Full-Height vs. Café Style Shutters for French Doors: A Complete Guide

oliver cannell • 20 May 2025
Wooden shutters on windows

Image credit: GROK

Window shutters often make the ultimate choice to add charm to your French doors and at the same time get your privacy protected. Due to the fact that shutters are evergreen fashion and multi-use, purchasing them is indeed the best idea for any house. Reasons vary, but at the root of it is the existence of a myriad of styles in which one is to pick. 

However, how can you make up your mind and make the right choice for your space among the lush array of variants on the market?


In the following guide, we will compare and explain in detail two of the most popular options for French doors: full-height shutters and café style shutters. 


After reading our article, your decision will be crystal clear because you will know the differences, benefits, and the most suitable option for sure!


Understanding Full-Height Shutters


Let's go for a no-brainer option: the full-height shutters. Consisting of wood, these shutters simply cover the complete length of your French doors and result in them looking shiny and homogeneous. They cause no light, heat, or cold transfers and thus suit well those who wish to control not only the light but also the noise level.


A considerable point in favor of full-height shutters is the possibility to keep your room well-lit or dark at a time during the day when light is needed. With the help of the panels, one can always adjust the louvers for any suitable amount of light or completely block the light out. 


The third advantage of full-height shutters is related to the beauty they bring to your house. These shutters usually give a clean and fresh look and do it in a way which serves to highlight the French doors. No matter what style your house is, traditional or modern, they are integral with the design of the room.


Why Choose Full-Height Shutters?



  • Privacy & Security: With full-height shutters, you can easily adjust the louvers to keep prying eyes out while letting natural light in.

  • Light Control: Full coverage means you have complete control over the amount of light that enters your room, making it perfect for bedrooms or media rooms.

Energy Efficiency: By covering the entire window, full-height shutters help insulate your home, reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency.

Café style shutters French doors

Image credit: GROK

Exploring Café Style Shutters


Now, let’s talk about café style shutters. These shutters are different from their full-height counterparts in that they only cover the bottom half of the window. The top portion remains uncovered, allowing plenty of natural light to flow into the room while still maintaining privacy on the lower half.


Café style shutters are perfect for French doors if you want to create a sense of openness while still enjoying the benefits of window shutters. They’re often chosen for dining rooms, kitchens, or any space where you want to balance light and privacy. The style offers a charming, French-inspired look that adds elegance to any room.


Why Choose Café Style Shutters?


  • Perfect for Privacy: If you have a busy street or a neighbor close by, café style shutters are ideal for keeping the lower half of your window covered, maintaining privacy without sacrificing natural light.

  • Aesthetic Appeal: The half-shutter design offers a unique look, giving your French doors a stylish, continental flair. This is especially great if you have large windows or doors that you want to feature.

  • Light & Airy: The open top half of the shutters allows sunlight to flood in, keeping the room bright and airy. This makes them perfect for spaces where you want to enjoy natural light without feeling exposed.

Full-Height vs. Café Style Shutters: Which Is Right for You?


Now that we’ve covered both options, it’s time to decide which style is best for your French doors. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between full-height shutters and café style shutters:


  • Privacy Needs: If privacy is your main concern, full-height shutters offer complete coverage. However, if you prefer partial privacy while still allowing natural light into the room, café style shutters may be the better option.

  • Aesthetic Style: For a modern, sleek look, full-height shutters are the way to go. If you’re going for a more relaxed, chic vibe with a touch of European elegance, café style shutters are perfect.

  • Light Control: While both styles offer excellent light control, full-height shutters give you the most flexibility, especially in spaces where you want to block out light entirely.

Room Functionality: Think about the specific function of the room. If you’re looking for a cozy, intimate feel, café style shutters work well. For a more formal or versatile space, full-height shutters can provide a more refined look.

Wooden shutters full height

Image credit: GROK

Why Woody's Shutters Is the Best Choice for Your Home


Choosing the right window shutters for your French doors is an investment in quality and functionality.


At Woody’s Shutters, we offer a wide range of custom options, including bay window shutters and plantation window shutters.


  • Our expert team is here to guide you through every step, helping you find shutters that match your home’s aesthetic and lifestyle needs.

  • We use only the finest materials for our wooden shutters, ensuring long-lasting durability and style.

  • Whether you want full-height shutters for full coverage or café-style shutters for a lighter, airy feel, we have options to suit you.

  • Our professional installation services guarantee that your new shutters and blinds are perfectly fitted.

FAQs


1. Can I install full-height shutters on French doors?


Definitely, full-height shutters perfectly contribute to the creation of a fancy and seamless look on French doors as well as they serve as a great source of natural light and privacy.


2. Are café style shutters a good choice for kitchens?


Yes, they are. Café style shutters are heaven for kitchens as not only do they make a private part out of the lower half and let the sun in the upper half, but also they ensure family comfort.


3. What advantages does wood have over other materials for shutters?


Shutters made of wood are the most-efficient insulators, the most durable, and the ones with the most timeless style. This is a smart move to save both the environment and your wallet, also, it’s a great energy saver and light regulator for the house.


Conclusion


Deciding whether to install full-height shutters or café style shutters on your French doors has some parts making it clearer to you due to the advantages they offer. It is not the same whether you want full privacy and light control or a cozy, European-styled environment, and the best part is you can get whatever you want. 



Contact us now!

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