I think they look nice 2/3 way up from the exterior.
We had plantation shutters in our CA home, 4 living room windows/1 large dining room window. They went all the way up and looked really nice as they were color matched, linen white to the wall paint. I don't think they would have looked as good going up only 2/3 of the window from the interior. If they are also going to be used as insulation and light control you may want to consider that too!

I agree with emily, they look fine (2/3) from the exterior.

Will the partial coverage on the Interior bother you?

Our 3 front windows are 72" tall and we chose Plantation Shutters that fully cover.

During almost 6 months of research (which included lots of driving around looking at other's windows), I never noticed any tall windows with partial coverage or had a salesperson tell me that it was "normal" to just go up 2/3s of the way.

Good luck on your decision, your house is lovely.

ML

We have had them at our last two houses - I definitely like them all the way up. The beauty of plantation shutters is that when they are open, they give a clear view, looking out or in. If you leave the top unshuttered, what about sunlight that comes in - will it be too bright, or run the risk of fading your furniture and artwork?

tinker,

There's enough decisions about plantation shutters to make you crazy isn't there? I never would have thought of that one. From the outside I think it looks fine either way. I'd definitely ask for addresses you can at least drive by and look at from the outside. My shutter guy gave me addresses of different widths and looks for me to go check out from the outside.

I have plantation shutters throughout and my front windows have square transoms so it sort of gives it the same look you're talking about, although they go up more than 2/3 on mine. The rest of my windows I did full height and the front ones I did full height but didn't cover the transom. One thing to consider is how much sun will be coming in. See whether it will hit on a painting or something you don't want to expose to a lot of sun. Mine are under an 8 foot deep front porch and pretty much faces north so that's not really a problem. I tried to dig up some old pics that showed them inside and out in case this helps you any. Good luck, beautiful house!

Tinker, the nice part of having the custom install is that if your windows are a little off in one corner, they will and can adjust to fit. After mine were measured, we had a hurricane and the foundation of the house shifted which caused the windows to be just a little off from the original measurements, and they worked almost a whole day going back and forth and beveling to make it fit. I think it is worth the little extra. I like them both ways so I have no choice. I think that is a life decision you need to make, because, really and truly, shutters last a long time, so much longer than blinds or curtains, etc.

There is a recent thread on this. Someone posted pictures of their kitchen nook with partial shutters. I am definitly considering this look. I only like to use them all the way up in windows with no view. They make me feel boxed in.I may use a split version if I can find them so I can open just the top half for light and air from our double hung windows. I think they look great either way.

If you want to have a full view, just buy the ones that stack back. Any reputable shutter shop can make them.

mimi, love the look of your shutters and think it is just right for your windows! Your upper glass is smaller panes, and it just seems like it is more of a transom.

caroleoh, thank you! We are building in SW FL, and it's a new development that is suppose to have a more 'northern style' home. It still is very much a FL home with a big Lanai, but a little different with hardwood floors and an upstairs bonus room.

So, I rode around this afternoon and did find a lot of tall windows with shutters. It seemed as most of them went up 2/3rd if they had the upper section in an arch or eyebrow shape... which makes sense. 75% of the windows like mine seemed to go all the way to the top, and the other few that did not - had some type of valance/cornice on the top section. It really didn't look strange at all from the road, however they looked very formal, and I really am trying to make it 'casual elegant' feel.

Not much sun in these rooms, they are facing North, and most of the sunlight will be from the back and sides of the home.

what to do, what to do... so many decisions!!