Liverpool terraces, with their street-facing living rooms and tall sash or bay windows, have unique needs when it comes to privacy, light control, and style. Cafe style shutters meet these needs beautifully. Covering only the lower portion of the window, they keep prying eyes out while still allowing daylight to stream in from above. The look draws on continental café culture but is tailored for our city’s architecture and way of life. At Excell Blinds, we’ve fitted these across Liverpool and know first-hand how well they suit the character, proportions, and everyday demands of these homes.
Tailored Privacy and Light Control
Instead of covering the entire window, cafe style shutters are fitted to the lower section only. This setup means you can maintain privacy from the street level while still letting daylight pour in over the top. The height can be adjusted to suit sash rails or typical street sightlines, balancing privacy, style, and light control.
Why They’re Ideal for Liverpool Terraces
Privacy Without Sacrificing Light
Many Liverpool terraces sit close to the pavement. Without window coverings, passers-by can see straight in. Cafe style shutters keep the bottom half closed for privacy while the open top half keeps rooms bright.
Heritage-Friendly, Kerb Appeal-Boosting
These shutters suit sash proportions and other traditional frames, preserving the character of period properties. They also create a clean contrast in modern refurbishments. From the street, they add a polished look that boosts kerb appeal.
Withstand Liverpool’s Coastal Climate
Moisture-resistant vinyl shutters handle humidity and are easy to wipe down helpful in a city where rain and coastal air can affect finishes. They won’t warp or peel, making them a long-term choice.
Everyday Benefits of Cafe Style Shutters
Create a wow factor inside and out. Their timeless design complements both traditional and contemporary décor. They improve privacy without losing daylight, protect furniture from UV fading, provide excellent light control, and help reduce heating bills. Many homeowners notice a softer street noise and better home security. With routine care, installations can last 10–20 years. Our UK‑made options carry a 10‑year product guarantee backed by our 10‑year workmanship guarantee.
Things to Consider Before Choosing
Some shutters are not suited to every window type; we can do a free survey confirming compatibility. Light may reduce slightly depending on size, aspect, and panel height. Panels swing inward, so plan furniture placement accordingly. They’re more expensive than most blinds and are a permanent fixture. Removal often needs a professional and may require redecorating.
Material and Style Options from Excell
Choose from materials, colours, and louvre sizes to suit your budget and style:
- Wooden shutters (~12 weeks): classic look, easy to clean; 5‑year product warranty; available for all window types.
- Vinyl shutters — UK made (3–4 weeks): durable, wipe‑clean, moisture‑tolerant; 10‑year product warranty; available for most window types; limited colour range.
- Vinyl shutters — imported (12 weeks): durable, easy to clean; 10‑year product warranty; available for all window types.
- MDF shutters (12 weeks): durable, easy to clean; 3‑year product warranty; available for all window types.
- Urban vinyl shutters (3–4 weeks): best‑priced at £195 per m², durable and easy to clean; 10‑year warranty; limited colours/styles.
Pick narrow louvres for a traditional sash look or wider louvres for modern lines. On busy streets, setting the mid‑rail at typical eye level protects privacy without darkening the room.
See finishes and louvre options in person. Book a free home consultation and we’ll bring samples to your terrace living room.
Energy and Comfort Benefits
Shutters add a rigid barrier at the lower window, helping to cut draughts and soften traffic noise. Independent tests at the University of Salford’s Energy House show internal blinds and shutters can reduce window heat loss by up to ~33%. On winter days, open for solar warmth and close at dusk; in summer, tilt louvres to limit heat build‑up.
Do You Need Planning Permission for Interior Shutters?
For most homes, internal shutters don’t require planning permission. Exceptions apply to listed properties or some conservation areas. Check with your local authority or the Planning Portal before ordering. (External shutters often need consent.)
Will They Black Out the Room?
No. Cafe style shutters leave the upper pane exposed. While no light passes through the panels, there will be small gaps between slats and around doors. For full darkness, pair shutters with curtains or a discreet top blind.
How Much Do Cafe Style Shutters Cost?
- Small windows: £150–£600
- Large windows: £600–£1,000
- Patio doors: £500–£1,500 Final pricing depends on size, material, finish, and installation complexity.
How Long Will They Take to Install?
Allow around 1 hour per shutter on average. Timing varies with window size, access, and frame condition.
Care and Maintenance
Cafe style shutters are low‑maintenance. Dust with a feather duster, vacuum with an upholstery brush, or wipe with a dry/damp cloth. Avoid soaking wood; vinyl handles occasional moisture well.
Safety First
All shutters from Excell are cordless, removing loop hazards. We follow BBSA Make it Safe guidance and current standards (BS EN 13120) so every install is child‑safe from day one.
Why Choose Excell for Cafe Style Shutters in Liverpool?
We understand the quirks of terrace windows from deep reveals to uneven plaster lines. Our local team surveys, advises, and fits for a precise result. All work is backed by our 10‑year workmanship guarantee, and many products are UK‑made for faster lead times.
Transform your terrace windows today. Book your free home consultation with Excell Blinds and see how cafe style shutters can lift your home’s style, comfort, and privacy for years to come.
