How to protect window shutters from accidental impacts, like from furniture or toys?

It happens more often than you’d think.

You’re moving a chair, and it bumps into your beautiful folding shutters.

Or perhaps a heavy toy — like a wooden block or a toy car — collides with your shutters, leaving a mark.

These small, accidental impacts can damage shutters over time.

But the good news?

With a few simple steps, you can keep your shutters safe and looking as good as new.

Are shutters at risk of accidental damage?

Shutters are a practical and stylish addition to any home and they are made from strong materials, but they aren’t indestructible.

Everyday activities can leave their mark — literally.

Furniture placed too close, energetic playtime, or even strong gusts causing windows to rattle or slam might not directly damage shutters, but they can loosen fittings or create vibration-related wear over time.

For instance, we once had a client who called about a curious dent in her new shutters.

It turned out her son had been using his toy sword in a “knight’s battle” near the windows. A quick repair saved the day, but it highlighted how common these incidents can be.

What’s the riskiest activity near your shutters?

Could it be playtime, moving furniture, or something else entirely?

Create a buffer zone to prevent damage

One of the easiest ways to prevent accidental impacts is by creating some breathing room around your shutters.

• Furniture placement: Keep sofas, tables, and chairs a safe distance from your shutters. Not only does this prevent damage, but it also makes your space feel less cramped.
• Strategic decorating: Place rugs or soft furnishings nearby to absorb any accidental impacts.

A good rule of thumb: leave at least 30 cm of clearance between your shutters and heavy furniture.

Family-proof your shutters

For families with children, it’s all about smart prevention. Consider these tips:

• Safe play zones: Designate areas for active play away from windows and shutters. Kids will still have fun, but your shutters stay intact.
• Foam corner protectors: Add these to nearby furniture to soften any accidental knocks.
• Educational moments: Teach children about being gentle with shutters. Even a simple “These are not for climbing” can go a long way.

Parents, do you have any creative solutions to keep shutters safe from little ones?

Add simple protective tools

Sometimes, it’s the small things that make the biggest difference.

Try these:

• Door stoppers: These inexpensive tools prevent doors from swinging too far and hitting shutters
• Felt pads or bump guards: Attach these to the edges of nearby furniture to cushion any accidental contact

Stay on top of maintenance

Regular care can help you spot and fix minor issues before they become major problems.

Check for damage and look for small scratches, dents, or loose fittings.

MDF and composite shutters are particularly easy to touch up with matching paint or fillers.

And clean carefully by dusting regularly with a soft cloth and avoid harsh cleaning agents, as these can weaken the shutter’s finish over time.

A little routine care goes a long way in preserving your shutters’ durability and appearance.

What to do if damage occurs

Despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen.

Here’s how to handle them:

For small indentations, consider a professional repair. Specialists can make even noticeable marks disappear.

In severe cases, it might be worth replacing a damaged panel. This is an easy process, especially if you’ve opted for shutters with shorter lead times like ours.

The takeaway?

Protecting your shutters doesn’t have to be complicated.

With a little planning and care, you can keep them safe from daily wear and tear.

And if you’re ready to invest in shutters built to handle your lifestyle, book a free survey today to find the perfect fit for your home.

Tags: protect shutters, shutter damage, accidental impacts, furniture protection, family-proof shutters, shutter care, shutter maintenance, an077