Casement windows are a popular choice in Richmond-area homes for their clean lines and excellent ventilation, but their side-hinged, outward-opening design raises a common question: can you still have plantation shutters? Often, yes. The shutter design needs to allow access to the crank, locks, and window.
Understanding the Challenge
Standard plantation shutters are installed inside the window frame or on a face-mount frame around it. Casement windows usually open outward, but the crank and locks sit inside. The shutter frame, louvers, and panels must clear that hardware. Depending on the opening, a hinged or bi-fold configuration may provide the access you need.
Bifold Plantation Shutters for Casement Windows
One option is a bi-fold shutter panel. Two narrow panels are hinged together and attached to one side of the window frame. When you want to open the casement, the shutter folds neatly against the wall. When closed, it covers the full window opening and looks identical to shutters on any other window type.
Panel widths are selected for the window and the available folding space. We confirm those dimensions after measuring rather than using a standard panel-width rule.
Single-Panel Shutters With a Side Swing
For narrower casement windows, a single panel hinged on one side can work well. The panel swings open like a door, clearing the window crank entirely. This works best when there is enough wall space beside the window to accommodate the open panel.
Face-Mount Frames and Clearance
Our installation team measures the crank handle clearance carefully before recommending a frame depth. The frame depth depends on the actual handle projection, louver size, and mounting surface. We check those clearances during the in-home consultation.
What About Tilt Rods?
Both center-tilt and rear-tilt (hidden tilt rod) options are available for casement shutters. Hidden tilt is particularly popular on casements because it gives the panel a cleaner, more streamlined look: there is no rod running down the center to interfere with the view of the window hardware.
The Shenandoah Approach
Because every casement window is slightly different, in width, crank style, and available wall space, we custom-build every shutter panel to the exact measurements of your window. There is no standard size that gets cut down; each piece is crafted in our Richmond workshop specifically for your home. If you have casement windows and have been told shutters are not an option, we would love to show you otherwise.