Special Offer: 10% off all shutters when you place your order before the end of February.
Contact us for more information.
The “best” type of shutter for you depends on the room you are installing the shutters in. Moisture, daily wear, budget and the appearance you want all matter.
At J P Knight & Sons, we supply and fit shutters across Kent. We stock three main ranges: ABS waterproof shutters, MDF shutters with a polymer coating, and solid hardwood shutters.
Below is a simple Q&A to help you choose. Use the table of contents for easy navigation.
Table of Contents
- What shutters should I buy?
- Are window shutters old fashioned?
- Which shutters are the best?
- What is ABS in shutters?
- Are MDF shutters any good?
- What is the difference between hardwood and MDF shutters?
- Do shutters provide blackout?
- Are shutters a good choice for bathrooms and kitchens?
- Can shutters work on large windows or patio doors?
- Are made to measure shutters worth it?
- Where can I see shutters and get advice in person?
- Which should I choose: ABS shutters, MDF shutters, or hardwood shutters?
What shutters should I buy?
If you are comparing between different types of shutters in Medway, the first thing to consider is the room.
- Bathrooms and kitchens: your first priority should be choosing a waterproof style of shutter. We recommend ABS shutters.
- Busy family rooms and bedrooms: MDF shutters are durable and hard-wearing, at a great price point.
- Statement spaces and premium finishes: hardwood shutters provide a natural, high-end feel.
Are window shutters old fashioned?
No, shutters suit both traditional and modern homes and look just as great on a Victorian terrace as they do in a new build estate.
Plantation shutters have been popular as of late, and there are many options to choose from. If you don’t want to cover the whole window, you could opt for a tier-on-tier or café style shutter so that you can maintain your privacy while maximising natural light.
Which shutters are the best?
The best shutters are ones that suit how you live and the room you’re installing them in. Rather than one singular ‘best’ type of shutter, it’s about choosing the right product for the job.
ABS Shutters
Best for humid rooms like kitchens and bathrooms, where the priority is water resistance and the ability to wipe your shutters clean when required.
Our ABS shutters are highly durable and designed for moisture-prone spaces, with strong resistance to warping, denting and chipping.
MDF Shutters
Best for value and everyday durability.
Our MDF shutters are practical and affordable, finished with a durable polymer coating that stands up to daily wear and tear.
Hardwood Shutters
Best for a premium feel and a more natural finish.
Hardwood shutters are built using basswood panels with engineered wood frames. They come in a wide range of finishes, including bespoke colour options.
What is ABS in shutters?
ABS is a tough plastic that is highly waterproof. In simple terms, ABS shutters are designed to last in high humidity. They are a strong pick for bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms, and any other space where steam and splashes are part of normal life.
Are MDF shutters any good?
For dry rooms, MDF shutters are undoubtedly a smart choice. They are designed to be practical and hard-wearing, and their polymer finish is easy to maintain. That makes them a popular choice for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and home offices.
If you’re on the hunt for MDF shutters that Kent customers choose for long-lasting use, the key is accurate measuring and fitting. A great product still needs quality installation to look right and work smoothly.
What is the difference between hardwood and MDF shutters?
The clearest differences are feel, finish, and which type of rooms they suit best.
Hardwood shutters
- A more natural look and feel
- A premium choice for statement rooms
- Great if you want a wide choice of finishes and a more luxurious result
MDF shutters
- Usually more budget-friendly
- Very practical for everyday use
- Often chosen for busy homes where durability matters
If you are choosing between MDF or hardwood shutters, your decision will usually come down to your budget, where they are being installed and what you want the room to feel like.
Do shutters provide blackout?
Shutters can make a room much darker, but they cannot always provide complete blackout.
With shutters, you get a lot of control over light because you can tilt the louvres and open and close the panels. However, you will still get small gaps around the edges through which light can penetrate. This is because shutters are a fitted frame system and not a fully sealed blind.
If you need your bedroom to be as dark as possible, we can talk you through your options and help you decide whether shutters alone will meet your needs, or whether a layered approach might work better for you.
Are shutters a good choice for bathrooms and kitchens?
Yes, as long as you choose the right material.
For humid spaces, ABS shutters are usually the safe option because they are made for water resistance and day-to-day durability in moisture-heavy rooms.
Can shutters work on large windows or patio doors?
Yes. For wide openings, tracked shutter systems can be a practical solution because they slide rather than swing out into the room.
We often recommend tracked shutters for patio doors and large windows where you need a setup that looks neat but is still flexible enough for regular use.
Are made to measure shutters worth it?
Absolutely – shutters are all about fit.
When your shutters fit properly, they look like part of the window, the panels close neatly, and the louvres move smoothly.
Many homes in the UK are quite old, with natural settlement happening over time. On many of these older buildings, the windows are no longer completely even or square. That is why many homeowners looking for blinds and shutters suppliers choose companies who can measure and fit, not just supply a box of pre-made shutters that might not sit right on your windows.
Where can I see shutters and get advice in person?
We are a family-owned specialist supplying and fitting blinds and shutters in Kent. Our Rochester showroom includes many types of shutters Medway customers can come and view in person.
We can show you the differences between ABS shutters, MDF shutters, and hardwood shutters, and talk through what will suit your windows, rooms and budget.
Which should I choose: ABS shutters, MDF shutters, or hardwood shutters?
Here is the simplest way to decide:
- Choose ABS shutters if moisture is a big concern.
- Choose MDF shutters if you want a nice balance between style, cost and practicality.
- Choose hardwood shutters if you want a premium finish and a natural look.
If you still need help choosing the right kind of shutter for your home, book a consultation or pop into our Rochester showroom. We will help you narrow down your choices and ensure your made to measure shutters are fitted properly so you can enjoy them for years to come.
And it’s never been a better time to upgrade to shutters – until the end of February, we’re offering 10% off our entire range of ABS, MDF and hardwood shutters. Get in contact for more details.
