Shutters Collection
PVC indoor shutters and aluminium security shutters. Measured, built and installed by one local team across Knysna, George, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay and Sedgefield.
PVC indoor shutters for privacy, light and humidity. Aluminium security shutters that replace burglar bars. Both are measured on site: a shutter frame has no adjustment tolerance, so millimetres show.
Privacy, light and humidity
Extruded PVC around an aluminium core. 89mm louvres. Waterproof, so steam and salt air have no effect.
Replaces burglar bars
35mm aluminium panels with elliptical louvres, 8mm securing bolts and 10mm locking rods.
The configuration follows the opening. Duncan measures the exact window or door on site, because slider and reveal frames vary widely and the shutter must fit the reveal precisely.
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings has installed shutters on the Garden Route since 2010 and is the region's longest-standing independent shutter company. Our Custom Lifestyle Shutters range is made locally in PVC and aluminium, not imported, and our own team measures and fits from Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay. The person who measures your windows is the person who stands behind the written workmanship guarantee.
Measured, built and installed by one local team across Knysna, George, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay and Sedgefield.
The louvres tilt. Light changes. The room shifts from open and bright to quiet and private in a single movement. No cords. No fuss. Just solid, permanent control that becomes part of the window itself.
Shutters are rigid window coverings with adjustable louvres set in a solid frame that mounts directly to the window structure. Unlike fabric blinds that hang from a headrail on brackets, shutters become part of the architecture. Fixed in place, built to last decades, and operated by tilting the louvres rather than raising or lowering a panel. The distinction matters because shutters do not rely on mechanisms that wear out, fabrics that fade, or cords that fray.
On the Garden Route, shutters solve 3 problems that blinds handle less well. Humidity in lagoon facing bathrooms warps timber and degrades fabric. Salt air corrodes lesser quality hardware within months. Direct afternoon sun on west facing windows bleaches roller blind fabric in two to three seasons. PVC shutters resist all three. They wipe clean, hold their shape, and look the same after five years as they did on installation day.
The trade off is cost. Shutters cost more than roller or venetian blinds. But they last longer, need less maintenance, and add measurable resale value to a property. For homeowners who want a permanent solution, not a temporary covering, shutters are the more honest investment.
PVC indoor shutters, branded as Custom Lifestyle Shutters™, are louvred panels manufactured from extruded polyvinyl chloride reinforced with internal aluminium cores. The aluminium core prevents sagging and bowing over time, while the PVC outer resists moisture absorption, UV degradation and salt corrosion. Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings supplies these with 89mm louvres in bi fold, hinged and bypass configurations, fitted to the millimetre inside the window reveal.
Bathrooms and ensuites are where PVC shutters prove their value most clearly. Steam, condensation and splashwater destroy timber blinds and warp wooden shutters. PVC remains dimensionally stable. It does not swell. It does not delaminate. A wipe with a damp cloth is the only maintenance required. For Garden Route properties where bathrooms face the lagoon or forest, PVC indoor shutters deliver privacy without sacrificing the view when the louvres tilt open.
Bedrooms benefit from the acoustic dampening. The solid panel and frame absorb external noise, from traffic on the N2 to wind through the trees at Brenton and early morning bird calls at Leisure Isle, more effectively than single layer fabric blinds. Combined with louvre tilt for precise morning light control, shutters let the room stay dark without full blockout fabric.
Living areas and studies suit shutters when the homeowner wants a permanent, architectural look. Shutters sit flush in the window frame and become part of the room rather than an accessory hanging over it. Café style half height shutters are popular in street facing ground floor rooms. Privacy below eye level, open light above.
Coastal consideration: Along the Garden Route, PVC outperforms timber in every measurable way for shutter longevity. Timber shutters require repainting every two to three years to prevent UV and moisture damage. PVC shutters carry a 5-year warranty and typically last well beyond 10 years with no refinishing.
