Tier on Tier Shutters: Flexible and Stylish Window Solutions in North London
Tier-on-tier shutters have two sets of wooden panels, one above the other, that open independently. Fold the top panels back for daylight while the bottom panels stay closed for privacy from the street – then close both at night. That flexibility makes them the most popular choice for front bay windows and street-facing rooms across North London, from Victorian terraces in Muswell Hill, Crouch End and Highgate to Edwardian and 1930s homes in Finchley, Hendon, Enfield and Harrow.
Every set is measured at your home, made to measure in Britain and fitted by our own team, with a 10-year guarantee and a typical 3–4-week lead time.
Where tier-on-tier shutters work best
- Bay windows – open the top of the bay to the light and keep the lower half private from the pavement. See tier-on-tier shutters on living room bay windows.
- Street-facing living rooms – privacy at seated height without making the room dark. See tier-on-tier shutters in living rooms.
- Tall sash windows – the split lines up with the meeting rail, so the shutters look part of the window.
- Kitchens and dining rooms – privacy at worktop and table height, light above.
- Bedrooms – open the top in the morning for light, close everything at night. Add a blackout blind behind if you want the room really dark.
Where should the panels divide?
On a sash window, the split usually works best at the meeting rail, where the two sashes meet. On other windows we set it from your privacy line – checking the view from your usual seat as well as standing, and from the street outside. We check the sightline, handle positions and the space both sets of panels need to open during your survey.
Tier-on-tier, full height or café style?
Tier-on-tier gives the most control, because the top and bottom open separately. Full height shutters have one set of panels top to bottom; with a mid rail or split tilt you can still tilt the top and bottom louvres separately, but the panels open as one. On a short window, full height can look simpler. Café style shutters are like tier-on-tier without the top panels. See how tier-on-tier shutters work: open, closed and top open, or our tier-on-tier vs full height guide.
Colours, louvres and controls
White suits most homes – see Vivid White vs Traffic White – and we can colour match to Farrow & Ball, Little Greene and Dulux (terms and conditions apply). Check colours against your frames and paintwork in daylight using real samples, not a phone screen. Choose 64mm, 76mm or 89mm louvres, with a tilt rod or hidden tilt.
Simple pricing
We price by the size of your windows, so tier-on-tier costs no more than full height on the same window – and hidden tilt or a different louvre size doesn’t add extra. See how our pricing works, or see our bay window shutter prices.
Some Of Our Designs
Choosing tier-on-tier shutters
- Check the privacy height from your usual seat as well as standing, and from outside.
- On sash windows, line the split up with the meeting rail.
- Allow room for both the upper and lower panels to swing open – handles, curtain poles and furniture can get in the way.
- On short windows, compare the look with full height shutters with a split tilt.
See more in our tier-on-tier bay window gallery.
Colour Options
Paulownia Wood Shutters
Can colour match to any Little Greene, Farrow & Ball and Dulux
T&Cs Apply
What Makes Us Different
Made in England, Made in Britain
Ask us about the materials, finish and care requirements for your chosen product. We confirm its specification before you order.
Measured for your home in North London
At your free home visit we bring samples, measure the opening and discuss light, privacy, colour and how you use the room. We confirm the specification in a written quote before you order.
Our made-to-measure wooden shutters come with a 10-year guarantee and a typical 3–4-week lead time. Your written quote confirms the design, price and expected fitting date.
10-year shutter guarantee
Our wooden shutters come with a 10-year guarantee. Your written quote confirms the product specification and guarantee terms.
Questions about tier-on-tier shutters
What are tier-on-tier shutters?
Tier-on-tier shutters have two sets of panels, one above the other, that open independently. You can open the top for light while keeping the bottom closed for privacy.
How are tier-on-tier shutters different from a split tilt?
Tier-on-tier panels open independently at the top and bottom. A split tilt adjusts separate groups of louvres within full height panels, without a second set of opening panels.
Where should the panels divide?
