Browse Shutter Guide
General
- Our Plantation Shutters
- Imported vs Local Plantation Shutters
- Why Choose Plantation Shutters?
- How Much Do Plantation Shutters Cost?
- Where Did Plantation Shutters Originate?
- Plantation Shutters vs Blinds
- Choosing the Best Shutter Material
- Plantation Shutters for Kitchens
- Are PVC Shutters Safe?
- How to Photograph Your Windows
Performance
Care
Frames
- Complete Guide to Shutter Frame Types
- Inside Z-Frame
- Inside L-Frame
- Outside L-Frame
- What Is an Inside Mount?
- What Is an Outside Mount?
Customisation
- Choosing the Right Shutter Colour
- A Guide to Shutter Panels
- Choosing the Right Panel Configuration
- Should Shutters Match Your Window Trim?
Mounting
- Inside vs Outside Mount Plantation Shutters
- What Type of Window Do I Have?
- What Is a Window Recess?
- Should I Inside or Outside Mount My Shutters?
- A Guide to Architraves
- What Is a Window Sill?
Tricky Windows
Getting Started
- Quick Measuring for a Shutter Quote
- How to Measure a Window Recess for Shutters
- Complete Guide to Measuring for Plantation Shutters
Midrails
Custom Panels
Inside Mount
- How to Measure Your Window Recess
- Measuring for an Inside Mount
- Measuring an Inside Mount Window with a Sill
- Managing Window Obstructions
Outside Mount
- Measuring for an Outside Mount
- Outside Mount Measuring with a Decorative Architrave
- Outside Mount Measuring for a Square-Set Window
Corner & Bay Windows
Our Service
- Our Plantation Shutters
- Why My DIY Blinds?
- What Does Our Shutter Warranty Cover?
- Our Plantation Shutter Product Guarantee
Quotes
Ordering & Product Setup
- Getting Started with Your Shutter Order
- How Shutter Product Recommendations Work
- Uploading a Photo of Your Window
Delivery
- Where We Deliver Plantation Shutters
- How Your Plantation Shutters Are Delivered
- What to Expect on Delivery Day
Measure Guarantee
Self Review
What Is a Window Recess?
A window recess, also called a reveal, is the depth between the front wall or architrave and the window itself. This space is one of the main factors that determines whether a plantation shutter can be inside mounted.
In this article
Overview
Look at the window from the side. If the glass and operating window frame sit back from the front wall surface, the space in front of them is the recess.
When measuring for shutters, what matters is the usable recess depth. Measure to the closest obstruction, not simply to the glass. Handles, winders, locks, flyscreen frames and inward-opening windows may reduce the depth available to the shutter.
As a general guide, around 70 mm of clear space gives an inside-mounted shutter good operating clearance, although the exact requirement depends on the chosen frame and the position of the window hardware.
A recess is not the same thing as a sill. The recess is the depth around the opening; the sill is a ledge that projects at the bottom.
Was this article helpful?
Related articles
Still need a hand?
Send us your window measurements and photos if you are unsure about the right shutter setup.