Custom shutters, made to measure and fitted in your home

Yes. Quality shutters last 15 to 20 years or more — significantly longer than most other window furnishings — and add genuine value to a property. Their durability, ease of maintenance, and lasting appeal mean the per-year cost compares very favourably with alternatives that need replacing every 5 to 7 years. Most homeowners find they are one of the best long-term investments they make in their home.

Shutters require a higher initial investment than curtains or blinds, and custom orders typically take 4 to 6 weeks to manufacture and install. Some very unusual window shapes may require additional consideration at the design stage. Your consultant will assess your windows honestly during the in-home visit and advise if shutters are not the right fit for a particular window.

PVC shutters are waterproof, will not warp or swell in humid conditions, and are very easy to clean — making them the right choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries. Wooden (basswood) shutters have a natural warmth and lighter weight that suits living rooms and bedrooms. Both are custom-made to your exact window dimensions. Your consultant will recommend the right material for each room in your home.

Yes. Shutters create a solid barrier between your window and the room, reducing heat transfer more effectively than most fabric options. In winter, closed shutters reduce heat loss through the glass. In summer, angling the louvres deflects direct sun while allowing airflow. For New Zealand's variable climate, they are one of the most effective passive thermal solutions available.

Shutters are mounted on their own frame, independent of any existing tracks or hardware, so they are compatible with virtually any window type — casement, sash, sliding, bi-fold, or fixed. Your Russells consultant will assess your windows during the in-home consultation and confirm suitability before any order is placed.

Yes. Shutters layer beautifully with other window furnishings. A popular combination is café-style shutters on the lower half of a window paired with a sheer curtain above, adding softness and light control. Some homeowners also use a blockout blind behind shutters in bedrooms for complete darkness. Your consultant can advise on the best layering options for each room.

Typically 4 to 6 weeks from order to installation. This reflects the custom fabrication process — each shutter is made to your exact window dimensions and quality-checked before dispatch. Your consultant will confirm the current lead time during your consultation.

Russells shutters are crafted by carefully vetted manufacturing partners who meet our quality standards. Your consultant can advise on specific products and where they are made during your in-home consultation.

They're one of the best. Shutters tuck neatly inside the window frame, so there are no chains or cords to worry about and no loose small parts — just a clean, safe finish that works beautifully in a home with kids or pets.

Yes, we repair curtains and blinds, but only products that were originally bought through Russells. Depending on your region and installer availability, some repairs can be done on-site or at a local lockup. More technical repairs and alterations come back to our factories in Nelson. If your product is still under warranty, the repair may be covered; if it's out of warranty, charges apply for the van call-out, installer time, parts, shipping, and factory labour. Get in touch and we'll talk you through it.

No. We specialise in interior window furnishings like curtains, blinds and shutters. Insect screens are not currently part of our range.

We don't offer a cleaning service for curtains or blinds. We also don't recommend washing any of our curtains, not even dry cleaning; spot cleaning is best. For the full details, take a look at our Product Care Guide.