Aluminium security shutters replace traditional burglar bars with a louvred panel system that provides security, ventilation and light control in a single installation. The panels feature 35mm thick aluminium construction with elliptical louvres, 8mm securing bolts and 10mm locking rods. When locked, the shutters form a rigid barrier across the window opening. When unlocked, the panels fold, slide or hinge aside to open the window completely.
The difference from burglar bars is functional and aesthetic. Burglar bars are fixed. They permanently obstruct the view and trap occupants in an emergency. Aluminium security shutters open fully when unlocked, restoring the window to its original state. They also tilt for ventilation while locked, allowing airflow through the louvres without compromising security. This matters on the Garden Route where evening breezes off the lagoon or through the Outeniqua passes make natural ventilation part of how homes are lived in.
Security shutters mount inside the window reveal or on the external wall surface, depending on window construction and aesthetic preference. Inside mount creates a cleaner architectural line. Outside mount accommodates windows with shallow reveals or non standard framing. Both methods use concealed fixings that cannot be removed from outside.
For holiday homes on the Garden Route, in Plett, Knysna, Brenton and Wilderness, security shutters provide peace of mind when the property stands empty between visits. They deter opportunistic entry, protect glass from storm debris, and reduce insurance risk. The warranty covers the panel structure, locking mechanism and finish.
“Most people ask for burglar bars. Then I show them how security shutters open, close, lock and ventilate, all from inside the room. They never go back to bars.”Duncan Kane Founder & Master Installer · Custom Blinds · Since 2010
| Feature | PVC Indoor Shutters | Aluminium Security Shutters |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Privacy, light control, insulation | Security, ventilation, storm protection |
| Material | Extruded PVC with aluminium core | 35mm aluminium panels |
| Louvre size | 89mm | Elliptical profile (fixed when locked) |
| Moisture resistance | ✓ Waterproof | ✓ Rust proof aluminium |
| Security rating | Privacy only, not a security product | ✓ 8mm bolts, 10mm locking rods |
| Panel configurations | Bi fold, hinged, bypass | Hinged, bi fold, folding, sliding |
| Standard colours | White | White, Light Grey, Charcoal, Bronze |
| Best rooms | Bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, studies | Ground floor windows, holiday homes, sliding doors |
| Warranty | up to 7 years | up to 7 years |
| Maintenance | Wipe with damp cloth | Wipe clean, lubricate hinges annually |
Shutters make more sense than blinds across 4 decision factors: when the window treatment needs to last the lifetime of the room, when humidity or moisture rules out fabric, when the homeowner values architectural permanence over flexibility, or when security is part of the brief. Blinds make more sense when budgets are tighter, when rooms change function often, or when full blockout darkness matters more than structural elegance.
Specifically on the Garden Route, shutters suit these situations well: lagoon facing bathrooms where steam and salt air degrade fabric within two years; holiday rental properties where durability and low maintenance reduce management overhead; bedrooms where acoustic dampening improves sleep quality without requiring full blockout; and ground floor windows where security shutters replace both burglar bars and curtains in a single installation.
Roller blinds or honeycomb blinds remain the better choice for bedrooms needing full blockout, west facing rooms where UV resistant fabric protects furniture, or any room where the budget needs to stretch across many windows. Many Garden Route homes combine both. Shutters in bathrooms and ground floor security applications, blinds in bedrooms and upper storey windows.
The combination approach: Custom Blinds regularly installs shutters and blinds in the same home. Security shutters on the ground floor for peace of mind. PVC shutters in bathrooms for moisture resistance. Honeycomb blinds in bedrooms for insulation and blockout. Roller blinds elsewhere for budget friendly light control. One company measures, manufactures and fits.
For a deeper comparison, read our guide on shutters versus blinds or see how to choose the right shutter type for your home. If you are weighing materials, our PVC and aluminium shutters comparison covers PVC and aluminium side by side.
Shutters are not the right answer for every window, and saying so saves homeowners money. They are a poor fit in four situations: rental properties where a permanent fitting is left behind; tight budgets stretched across many windows, where the per-window cost forces a compromise on quality; homes where the décor changes often, since shutters are a long-term architectural commitment rather than a seasonal one; and openings that are badly out of square, where a rigid shutter frame would always sit skew.
