What is the difference between recess fit and face fit?

Recess fit (inside mount) sits the shutters inside the window reveal, usually nearer the wall line, so they project less into the room. Face fit (outside mount) fixes onto the wall or architrave when the recess is too shallow or blocked by handles, winders, or locks. We confirm which is right on the free home visit.

What is the difference between an L frame and a Z frame for shutters?

An L frame sits flush in a recessed reveal for a built-in look. A Z frame adds a face lip that finishes the edge, helps reduce light bleed, and can hide small wall imperfections. We confirm which suits your openings when we measure.

When would I choose a Deco frame for plantation shutters?

Choose a Deco frame when you want the shutters to read as a design feature, with a styled perimeter frame around the panels. Deco frames are also a strong option on inward-opening windows, because the reveal stays clear so the window can open freely.

Can shutter frames work with architraves, sills, or window handles?

Often yes. Frames can be made to sit on a sill, work with architraves where there is enough flat surface, or switch to face fit when handles and locks eat into the recess. Obstructions are why we measure in person rather than guessing from a photo alone.

Do you decide the shutter frame type during the home visit?

Yes. Frame choice depends on recess depth, how the window opens, and the finish you want. We measure on site, talk through L, Z, and Deco options with samples where useful, and include the recommended frame in your written quote.

Shutter frames

L Frame vs Z Frame vs Deco

The frame is what makes shutters sit properly in your window. Here is when we use each type — plus recess fit vs face fit — confirmed on a free home visit across Yorkshire.

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Made to measure

What is a shutter frame?

Most plantation shutters sit in a made-to-measure frame fixed to the opening. The panels then hinge inside that frame. The frame profile — L, Z, or Deco — and whether we recess-fit or face-fit decides how built-in the job looks, how much light bleeds at the edges, and whether handles or shallow reveals are a problem.

We recommend the frame after measuring your windows in person, not from a catalogue guess. Yorkshire homes vary: deep stone reveals, shallow uPVC, architraves, sills, and inward-opening lights all change the answer.

First decision

Recess fit vs face fit

Recess fit (inside the reveal) keeps shutters nearer the wall line so they project less into the room. It needs enough clear depth free of winders, locks, and handles.

Face fit (on the wall or architrave) is the practical route when the recess is too shallow or blocked. The shutters sit proud of the opening and still look intentional when measured properly.

Both can look excellent. The right choice is about how your window is built, not which one sounds fancier online.

Recess fit Inside the reveal — L frame flush to the sides.
Face fit On the wall face — L frame sits proud of the opening.

Frame types

L frame, Z frame, and Deco frame

Once mount type is clear, the frame profile finishes the job. These are the three we talk through most often on Yorkshire surveys.

Recess / built-in look

L Frame

Clean, flush finish when the window sits back in a reveal.

L frames are the go-to for windows that sit back into a recess. The frame slots in flush against the reveal, giving a clean, built-in finish. They look spot on on older Yorkshire properties where the window is recessed into the wall. An L frame can sit flush with the wall line or a little further into the reveal when there is spare depth.
Lip that finishes the edge

Z Frame

Part sits in the recess; a face lip hides gaps and light bleed.

Z frames take their name from the Z-shaped profile. Part of the frame sits in the recess while a lip sits on the wall or architrave face. That lip gives a finished edge all around, helps stop light bleed, and is brilliant for masking small wall imperfections you only notice once measuring starts. Useful when you want the shutter to read cleanly even if the plaster line is not perfect.
Statement styling

Deco Frame

A design-led perimeter frame that lifts the whole look.

Deco frames are for when you want shutters to be a statement piece rather than just functional. The frame sits around the perimeter as a styling element and lifts the whole look, giving it a more considered, designed feel. They're also ideal for inward-opening windows because the reveals stay clear and nothing restricts the window when it opens.

On site realities

Architraves, sills, and awkward bits

Architraves — many frames can work with them when there is a flat landing surface. If not, we may face-fit or change profile.
Window sills — the bottom of the frame can be made to sit on the sill rather than wrapping past it.
Handles, winders, and locks — these eat into recess depth. Sometimes the louvres still open fully with a clever layout; sometimes face fit is cleaner.
Inward-opening windows — Deco (and other clear-reveal approaches) keep the opening usable so the window is not trapped behind the shutter.

Exact depths vary by product and window. We do not quote a one-size clearance online — we measure yours and write the frame into the quote.

Common questions

Shutter frame FAQs

What is a shutter frame?

Most plantation shutters sit in a made-to-measure frame fixed to the window opening. The shutter panels then hinge inside that frame. The frame type (L, Z, or Deco) and whether we recess-fit or face-fit is chosen to suit your reveal, architrave, sill, and how the window opens.
What is the difference between recess fit and face fit?

Recess fit (inside mount) sits the shutters inside the window reveal, usually nearer the wall line, so they project less into the room. Face fit (outside mount) fixes onto the wall or architrave when the recess is too shallow or blocked by handles, winders, or locks. We confirm which is right on the free home visit.
What is the difference between an L frame and a Z frame for shutters?

An L frame sits flush in a recessed reveal for a built-in look. A Z frame adds a face lip that finishes the edge, helps reduce light bleed, and can hide small wall imperfections. We confirm which suits your openings when we measure.
When would I choose a Deco frame for plantation shutters?

Choose a Deco frame when you want the shutters to read as a design feature, with a styled perimeter frame around the panels. Deco frames are also a strong option on inward-opening windows, because the reveal stays clear so the window can open freely.
Can shutter frames work with architraves, sills, or window handles?

Often yes. Frames can be made to sit on a sill, work with architraves where there is enough flat surface, or switch to face fit when handles and locks eat into the recess. Obstructions are why we measure in person rather than guessing from a photo alone.
Do you decide the shutter frame type during the home visit?

Yes. Frame choice depends on recess depth, how the window opens, and the finish you want. We measure on site, talk through L, Z, and Deco options with samples where useful, and include the recommended frame in your written quote.

Browse all shutter styles, or go straight to plantation shutters if you already know the look you want.

Why ShutterLuxe

Also Six Reasons To Choose ShutterLuxe

Great products deserve a great install. Here is what you can expect when you work with our Yorkshire team.

Harrogate-based team covering Leeds, York, Wakefield, and wider Yorkshire
Free home visit with a clear, no-obligation quote
Made-to-measure shutters and blinds, professionally fitted by us
Honest guidance so you can compare quality and specification with confidence
Responsive local service from first enquiry through to aftercare
Premium ranges and materials we are happy to stand behind on every job

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