Shaped windows: The best shutters and blinds for unusual windows

Shutters for shaped windows

Shutters for arched windows are made to follow the curve of the glazing, creating a seamless and architectural finish.

For particularly distinctive arched windows, sunburst shutters are another option. The shutter panels feature angled louvres that radiate outwards from the centre, following the shape of the arch and creating a striking fan-like effect. This allows the unique shape of the window to remain a feature while providing privacy and control over incoming sunlight.

Shutters can also be crafted for other unusual shapes, including small circular and hexagonal windows. These porthole-style windows are often smaller architectural features, and a bespoke shutter can be shaped to follow the glazing precisely, creating a neat finish.

Shutters for angled and triangle windows

For angled windows, the shutter frame and panels are manufactured to follow the slope of the glazing. Depending on the shape and size of the window, the shutter will incorporate angled louvres or a shaped panel, allowing the shutter to cover the glass while maintaining a clean, symmetrical appearance.

Triangle window shutters are particularly effective for gable-end windows. The shutter frame follows the outline of the window, with the shutter panel shaped to match. These are often fixed panels, rather than operating in the same way as a conventional rectangular shutter, making them primarily suited to providing privacy, light control and a finished architectural look.

Pleated blinds for unusual-shaped windows

Pleated blinds are a lightweight alternative for specialist glazing. The flexible pleated fabric can be manufactured for a variety of shaped, including arches, angles and triangular glazing. Their slim profile allows the shape of the window to remain a feature, making them a discreet choice for unusual windows.

Pleated blinds are commonly used on conservatory windows with angled roof glazing. These honeycomb blinds follow the slope of the roof, helping to manage sunlight and glare while maintaining the bright, open feel of the conservatory. They also come in a range of colour options and light filtering fabrics.

Shutters or pleated blinds: which are best for shaped windows?

Both options provide great solutions for unusual windows, but they offer distinctly different finishes and operation.

Shutters could be the right choice if you want:

• A strong, architectural finish that makes a feature of the window
• Excellent privacy and light control with adjustable louvres
• A durable, substantial window covering
• Insulating benefits of a wooden window covering

Our shaped window shutters are available in Paulownia, Pine and Basswood. Each shutter is crafted to fit the individual window, with louvres that can be angled to let sunlight into the room while controlling privacy.

With more complex designs, the shutter panels may need to be fixed rather than fully opening. This can be a consideration with triangular, highly angled or particularly narrow sections of glazing. A fixed panel still provides an excellent finish and effective privacy and light management. Our team can advise on the most practical configuration for your windows.

Pleated blinds could be ideal if you want:

• A slim, discreet solution that can be opened to keep the glazing clear and visible
• A lightweight covering that works well with unusual shapes
• A practical solution for sloping glass conservatory roofs or other roof windows
• The added insulation of honeycomb fabric, helping to improve thermal performance at the window.

Both products offer great thermal benefits. Pleated blinds provide an additional layer between the glass and the room, helping to reduce the effect of solar heat and improve comfort by trapping air in the pockets of the fabric. Shutters provide another layer of insulation when closed, helping to reduce heat transfer through the glazing into the room.