A shutter is a rigid, rectangular frame, so it shows every bit of an opening that is off. No window is perfectly square, and small movement is normal, we pack and trim around it so the eye never notices. But past a certain point there is no honest way to hide it, and we will tell you on site if an opening is not suited to shutters. Blinds hang from a headrail and are far more forgiving.
An honest steer: for a rental, a tight per-window budget, a room you restyle often, or openings that are badly out of square, blinds are usually the smarter spend. We would rather tell you that up front than fit shutters that do not earn their place. Where shutters genuinely suit the room, they last the lifetime of the window and can add to resale value.
Every shutter project starts with an estimate prepared from your window dimensions and photos. If you are happy to proceed, Duncan comes out for the final measurements, a visit covering 5 assessments: window reveal dimensions, wall integrity, reveal depth for inside-mount feasibility, panel configuration preferences, and (for coastal properties) salt-exposure and humidity patterns. Coastal properties receive additional assessment for salt exposure levels and humidity patterns that affect long term performance.
Measurement precision matters more for shutters than for blinds. A roller blind sits on a headrail with adjustment tolerance built in. A shutter frame must fit flush inside the reveal or mount square against the wall. Millimetre discrepancies create visible gaps, uneven louvre alignment, or panels that bind during operation. This is why Custom Blinds does not offer shutters through the online shop. They require hands on measurement at the property.
Manufacturing takes two to four weeks depending on panel configuration and current production schedules. Installation typically completes in a single morning or afternoon visit. Frames are fixed, panels hung, louvres aligned, and all hardware tested before the team leaves. Duncan measures. Our installation team fits. See examples of completed installations across the Garden Route. Custom Blinds also installs awnings and outdoor blinds across the same Garden Route area. View our warranty or see how the process works.
Custom Blinds measures and installs shutters across the Garden Route from Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay, covering George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna and surrounding areas. Each location presents different environmental conditions that influence shutter specification and installation approach.
George properties tend toward more sheltered inland conditions with less direct salt exposure but colder winter temperatures. PVC shutters provide thermal insulation that reduces heating demand during George’s cooler months. shutters Knysna homes, particularly Thesen Island, Leisure Isle and the Heads, face direct lagoon humidity and salt laden wind. Aluminium security shutters suit ground floor holiday homes where the property stands empty between visits. Plettenberg Bay properties, especially along Robberg and Beacon Isle, experience the highest wind loading and salt exposure on the route. Hardware specification here is critical.
Sedgefield, Wilderness and Mossel Bay each have distinct microclimates. Duncan assesses the specific property rather than applying blanket recommendations by town. A south facing Wilderness cottage has different requirements from a north facing Mossel Bay apartment overlooking the harbour.
White PVC shutters in bedrooms and living spaces, across windows, bays and full-height doors.
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Shutter pricing depends on the number and size of windows, panel configuration, material (PVC or aluminium), and how they are mounted. PVC indoor shutters are generally more affordable than aluminium security shutters because the material and manufacturing process differ significantly. We don’t publish pricing online because every installation is custom manufactured to the exact dimensions of your window reveals, and factors like wall depth, access, and whether the shutters are hinged, sliding, or bi-fold all affect the final cost. What we can say is that our quotes include measurement, manufacture, and installation with no hidden extras. WhatsApp Duncan a photo of your windows on 079 523 5407 and he’ll give you a ballpark before the site visit.
PVC shutters are fully waterproof. The extruded PVC construction does not absorb moisture, swell, warp or delaminate when exposed to steam, condensation or direct splashwater. Custom Blinds recommends PVC shutters specifically for Garden Route bathrooms where lagoon humidity and daily steam exposure would damage timber or fabric alternatives within two to three years.