The split often works best at an existing window rail, such as the meeting rail on a sash window. We check the sightline, handle positions and space for both sets of panels during the survey.
Can I use them on a short window?
Possibly, but two sets of rails can look busy on a short opening. Compare full height shutters using your window measurements before deciding.
Are tier-on-tier shutters good for bay windows?
Yes – they’re our most popular choice for bays. Each section of the bay gets its own top and bottom panels, so you can open the top of the whole bay to the light and keep the lower half private.
How much do tier-on-tier shutters cost?
We price by the size of your windows only, so tier-on-tier costs the same per square metre as full height or café style. Your free home visit ends with a fixed written quote, with no obligation.
How do I look after them?
Dust gently with a soft or slightly damp cloth. Avoid soaking the wooden panels or forcing a stiff hinge or louvre – contact us if anything changes.
What lead time and guarantee apply?
Our wooden shutters have a 10-year guarantee and a typical 3–4-week lead time. We confirm your expected fitting date with your order.
Types of Shutters We Offer and Their Best Uses
At North London Shutters and Blinds, we offer a wide range of custom shutters designed to fit your home’s unique needs. Each shutter type offers its own set of benefits, making them perfect for different rooms and window styles. Here’s a breakdown of the shutters we provide and the best applications for each:
Full Height Shutters
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, offices
Full height shutters cover the entire window from top to bottom, offering a sleek, continuous look. They provide excellent light control and privacy, making them ideal for rooms where you need a versatile solution. You can tilt the louvers to allow in natural light or close them fully for complete privacy. Their timeless design suits both modern and traditional interiors, adding elegance to any space.
- Perfect for: Any room where you need full light control and privacy, such as living rooms and bedrooms.
Tier on Tier Shutters
Best for: Living rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, street-facing windows
Tier on Tier shutters feature two sets of panels that can operate independently. This allows you to open the top section to let in natural light while keeping the bottom section closed for privacy. They are ideal for rooms where you want flexibility in managing light and privacy. This style is particularly useful in street-level rooms where you want privacy on the lower half of the window but still want daylight to enter.
- Perfect for: Rooms facing the street or areas where flexible light control and privacy are needed.
Café Style Shutters
Dining rooms, kitchens, street-facing windows
Café style shutters cover only the lower half of the window, allowing light to flood in through the top. These shutters offer privacy while maintaining an open, airy feel, making them perfect for ground-floor rooms or street-facing windows. Their stylish, continental design adds a chic touch to any room and works particularly well in kitchens or dining areas where you want privacy without blocking sunlight.
- Perfect for: Spaces where privacy is needed at eye level but natural light is still desired.
Solid Shutters
Bedrooms, living rooms, period homes, home theatres
Solid shutters are made from full wood panels that reduce incoming light when closed, offering the highest level of privacy and insulation. They are particularly popular in bedrooms, period properties, and rooms where you want to block out noise and light, such as home theatres. These shutters add a traditional and elegant look, making them ideal for homes with classic architecture or those looking to maintain a period aesthetic.
- Perfect for: Bedrooms and spaces where reduced light, privacy, and insulation are important.
Track Shutters
Best for: Large windows, sliding doors, patio doors, room dividers
Track shutters are designed to cover wide expanses such as large windows, sliding glass doors, or patio doors. They glide effortlessly along a track system, providing easy access and smooth operation. These shutters are perfect for large spaces where traditional shutters may not be practical. They can also be used as room dividers in open-plan living areas, offering flexibility in how you use your space.
- Perfect for: Large windows and sliding doors that require full coverage and easy access.
Special Shape Shutters
Best for: Arched, circular, triangular, or angled windows
Special shape shutters are custom-made to fit uniquely shaped windows. Whether your windows are arched, circular, triangular, or angled, these shutters are tailored to provide a perfect fit. Not only do they enhance the beauty of unusual window shapes, but they also offer practical benefits like light control and privacy. These bespoke shutters are ideal for homes with distinctive architectural features.
- Perfect for: Arched, circular and angled windows, dormers and other unusual shapes.