Shutter BoysCalifornia shutters in Chicago
Louvers for Chicago
California shutters and plantation shutters are the same thing: panels of wide, tilting louvers fitted to the window. What sets one apart from another is mostly the louver size, and Chicago's homes and sun point to different choices.
Here, about 13 days a year reach 90°F. That's fewer hot days than 82% of the 881 US cities we have climate figures for.
The midday sun climbs to 72° in June and sinks to 25° in December, so the louver angle that blocks it changes with the season.
In Cicero, 4 miles away, 55% of homes are apartments or condos, 16 points fewer than here.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2020–2024; NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020. Daylight and sun height: calculated from the city’s latitude.
Narrower louvers for smaller windows
In the 71% of homes that are apartments or condos, windows are often narrower or set in shallow frames. 2½ in louvers suit a small window and need the least depth.
When in doubt, 3½ in
The middle size suits most windows and most depths, and it's the one most homes here would choose. The designer checks your depth against the louver you pick.
| Feature | 2½ in | 3½ in | 4½ in |
|---|---|---|---|
| View when open | Least | More | Most |
| Louvers per panel | Most | Fewer | Fewest |
| Depth needed to tilt | Least | More | Most |
| Suits | Small or shallow windows | Most windows | Large, deep windows and doors |
Where our shutters fit
Every Shutter Boys shutter is made from solid American poplar to the measurements you take, then shipped to Chicago for you to fit. Whatever you call them, ours come in all three louver sizes.
The designer shows the price of each window as you add it, in US dollars.
More about shutters in Chicago
Price your windows
Pick your look once, add every window, and see each one drawn and priced. Send it to us and we reply with your quote.