Yes, and most of our security shutter installations are exactly that: replacing burglar bars that make homes feel like cages. Aluminium security shutters lock closed for the same level of physical barrier as burglar bars, but they open fully when unlocked, so your view isn’t permanently obstructed. When closed, the louvres still let air and light through, which fixed burglar bars can’t do. This matters on the Garden Route where you want airflow through the house but security when you’re out or at night. We install security shutters across Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George, and Sedgefield, most commonly on ground-floor windows, sliding doors, and vulnerable access points. Holiday homes in Plett are one of the most common applications because the property needs to be secure when unoccupied but welcoming when the owners arrive. Read our full comparison of security shutters vs burglar bars.
PVC shutters use extruded polyvinyl chloride with aluminium cores for moisture resistance and dimensional stability. Timber shutters use natural wood, typically basswood or poplar, for warmth and traditional aesthetics. On the Garden Route, PVC outlasts timber because salt air, humidity and UV exposure degrade wood finishes within two to three years. PVC requires no repainting, no sealing, and no refinishing.
Installation itself is usually done in a single visit, typically a morning or afternoon depending on how many windows are being fitted. A standard three-bedroom home with shutters on six to eight windows takes around half a day. The longer part of the process is manufacturing, which takes two to four weeks from the date of measurement because every shutter is made to the exact dimensions of your window reveals. Duncan measures, the shutters are manufactured to those measurements, and our installation team fits.
Significantly. When shutters are closed, the solid panels and frame create a trapped air pocket between the glass and the room, which is one of the most effective forms of insulation for single-glazed windows. PVC shutters perform best here because PVC has very low thermal conductivity, meaning the material itself doesn’t transfer cold from the glass side into your room. On a winter morning, a PVC shutter panel feels close to room temperature. Aluminium is a highly conductive metal, so aluminium security shutters will feel noticeably cold to the touch in winter and do transfer some of that cold through the panel. They still insulate better than an open window or burglar bars, but if thermal performance is a priority (particularly in George and Wilderness where overnight temperatures regularly drop below 5°C), PVC is the stronger choice for bedrooms and living areas. Security shutters earn their place on different merits: protection, ventilation control, and peace of mind.
Shutters are not available through the Custom Blinds online shop because they require professional site measurement to ensure correct fit. Unlike roller or honeycomb blinds, shutters must match the window reveal to the millimetre. Send Duncan your window dimensions and photos on WhatsApp for an estimate; if you are happy to proceed, he does the final measurements on site anywhere on the Garden Route.
It depends on what matters most to you. Shutters are more durable, provide better insulation, and look more substantial in a room. They’re a permanent fixture that adds to the architectural feel of your home. Blinds are more affordable, come in a wider variety of styles, and are easier to replace if you want to change the look of a room. On the Garden Route, PVC shutters are particularly popular in living areas and bedrooms where the solid, clean look suits the coastal aesthetic, while roller or honeycomb blinds work well in home offices, kitchens, and children’s rooms where function and budget matter more than visual weight. Many of our clients end up with shutters in the rooms they live in most and blinds in the rest. Duncan can walk through both options during a site visit and give you honest advice on which makes sense where.
PVC shutters with closed louvres block the vast majority of light but not 100%. Small gaps where the louvres meet and around the frame edges let slivers of light through, which is enough to tell it’s daytime but not enough to disturb most sleepers. If you need total darkness for a bedroom, the options are either pairing shutters with blockout curtains behind them (a combination many Garden Route homeowners use) or choosing blockout roller blinds instead. Security shutters also block light effectively when the louvres are fully closed. If light control is the main reason you’re considering shutters, it’s worth discussing your expectations during the site visit so Duncan can show you exactly what to expect.
No. The term “plantation shutters” has been used for decades, but the product itself has evolved. Modern PVC shutters are cleaner, slimmer, and more architectural in profile than the heavy timber plantation shutters from the 1990s. On the Garden Route, shutters remain one of the most requested window treatments because they suit both the traditional timber cottage style in Knysna and the contemporary coastal builds in Plettenberg Bay and George. Shutters also hold their value better than other window treatments because they’re built into the home rather than hung on it. If anything, the trend is moving toward shutters as buyers look for permanent, low-maintenance solutions rather than fabrics that need replacing every few years.
