutters walks through the angles step by step.
Step-by-Step: Installing Shutters on an Inward Opening Window
Fitting involves several steps.
For a fuller picture of what a bespoke fit involves, our guide to the bespoke shutter installation timeline sets out each stage from survey to fitting day.
Common Installation Problems and How to Solve Them
Our guide on why plantation shutters grind and stick covers the subject in detail.
Booking a Free Home Consultation and Measure
We offer a free home consultation and measurements, with no pressure. We talk through styles, colours and tilt rods.
Every set we make is 100% made-to-measure and built from scratch, never templated. We have 30 years of family-run craftsmanship, and we hold a 10/10 Checkatrade rating across all reviews.
If you would rather find a local specialist first, our guide on finding window shutters near you explains what to look for before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have plantation shutters on windows that open inwards?
Yes. The shutters are made to measure rather than templated.
What are the best shutter styles for tilt and turn windows?
Full-height panels with a handle cut-out suit most tilt and turn windows because they keep the tilt function usable while covering the whole window. Café-style panels, which cover only the lower half, work well where the turn function needs to stay clear. The right choice depends on how often you open the window and whether you want blackout coverage, so it is worth seeing samples against your own frame before deciding.
Can I use outside mount shutters for inward opening windows?
Outside mount shutters are often the simpler option for inward opening windows. The panels fix to the wall or reveal around the window rather than inside the frame, so the sash swings towards the room without catching. The trade-off is that the shutter sits proud of the wall and the window reveal needs enough flat surface for a secure fixing. Inside mount gives a neater finish but needs more depth and a carefully set handle cut-out.
How do I measure windows for plantation shutters on inward opening frames?
A free home consultation and measurements are available.
Fitting shutters to an inward opening window is a measuring problem, not a fitting problem. Get the swing, the handle and the frame depth right, and the rest follows. Get them wrong, and no amount of adjustment will save the fit.
At Shutters West London, we measure every window before a single panel is made, with 100% made-to-measure frames, a free home consultation, and expertise in bay, arched and awkward shapes. Get started with Shutters West London and book your free home measure.
