Could you be using your shutters incorrectly? The surprising technique I use to save me money in winter and keep me cool in summer

I love my window shutters. As well as giving my sash windows a stylish finish, they also help with the opposing sides of one issue – heat loss and heat gain.

But, when I shared this extra shutter tip the other day with some colleagues, I was surprised to discover it wasn't as well known as I'd thought.

So, in the interests of making everyone's homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, I'm going to share the window shutter tip that my installer shared with me when fitting them in my home. The good news is, it doesn't require any extra tools, it's totally free and is backed up by experts too.

The shutter tip you can use all year round

As well as choosing shutters to help with privacy and acoustic issues (I live on a main high street and wanted to reduce the outdoor noise levels), I also wanted them to help reduce the heat loss through my single glazed windows.

Buying a listed building meant I was unlikely to get approval to replace the sash windows with double glazed units. Using a more solid window covering such as shutters, rather than blinds or curtains, also felt like a more effective way of preventing heat escaping through the single glazing.

When I explained this to the installer, he shared with me a piece of advice that transformed how I used my shutters – not just in winter, but in the summer too.

Flipping your slats up, not down, is the key to efficient window shutters

Most window shutters are fitted with slats that can be tilted up or down. While it's often instinctive to push them downwards, it's where most of us make the biggest mistake.

It's common practise to install radiators under windows in UK homes, and as science teaches us in school, heat rises, which is how it permeates into a room to warm the inhabitants.

But – and here's where the crux of the problem lies – when you push shutter slats down, it inevitably leaves a small gap in between each slat. So, when the heat from the radiator rises, if there's a gap (as there will be), it's going to leak into the space between the window and the shutter. This means the heat, particularly when you have single rather than double glazing, is heading outside, rather than staying inside.

"Angling your shutter slats upwards in winter is definitely a simple but effective way to reduce heat loss," confirms Simon Browne, national training manager at Luxaflex. "Warm air naturally rises. When the slats are tilted upwards, that rising heat meets the solid face of the shutter rather than escaping through the gaps between the louvres. It effectively creates a barrier that helps keeps more warmth in the room."

And, there's no doubt it works. I've tested it, sitting next to my shutters with the slats flipped down is far draughtier than with them closed – even when I've checked that my window draught proofing is up to scratch.

As an added bonus, it helps in summer too

The same 'upwards close' rule applies in summer too. While it would be easy to think that the gap will help keep your room cooler, it's not always the case.

"This same principle also helps as temperatures ramp up," confirms Simon. "Tilting the slats upwards during hot weather stops high angle sunlight from entering the room, which helps reduce glare and heat build up. It’s a small adjustment, but it can make a noticeable difference to comfort levels and overheating."

Have shutters in your bedroom and struggle to sleep when it's light? Tilting upwards can help you with this problem too.

"If you run your hand gently upwards across the slats when closing them, you encourage all the louvres to settle into the tightest possible closed position," explains Simon. "This minimises the micro gaps between each slat, which significantly improves room darkening for sleep or evening privacy. This works because shutters rely on each individual slat sitting flush with its neighbour, and a smooth upward sweep ensures perfect alignment."

Simon Browne

Simon Browne has over 27 year experience in the UK window blinds market, and is an award-winning training expert. At Luxaflex, he has helped shape the industry’s approach to smart shading through dealer training, product launches, and customer-focused strategies.

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Try these other handy shutter tips and tricks

While I love my shutters, and my flat, I've decided it's time to move on. So, if like me, you're staging a home to sell, these other handy shutter tips from Simon Browne could serve you well.

1. For perfectly uniform, ‘show-home’ alignment adjust slats from the centre: A quick insider trick is to slip your hand between the slats from the middle of the panel and gently nudge them into line. This helps every louvre match the tilt angle exactly, giving the shutters that crisp, uniform look designers love. It takes seconds and makes a big visual difference, from the outside as well as indoors. This is especially helpful for wider windows or shutters that get opened and closed frequently.
2. Choose your slat direction based on the view you want: If you want privacy but still want to see out, angle the slats downwards during the day. This shields you from passers-by while still allowing natural light in. Or, if viewing in summer and you want fresh air coming in, tilt slats upwards so fresh air flows in but the view from outside is still restricted.
3. Maintain your shutters with a simple dry dusting routine: A soft microfibre cloth is all you need. Always dust from the centre outwards to avoid twisting the louvres and never use abrasive products on painted shutters.

Use these to keep your shutters in pristine condition

So, to leave you in no doubt about which way to tilt your shutter slats, remember this following simple equation:

Upwards slats = heat retention + blocked sunlight

Downwards slats = privacy + ambient daylight

And one final piece of free advice? This tip also works with venetian blinds too. If you're looking to upgrade your window coverings, find out if window shutter costs fit within your budget. Or, it's your windows that are in need of an overhaul, discover how much to set aside for new window costs.