Quick Answer: Shutters for arch windows are the perfect window dressing, giving light control and privacy without obscuring the shape of the window. Arch shutters can be installed in two ways: to complement your window or to maximize functionality.
If you’re considering shutters for arch windows, you may have additional questions – not least because arched windows can make finding the perfect window coverings a little more challenging!
Don’t worry; we share decades of design, manufacturer, and installation knowledge in this guide to arched window shutters.
This way, you’ll have all the information you need to decide if a shaped shutter will suit your window.
How can plantation shutters be mounted on arched windows?
Isolating the arch
Including the arch
Will my plantation shutter’s horizontal louvres still work in an arched window?
Shutters work in a huge range of arched windows
Church windows
Gable ends and barn conversions
Arches over doors
Arch windows in bathrooms and kitchens
More about shutters for arch windows
What makes arched shutters unique?
Arched windows are a beautiful feature in any home, but they’re one to which many window dressings don’t do full justice. This is where shutters are different.
You may put curtains across the front of your arched window. However, you will almost always lose your window’s unique shape if you do. The same can be said of most blinds, too.
The problem is that arched windows are narrower at the top than at the bottom. This makes hanging a window treatment sympathetically impossible.
The excellent news is that shutters don’t rely on any track or roller mechanism at the uppermost part of the window. Therefore, shaped shutters can be made in various unique shapes without compromising function or good looks.
How can plantation shutters be mounted on arched windows?
Not only are window shutters suitable for arched windows, but they can also be mounted in two ways, offering even more design flexibility.
Our design team will generally give you options that “isolate the arch” or “include the arch.” Let’s take a look at both in more detail:
Isolating the arch
When isolating the arch, we’re discussing designing a frame that turns your window into two distinct internal shapes.
The made-to-measure frame creates a rectangle that houses standard square or rectangular shutters and an upper arch where a smaller arch-shaped shutter will live.
The upper curved section will usually be hinged at the bottom, allowing the shutter to be opened so you can easily open, clean, or maintain the upper part of the window.
The bottom section will open according to your needs, either on hinges or on a track that allows the shutters to concertina together as they open, saving space.
Including the arch
If isolating the arch of your window doesn’t sound quite right for you, then we can look at a design that includes the arch shape.
With a design like this, we’ll create a frame for the shutters surrounding the entire window. Within this frame, two specially shaped shutters will include half of the arch on either side. When you want to open the shutters, they will open on their hinges into the room.
Since this design means two arched-shaped panels cover the whole window, the most light is allowed into the room. It also means that opening the shutters completely exposes the entire window—again, perfect for letting in plenty of daylight.
Will my plantation shutter’s horizontal louvres still work in an arched window?
We’re often asked if the louvres will still work when we create arched or triangular shutters. The answer is a definite yes.
The mechanism that controls the louvres doesn’t rely on having a straight edge. So whether you’re working with standard square shutters, arched shutters, or even plantation shutters for circular windows, louvre control is never compromised.
Shutters work in a vast range of arched windows
Arched windows come in a vast range of different sizes, shapes, and designs. The good news is we can install shutters on any arch-shaped window or door.
Church windows
It’s not uncommon to find beautiful church windows preserved when these buildings are transformed into modern living or working spaces. With thousands of churches being transformed into residential and commercial properties in the last few decades, these are more common than ever.
Shaped shutters can complement these beautiful features and let you control the amount of light and privacy.
Gable ends and barn conversions
When buildings are converted into residential properties, it’s not uncommon to find impressive archways repurposed as places for doors or large windows. Occasionally, these arches and angled gable ends are turned into floor-to-ceiling windows.
However large your arched or shaped windows are, we can create plantation shutters to suit. This is often the most practical and cost-effective way to add much-needed light control and privacy to large openings.
Arches over doors
Many period properties have an arch-shaped window over the doors in the property. These small and high-up openings can be challenging to dress – so shaped shutters are a perfect solution.
Despite being small, you’ll still have control over the louvres and a hinged opening for cleaning and maintenance.
Arch windows in bathrooms and kitchens
We often find arched and other specially-shaped windows in bathrooms and kitchens. The high-moisture environment these rooms create can often be a problem for curtain fabrics, but shutters don’t have these issues.
Many of our shutter designs are available in water-resistant finishes. So arched window shutters in bathrooms and kitchens are a perfect solution.
Would you like to hear more about shutters for arch windows?
Choosing window coverings for specially shaped windows isn’t as straightforward as choosing a style for a standard window, but don’t worry, we’re here to help!
We can answer questions about anything – from colours and designs to price and installation dates.
If you’d like to arrange a free survey or just have questions about shutters for arch windows, you’re more than welcome to get in touch.
When you do, you’ll chat with one of our design team – so there’s never any pressure; just helpful advice!
Get in touch today!
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