Four panels sound like too many for that size window. I'm away from home but am thinking of one of our windows that's very close to that size...maybe 72" x 48". There are 3 panels on the window that look fine to me. All of our shutters were here when we moved in, so I wasn't involved in the sizing choices. My choice likely would have been 2 panels for that window. We have a larger window in that same room that's maybe 10 1/2 feet wide. That window has 5 panels. Not sure what the guidelines are, but I'd go with the 2 panels for your window. How wide will your louvers be? Wider is better!

ETA - I would rely on your window specialist who...hopefully...knows his/her stuff. That being said, there's nothing wrong with thinking about what looks right or wrong to you.

View ? What view ? IMO plantation shutters not only block light but view and look very heavy on large windows . Do you have them everyhere or just doing this window. If you are bloking light and heat solar shades do a much better job and you actually do keep the view they give good privacy in the daytime but you will need drapes for nightime privacy.

I know how Patricia feels but we love our shutters. They don't block any views, let in plenty of light, provide privacy when needed, and really open up the rooms in our home. "Open and airy" are words I often hear. I also like how easy they are to clean. They look nice from the exterior of the house, too. Not sure about other locations, but in our area (Southern CA) they can add value to a home...unlike most other window treatments. Hope you enjoy yours, too!

I don’t think plantation shutters block light. I have plantation shutters throughout much of my house and they have modern large louvers which allow a lot of light in.

I actually prefer these over other window treatments (such as cellular blinds, Roman shades, etc.), as they also provide privacy which is important in places like the SF Bay Area where houses are close to each other.

It's interesting. For years I wanted plantation shutters in our previous home. Never made the change since my husband thought he didn't like them. Then my mom had them installed, and he couldn't believe the difference they made with "opening up" her rooms. The transition really was amazing. We sold our shutter-less house before having them installed, but bought a house filled with them. Happy ending!

Thanks, everyone! You're feedback has been very helpful!

For those with shutters in bedroom how are they as far as blocking light? Is it possible to get a blackout effect, I’m wanting to put them in my kids bedrooms.

I have them in our master bedroom.No problem with light.

You won't get a blackout effect, but all of ours block out plenty of light when closed. There are motion lights on a neighbor's property outside our master bdrm that sometimes go on and off during the night. The neighbor asked me if it was a problem, and I told her we've never even noticed since the shutters are closed.