Window Recesses Explained for Shutter Measuring

A window recess, also called a reveal, is the depth between the front wall or architrave and the window itself. This space is one of the main factors that determines whether a plantation shutter can be inside mounted.

In this article

Overview

Look at the window from the side. If the glass and operating window frame sit back from the front wall surface, the space in front of them is the recess.

At this stage, when measuring for shutters, what matters is the usable recess depth. Measure to the closest obstruction, not simply to the glass. Handles, winders, locks, flyscreen frames and inward-opening windows may reduce the depth available to the shutter.

For the order, as a general guide, around 70 mm of clear space gives an inside-mounted shutter good operating clearance, although the exact requirement depends on the chosen frame and the position of the window hardware.

A recess is not the same thing as a sill. The recess is the depth around the opening; the sill is a ledge that projects at the bottom.