When ordering plantation shutters, one decision often puzzles Australian homeowners: what louvre size should I choose? Louvres—also called slats or blades—come in several widths, and your choice affects both the appearance and functionality of your shutters. While there's no single "correct" answer, understanding the differences will help you make a confident decision that suits your home.
Key Takeaway
Larger louvres (89-114mm) suit modern homes and large windows, providing cleaner views when open. Smaller louvres (63mm) complement traditional architecture and work well on smaller windows. Your window size and home style matter more than personal preference alone.
Understanding Louvre Sizes
In Australia, the three most common louvre sizes are 63mm, 89mm, and 114mm. Some suppliers also offer 47mm for very small windows and 150mm for commercial or ultra-modern applications. Here's what you need to know about each standard size:
63mm Louvres (Small)
The smallest common size, 63mm louvres create a classic, refined appearance with more slats visible per window. Key characteristics include:
- Traditional aesthetic: The proportions echo historical shutter designs
- More light control: Additional slats mean finer adjustments to light levels
- Best for small windows: Looks proportionate on windows under 1 metre tall
- More components: Additional louvres mean slightly higher costs and more dust-catching surfaces
- Reduced view: When open, the increased number of slats creates more visual interruption
89mm Louvres (Medium)
The most popular choice in Australian homes, 89mm louvres offer an excellent balance of form and function:
- Versatile appearance: Works with both traditional and contemporary homes
- Good view when open: Fewer slats than 63mm means less visual obstruction
- Suits most windows: Appropriate for windows from 0.8m to 2m in height
- Easy maintenance: Fewer louvres to dust compared to 63mm
- Cost effective: Standard sizing often means better pricing
114mm Louvres (Large)
The largest standard size, 114mm louvres create a bold, contemporary statement:
- Modern aesthetic: Clean, minimal look favoured in contemporary architecture
- Maximum view: Fewer, wider slats mean the clearest view when fully open
- Best for large windows: Proportionate on windows 1.5m tall and above
- Easiest to clean: Fewest louvres of any standard size
- Light gaps: Larger gaps between slats may allow more light leakage when closed
Quick Selection Guide
- Window under 1m tall → Consider 63mm
- Window 1-1.5m tall → 89mm typically works best
- Window over 1.5m tall → Consider 89mm or 114mm
- Bi-fold doors/large openings → 114mm usually preferred
Matching Louvre Size to Your Home Style
Your home's architectural style should guide your louvre selection just as much as window dimensions.
Heritage and Traditional Homes
For Federation, Victorian, Edwardian, or Queenslander homes, smaller louvres generally look more appropriate. The 63mm size echoes the proportions of original window treatments from these eras. If 63mm seems too busy, 89mm can work well while maintaining a somewhat traditional feel—just avoid 114mm, which can look anachronistic against ornate period features.
Contemporary and Modern Homes
Modern architecture embraces clean lines and minimal visual clutter. Larger louvres at 89mm or 114mm complement this aesthetic beautifully. The 114mm size is particularly popular for floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding door systems common in contemporary Australian homes. The streamlined appearance enhances the sense of openness these designs often prioritise.
Transitional Styles
Many Australian homes blend traditional and modern elements. In these cases, 89mm louvres typically provide the safest choice—substantial enough to feel current without conflicting with traditional details. This is another reason 89mm remains the default recommendation from most shutter suppliers.
Consistency Matters
For a cohesive look, use the same louvre size throughout visible areas of your home. Mixing sizes between rooms that can be seen together—like an open-plan living and dining area—creates visual discord. It's generally better to choose a size that works adequately everywhere rather than optimising each room individually.
Practical Considerations
Beyond aesthetics, several practical factors should influence your decision.
Light Control and Privacy
Smaller louvres offer more precise light control because you have more blades to adjust. However, all louvre sizes provide excellent privacy when fully closed. The main difference is when partially open—larger louvres create bigger gaps between slats, which some people feel offers less privacy, though in practice, the angled slats still block most views.
View Clarity
If enjoying your view is a priority—perhaps you overlook bushland, a garden, or water—larger louvres minimise visual interruption when fully open. Each additional louvre creates another horizontal line across your view. This consideration is particularly relevant for living areas where you spend significant time looking outward.
Heat and Light Penetration
When shutters are closed, larger louvres may allow marginally more light seepage due to bigger gaps. For bedrooms where darkness is important, some people prefer smaller louvres. However, with quality shutters properly fitted, this difference is minimal. If total darkness is essential, consider pairing shutters with blockout curtains regardless of louvre size.
Cleaning and Maintenance
More louvres mean more surfaces to dust. A window with 63mm louvres might have 12-15 slats where the same window with 114mm would have only 7-8. For time-poor homeowners or those with many windows, larger louvres reduce maintenance effort.
Louvre Size by Room
While consistency is ideal, some rooms have specific requirements:
Living Areas
Open-plan living spaces with larger windows typically suit 89mm or 114mm louvres. These sizes complement the generous proportions and maintain good view clarity for relaxation and entertaining.
Bedrooms
Any louvre size works in bedrooms. If light blocking is your priority, leaning toward 63mm or 89mm is reasonable, though the difference is minor with quality shutters. Consider matching the main living areas for visual cohesion if bedrooms are visible from common spaces.
Bathrooms
Bathroom windows are often smaller, making 63mm or 89mm natural choices. Ensure you choose a moisture-resistant material (PVC or composite) regardless of louvre size. See our bathroom shutters guide for more details.
Kitchens
Kitchen windows vary widely in size. Match the louvre size to window dimensions and consider ease of cleaning—larger louvres are simpler to wipe down when affected by cooking residue.
Making Your Final Decision
If you're still uncertain, consider these final tips:
- Visit a showroom: Seeing louvre sizes in person makes the differences clearer than photos
- Request samples: Many suppliers will provide small samples you can hold against your windows
- When in doubt, choose 89mm: It's the most universally flattering size
- Trust your installer: Experienced installers have seen thousands of windows and can offer valuable perspective
Remember, there's no wrong choice—all standard louvre sizes are popular for good reason. Focus on matching your window proportions and architectural style, and you'll end up with shutters that enhance your home beautifully.