The Best Shutters
for Bathrooms and Wet Areas
Bathrooms, laundries, and other wet areas are some of the trickiest rooms to furnish. High humidity, condensation, and fluctuating temperatures mean not all window coverings can withstand the environment. Curtains can trap moisture and develop mould, while timber blinds may warp or swell over time. That’s why shutters are one of the most durable, stylish, and low-maintenance options for bathrooms and wet areas in Australian homes.
But not all shutters are created equal. In this article, we break down the best shutters for wet areas, what to look for, and how to choose the right material and style for your space.
Small rooms can be cosy and charming, but they often pose design challenges, from limited natural light to a cramped or cluttered feel. The good news is that the right window treatments can completely transform how a space looks and feels. With clever use of light, texture, and proportion, your blinds, curtains, or shutters can create the illusion of more space, making even compact rooms feel open, airy, and inviting.
Why Shutters Are Ideal for Bathrooms
Before exploring material options, it’s helpful to understand what makes shutters such a smart investment for wet areas:
- Moisture Resistance: Quality shutters—especially PVC and aluminium—are specifically designed to withstand humidity and direct contact with water.
- Superior Light and Privacy Control: Adjustable louvres make it easy to maintain privacy while still allowing natural light into the room. This is especially useful for ground-floor bathrooms or windows close to neighbours.
- Easy to Clean: Unlike fabric window coverings, shutters can be wiped down with a damp cloth, making them perfect for households wanting minimal upkeep.
- Durability: A well-made shutter won’t warp, crack, peel, or fade, even when installed above bathtubs, near showers, or in laundry rooms.
The Top Shutter Materials for Wet Areas
Not all shutter materials handle moisture the same way, which is why choosing the right one is essential for long-term performance. Below are the best options for bathrooms, laundries, and other wet zones in Australian homes.
1. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Shutters
PVC plantation shutters are the most popular choice for bathrooms because they are fully waterproof and exceptionally resistant to mould, mildew, and humidity. Made to mimic the classic look of painted timber, they deliver a stylish, timeless appearance without any risk of swelling or warping. PVC shutters are also lightweight, easy to maintain, and budget-friendly, making them ideal for high-moisture environments such as bathrooms, ensuites, laundries, and coastal homes. Their adjustable louvres offer outstanding privacy and airflow, allowing you to let in natural light without sacrificing comfort.
2. Aluminium Shutters
Aluminium shutters offer unmatched strength and durability, making them perfect for bathrooms exposed to direct water spray or homes located near the ocean. Completely moisture-proof and corrosion-resistant, aluminium shutters hold up exceptionally well against steam, humidity, and salt air. They are also available in hinged, sliding, bifold, and fixed designs, giving you flexibility for both indoor and outdoor wet areas—including poolside zones and outdoor showers. Their sleek, modern appearance suits contemporary interiors, and their robust build ensures long-lasting performance even in the harshest environments.
3. Composite or Hybrid Shutters
Composite shutters, often made from a moisture-resistant PVC exterior combined with an internal aluminium or hardwood core, deliver the benefits of both PVC and timber. These hybrid shutters offer greater strength and stability than standard PVC options, making them suitable for larger window openings or premium bathroom designs where aesthetics matter as much as durability. Their hard-wearing exterior resists humidity and moisture, while the reinforced core ensures the shutter remains structurally sound over time. This combination makes hybrid shutters a smart choice for homeowners wanting a luxurious timber-style look without the maintenance challenges of real wood.
Shutter Materials to Avoid in Wet Areas
While some shutters are built to handle moisture, others simply aren’t designed for the humidity and temperature fluctuations found in bathrooms, laundries, and other wet zones. Choosing the wrong material can lead to costly repairs, mould issues, and premature deterioration. Here are the shutter types you should avoid installing in any high-moisture environment.
Solid Timber Shutters
Although solid timber shutters are beautiful and add warmth to interior spaces, they are not suited to bathrooms or wet areas. Timber is a porous, natural material that absorbs moisture from the air, causing it to expand, swell, warp, or crack over time. In humid areas, even high-quality hardwoods can begin to bow or develop gaps between the panels and louvres. Continuous exposure to steam from showers or baths accelerates this deterioration, and once timber takes on water, it is extremely difficult to restore. Timber shutters may also become breeding grounds for mould and mildew, particularly in older homes with poor ventilation. While they’re perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and other dry spaces, they should be avoided in bathrooms entirely.
MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) Shutters
MDF shutters are a budget-friendly alternative to timber, but they are highly vulnerable to moisture. Made from compressed wood fibres and resin, MDF absorbs water quickly, causing it to swell, bubble, and eventually disintegrate when exposed to humidity. Even MDF shutters that have been painted or coated with a protective layer can’t withstand the constant moisture found in bathrooms and laundries. The coating eventually breaks down, allowing water to penetrate the core. Once moisture gets inside an MDF panel, it loses its strength and shape permanently. This not only affects the appearance of the shutters but can also compromise their functionality—making it difficult to open or close the louvres. For these reasons, MDF is one of the least suitable materials for wet-area window furnishings.
Interior-Only Lacquered or Painted Shutters
Some shutters are made from materials that can technically handle mild humidity but rely heavily on a surface coating—such as paint or lacquer—for protection. These products are designed for interior use only and are not built to withstand heavy steam or direct water exposure. In bathrooms, the protective finish often begins to peel, bubble, or crack after repeated contact with moisture. Once the coating is compromised, water can seep into the material beneath, leading to warping, discolouration, and mould growth. This is especially common in cheaper shutters or imported products that use lower-grade finishes. While these shutters may look stylish at first, they quickly deteriorate in wet conditions and cost more in the long run due to frequent repairs or replacements.
Comparing the Best Shutters for Bathrooms
Here’s a quick comparison of the top bathroom-safe shutter materials:
| Shutter Material | Moisture Resistance | Durability | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | Excellent | High | Bathrooms, ensuites, laundries, rental homes |
| Aluminium | Excellent | Very High | High-moisture zones, coastal areas, outdoor wet spaces |
| Composite/Hybrid | Very Good | Very High | Large windows, modern interiors, premium bathrooms |
| Timber | Poor | Medium | Avoid for wet areas |
| MDF | Poor | Low | Avoid for wet areas |
What to Consider When Choosing Bathroom Shutters
Selecting bathroom shutters goes beyond picking the right material. Here are key factors to think about:
- Ventilation: Choose shutters with tilting louvres that allow steam to escape while maintaining privacy. Wider louvres provide better airflow and light control.
- Placement: If shutters will be installed directly next to a shower or over a bathtub, aluminium or high-quality PVC is your safest choice.
- Easy Cleaning: Look for smooth, non-porous finishes that won’t trap dust or moisture. PVC and aluminium are the easiest materials to wipe clean.
- Style and Aesthetics: Consider your existing bathroom design—from Hamptons and coastal styles to contemporary and minimalist bathrooms. Plantation shutters offer timeless elegance, while aluminium shutters suit a modern or industrial look.
- Custom Fit: Wet-area shutters should be custom-made to ensure a tight, accurate fit. This prevents moisture from seeping into exposed areas and improves their lifespan.
Styling Tips for Bathroom Shutters
Bathroom shutters don’t just serve a practical purpose—they can elevate your interior design. Here are some styling suggestions:
- Neutral Colours for a Fresh, Clean Look: Whites, off-whites, and soft greys make bathrooms look brighter and more spacious.
- Pair with Matte Black or Brushed Nickel Hardware: For a contemporary look, coordinate shutter frames with tapware and accessories.
- Consider Wider Louvres: Louvres between 89mm–114mm enhance airflow and create a more modern feel.
- Use Shutters to Frame a Feature Window: If your bathroom has a picture window, round window, or unusual shape, custom shutters create a stunning architectural feature.
Are Roller Shutters Suitable for Bathrooms?
While roller shutters are highly durable and moisture-resistant, they’re usually better suited for external use. Indoor bathrooms benefit more from plantation shutters because they offer better light control, style versatility, and ease of cleaning.
That said, aluminium roller shutters can work well for external bathroom windows, providing extra privacy, insulation, and security.
Choosing the Best Shutters for Wet Areas
When it comes to bathrooms and wet zones, the best shutters are those designed to handle moisture, heat, and daily wear. PVC shutters offer incredible value and water resistance, aluminium shutters provide premium durability, and hybrid shutters give you the best of both worlds with enhanced strength and aesthetics.
Whether you’re renovating your bathroom or upgrading your wet-area window furnishings, choosing the right shutter material will ensure long-lasting performance and effortless style.
Ready to Transform Your Bathroom?
Aurora Window Furnishings offers premium PVC, aluminium, and custom wet-area shutters designed for Australian homes. If you want durable, stylish shutters that can handle humidity, steam, and everyday use, we can help you find the perfect fit.
