We’re all about falling back in love with your home. And sometimes, that love story is practical.
Shutters have long been admired for their timeless design. They frame a window beautifully, filter light with precision and bring a sense of calm structure to a room. But when it comes to sleep (true uninterrupted, beautifully dark sleep), even shutters can let in a soft halo of light.
That’s where thoughtful layering comes in.
If you’ve been wondering “Can you put blinds behind shutters?” or “Can I fit blackout blinds behind my shutters?”, the answer is yes, in many cases you can. And when done well, it’s one of the most effective ways to combine elegant design with total light control.
Are you ready to explore how to get this look at home?
Why Layer Shutters and Blinds?
Layering window furnishings isn’t new. We often see curtains paired with blinds for softness and flexibility. But layering shutters and blinds together is a more discreet solution, and one that feels especially refined.
By installing a Total Blackout Blinds between the shutter and the glass, you can:
- Enjoy the sophisticated, architectural look of shutters during the day
- Tilt louvres to manage light and privacy
- Close everything at night for enhanced darkness
- Reduce light gaps for a more restful sleep
- Maintain clean lines, without adding bulk to the room
It’s a practical solution that doesn’t compromise on style. This approach is particularly popular in bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms. Basically, anywhere that light control matters the most.
The Key Question: Do You Have Enough Recess Depth?
Whether you can install blackout blinds behind shutters depends entirely on your window recess depth.
When layering shutters and blinds in the same recess, you’ll need enough space between the glass and the back of the shutter frame to accommodate the blind.
Here are the minimum depth requirements for our Total Blockout options:
- Total Blackout Honeycomb Blinds: 65mm
- Total Blackout Roller Blinds: 75mm
- Slimline Total Shade Honeycomb Blinds: 25mm
Each of these designs feature a full frame surrounding the blind, so that all the light gaps around the sides are eliminated. They are available in a range of colours and patterns to suit your own personal style.
Don’t Forget About Obstructions
When measuring depth, it’s important to consider more than just the recess itself. Window winders, handles or other hardware can reduce the usable depth and affect whether a blind will sit neatly behind your shutters.
For the most accurate result, measure between the shutter frame and any protruding elements from the window. A few millimetres can make all the difference.
If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking your measurements a second (or even third time) before ordering, especially when combining products within the same recess.
What If You Don’t Have Enough Depth?
Not every window has the recess space required to fit Total Blackout Blinds behind Shutters. But that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve layered light control.
There are still beautiful alternatives.
Option 1: Layer over the top
If your shutters sit within the recess, you can install a blind over the top, outside of the recess.
A roller blind or roman blind with a blackout lining can be mounted above the shutter frame, giving you strong light control while keeping the structured look of shutters beneath.
This works particularly well when colour-matched or coordinated thoughtfully.
Option 2: Pair shutters with blockout curtains
One of the most effective solutions for minimising light gaps is pairing shutters with blackout curtains.
For best results:
- Mount curtains from ceiling to floor
- Extend them past the edge of the window frame
- Choose our blackout lining (be mindful that our thermal interlining does let some light through, as it’s more like a quilt wadding for extra insulation than complete light blockage)
This approach softens the look of shutters while significantly improving light control and insulation. It also creates a layered, hotel-like feel that works beautifully in bedrooms.
Is Layering Shutters and Blinds Right for You?
If you love the elegance of shutters but need stronger light control, layering could be the perfect solution.
The key considerations are simple:
- Do you have enough recess depth?
- Are there any obstructions to account for?
- Would you prefer blinds behind shutters, or layered over the top?
With the right measurements and product choice, you can enjoy both refined design and deeper, more restorative darkness.
Fall in Love with the Way Your Home Feels
The most successful interiors balance beauty and function.
Shutters bring structure and timeless style. Total Blackout Blinds bring comfort and control. Together, they create a space that looks considered by day and feels cocooned by night.
If you’ve been searching for answers about blackout blinds behind shutters or wondering whether you can layer shutters and blinds in your own home, start with your measurements, and imagine how you want your space to feel.
Because sometimes, falling in love with your home starts with something as simple as a better night’s sleep.
Video created in collaboration with @rawbeccabites_ for @blindsonline