Before you start you will need:

• A good quality steel tape measure
• A spirit level
• Paper and pen

1. Each part of a bay window will receive its own individual shutter frame. The shutter panels are hinged inside each frame.
2. Depending on the space available between each window section or the angle of the bay you may need to butt our shutter frame templates up to each other (as per the diagram below). However if the 3 sections of your bay window are spaced further apart there will be a gap between each shutter frame when installed (see adjoining photo). You need to decide which type of shutter installation is best for your window.
3. When required it is recommended that you print the correct paper frame templates as these replicate the size of the shutter frames. These templates are available on the website to print. Position the correct template on the window sill as shown in the photo and illustration. When you are happy that all frames when installed will either butt up to each other or fit correctly to each section of bay then you can measure each frame width required. Each width you measure should include the frame template either side. To confirm the total width you supply for each window in the bay will be FULLY INCLUSIVE OF THE FRAME.
4. When measuring for the height it is important that all frames are ordered to the same height for each window. Keeping all the heights equal will ensure that all panels have equal number of slats and that shutters have equal top and bottom rails.
5. The width of our L frame template is 35mm and the depth of the L frame template is either 57mm, 67mm, 85mm or 97mm. The frame depth you choose depends on the slat size you select. You should also consider if there are large handles which protrude in from the window which may restrict the slats tilting.
6. You may wish to include a midrail in your shutter panels. If so, measure from the bottom sill up to the middle point on the window where you want the midrail to be centered. Again, this should be the same height on all windows in the bay. If there happens to be a rail on the actual window it is always best to mirror this location on the shutter panels. The window rail is normally in the middle or ¾ of the way up the window.
7. If you want to measure for cafe style or tier on tier shutters, measure from the bottom sill up to the point where you would like the lower panel to finish. This is normally the top of the bottom window section. You should give the same measurement for all windows in the bay. See photo guide.
8. Use a steel tape measure and do measure in a couple of places on every window to ensure it is square. If the window is not square always choose the smallest measurement it needs to be.

If you would like further advice on your actual window, please email a clear digital image to hello@thecaliforniacompany.co.uk .Ensure all curtains are moved away from the window and that handles and the full window is in the photo.

Measure along the red line for the width of your shutter frames

Flat L frame ... Suitable for a slat size of 47mm or 64mm

FRAME ref: Small Flat L frame measures 35mm wide x 57mm deep

Plan View of window frame looking down from above

Frame shown: Small Flat L Frame

FLAT L frame ... Suitable for a slat size of 89mm

FRAME ref: Medium Flat L Frame measures 35mm wide x 67mm deep

Plan view of window looking down from above

frame shown: Medium Flat L Frame

1. Measure each section width as per the RED lines, remember the width you supply to us should include the frame on both sides!
2. Measure the drop as per the RED lines
3. Measure from sill up to GREEN line for a dividing midrail location
4. Measure from sill up to BLUE line for a cafe style or tier on tier shutter design
5. Ensure frame templates are positioned on sill clear of opening handles
6. We can supply trim in a match to the shutters if your shutter frames will need a small gap between each frame.

Before measuring, look for any obstructions on the window. You need to make sure that you avoid the possibility of the slats tilting open and hitting any obstacles such as handles or phone junction box.

We advise that phone points, if they sit in the way of the shutter frame, should be moved. This is generally the case with 3 section Victorian sash windows. However for handles, especially on UPVC windows, it is not easy to change these and you therefore need to ensure you measure correctly to accommodate the handles.

• Measure how far into the room the handles protrude.
• Depending on the slat size you choose check if you will have enough clearance or if you need to pull the frame forward.
• Remember, you can always order a deeper frame if you choose. For example a 4032 (67mm deep) frame for a 47mm slat. We can also custom make a non standard depth frame for additional cost.

Short angle bay showing the 3 frames installed

Now you have read how easy it is to install our window shutters for BAY WINDOWS why not try out online shutter tool to see how cost effective your DIY shutters can be. Also please take a look through our gallery to see examples of shutters on 3 bay windows like this one, or here for a 30's bay window shutter.