Another way to go is to add an actual rail at one or more locations in your shutter panel. This creates a permanent divider that can be placed where ever is best for your design choices. This feature is especially beautiful on larger windows with horizontal mullions. We can match the divider rail to the window mullion and create a very custom look.
Some basic design rules we like to follow with plantation shutter divider rails - though in actuality you can break any rule you want - is to:
- Match the window mullions.
- Split the window in half - or as near as is possible. This means design the panel so that you might have 8 louvers above the divider rail and 8 louvers below the divider rail. If however, the window calls for an odd number of louvers, then it generally looks better to add the extra louver to the bottom portion. So, for instance, do 8 louvers on the bottom and 7 louvers on the top.
- Break the window into thirds. This is for specific applications but can be quite stunning. This means either a small section (1/3 of your window) is divided at the bottom portion, or else the small section (1/3 of your window) is divided at the top portion. We don't run into this situation very often because it requires rather tall windows to pull off the look. But when we do, it is really stunning and makes the project a ton of fun.
So, there you have it, a brief guide to help you think about what you might like and what generally works in the world of plantation shutter divider rails and split tilt options.
We would love to help you with your shutter project. Also, check out our online shutter cost calculator for a rough idea of what new basswood or 100% PVC shutters might cost.