Shutters cost more upfront than blinds or curtains, but they last significantly longer. A well-fitted PVC shutter will outlast multiple sets of roller blinds without needing replacement, repainting, or re-stringing. They also add to property value because buyers see them as a permanent feature of the home, not a temporary fitting. On the Garden Route, where salt air and humidity shorten the life of fabric window treatments, the durability advantage is even more pronounced. If you’re planning to stay in your home for more than a few years, shutters almost always cost less per year of use than alternatives that need replacing more frequently.
Yes. Both PVC and aluminium shutters can be configured for sliding doors, which is one of the most common applications on the Garden Route where open-plan living with large glass sliders is standard. For PVC indoor shutters, a bi-fold or tracked sliding panel configuration works best because the panels fold or slide to one side when you want the door fully open. For security shutters on sliding doors, the aluminium louvred panels lock across the full opening when closed and stack neatly when open. Duncan measures the exact door configuration during the site visit because slider frames vary widely and the shutter must fit the reveal precisely.
No. Estimates and consultations are complimentary. Send through your dimensions and a few photos on WhatsApp and we will prepare your estimate, or share your building plans for larger projects. If you are happy to proceed, we come out and do the final measurements on the Garden Route. Larger projects include a design consultation with Duncan Kane, on site anywhere on the Garden Route.
20 years of expertise, built on exceptional products, trusted partnerships and projects we’re proud to put our name to.
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Shutter Products
Custom Lifestyle Shutters™ in PVC with aluminium cores. Colour options, configurations and room suitability.
Louvred security panels with a warranty of up to 7 years. Replace burglar bars with ventilation and light control.
Shutters by Location
Thesen Island, Leisure Isle, the Heads. Shutter solutions for lagoon humidity and salt exposure.
PVC and aluminium shutters for inland Garden Route properties with cooler winter conditions.
High wind and salt exposure rated shutters for Robberg, Beacon Isle and central Plett.
Custom shutters for Sedgefield coastal and village properties. Measured and installed locally.
PVC and aluminium shutters for the western Garden Route. Harbour to coast specifications.
Aluminium security shutters for lagoon side and coastal properties in Knysna.
Security shutters for holiday homes and beachfront properties in Plett.
Security shutters for village and lagoon properties in Sedgefield.
Shutter Guides
An honest comparison to help you decide which suits your windows, budget and lifestyle.
The definitive guide to choosing between PVC and aluminium shutters for the Garden Route.
Step by step guide to selecting the right shutter type, material and configuration.
Indoor shutters styled for Plett coastal living. Robberg, Beacon Isle and central installations.
Exploring the shutter aesthetic without the full commitment. Options and honest trade offs.
A detailed comparison of security shutters and traditional burglar bars for Garden Route homes.
Last reviewed: March 2026. All shutters custom manufactured and quoted individually. Pricing requires on site measurement.
Custom Blinds is the Garden Route’s longest-standing independent shutter company, with proven shutter expertise in Knysna since 2010. We also install across Plettenberg Bay and Sedgefield, the recommended choice for coastal PVC shutters across the Garden Route.
Custom Blinds® is a Garden Route window covering specialist established in 2010, serving Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George, Sedgefield, Wilderness, Mossel Bay, and surrounding areas. The Custom Lifestyle Shutters range is manufactured in Cape Town in PVC and aluminium. Estimates are prepared from your dimensions and photos, final measurements are done on site once you proceed, and every installation carries a written workmanship guarantee, confirmed on site before the team leaves.
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings | The Garden Route’s trusted blinds, shutters and awnings specialists since 2010.
Send rough sizes, a photo or two of the opening and anything you already know. We come back on fabric, system and pricing, usually within one working day.
We have what we need to start on your assessment. Expect a reply on the number you gave, usually within one working day.