French for shutters: volets, persiennes and window terminology

The usual French word for window shutters is volets; one shutter is a volet. The right term depends on the object and context. A window shutter, a roller shutter and a camera shutter are not interchangeable.

Useful window terms

Volet: a window shutter.
Volets battants: hinged shutters that swing open and closed.
Volet roulant: a roller shutter.
Persiennes: louvred shutters; check the specific design being described.
Volets intérieurs: interior shutters.

In photography, a camera’s shutter is an obturateur. Using volet when discussing camera exposure would therefore be misleading.

Translate the design as well as the word

A photograph of external shutters on a French house does not specify an indoor plantation shutter. If you are discussing a design with a supplier, say where the product will sit, how it should open, whether its louvres need to move and what it is expected to do.

For example, hinged external panels fixed to a wall need different hardware and weather exposure considerations from panels fitted inside a window recess. Likewise, a roller shutter is a different mechanism from folding louvred panels.

French doors are a separate window-treatment question

If your search is about shutters for French doors, describe the doors’ opening direction, handles and surrounding space. The shutters must leave the doors usable. The correct frame and panel arrangement depends on the surveyed opening.

For indoor options, compare full-height, tier-on-tier and tracked shutters. These names explain the configuration more clearly than a general “French style” label.

Discuss your actual window

Send your requirements through a consultation request and we can discuss the available indoor designs. Our wooden shutters start from £240/m², with a 10-year guarantee and a typical 3–4-week lead time.

Elegant Dining Room with Custom Shutters

This image depicts a well-lit dining room in a North London home, fitted with premium shutters from North London Shutters and Blinds. The dark green accent wall contrasts with light blue lower walls, a wooden table set for a casual gathering, and plantation-style shutters providing privacy and light control. With over 15 years of expertise, the company offers tailored window treatments for perfect functionality and style.

Elegant Bathroom with Custom Shutters

This image depicts a modern bathroom with black marble tiling, a window fitted with stylish shutters, a white vanity sink, towels on racks, and a small plant, exemplifying the custom window solutions offered by North London Shutters and Blinds with over 15 years of experience.

Stylish Bedroom with Custom Shutters

This image showcases a beautifully decorated bedroom in North London, highlighting custom-made white shutters on the windows. The room features vibrant green wallpaper with animal patterns, a mint green bedspread, decorative pillows, and a small rug, demonstrating the aesthetic enhancement provided by North London Shutters and Blinds' handcrafted window treatments.

Elegant Round Window Shutters

This image showcases high-quality shutters from North London Shutters and Blinds, featuring a circular window treatment that enhances the room's aesthetic. The French word for shutters is 'volets', and this example demonstrates their functional and decorative appeal in a home environment.

French for Shutters: Volets in Modern Interior

This image depicts a stylish dining area with wooden flooring, a wooden table surrounded by blue chairs, and large gray folding volets (French for shutters) opening to a garden view. Provided by North London Shutters and Blinds, experts in custom-made window solutions with over 15 years of experience.

This image showcases high-quality, handcrafted window shutters from North London Shutters and Blinds, featuring a bay window design with folding panels that enhance home aesthetics and functionality. With over 15 years of experience, they provide tailored solutions for perfect window fits.

Elegant Bay Window Shutters