What are the different types of shaped shutters?

Inspiration

BY Abi Clewley

Published: 06 May 2022 Updated: 04 September 2026

Inspiration
Tags: Shutters

Shaped shutters

Shaped windows are an eye-catching feature, but they can be tricky to work with. Read on to see how shaped shutters can provide the ideal solution.

Lounge with feature stone fireplace to left, contemporary sofas, dining table and chairs behind with gable end window and doors to rear dressed in white shutters, louvres open.

A shaped shutter simply refers to any shutter that’s not the traditional rectangular shape usually seen at windows.

White bathroom with bath on right against feature wall with abstract marble-effect in blues and arched window to rear dressed in white shutters, louvres open.

There’s a wide variety of different shapes available that can work across your entire home. The shape partly depends on whether you choose wood or vinyl, but shaped shutters tend to fall into one of three categories - Arch, Angle, or Circle.

Arch

There’s something quite serene about the flowing curve of an arched window and it’s an attractive shape that you really don’t want to cover up with curtains or blinds, so to make the most of it, you need arched shutters. The light flow through arched windows can create some truly beautiful effects with tilted louvres while still allowing you total control over it. And of course, one of the real pluses of shutters is that come evening you can simply close it all up for total privacy and you’ll still be able to appreciate the elegantly shaped feature.

Line drawing illustration of an arched shutter.

Angled

Angled windows are a far more common feature than you might think and can appear in a variety of different settings. A sloping ceiling line can often make the corner of a room a bit of a dead space, even if there’s plenty of height. Bespoke shutters crafted to work with this angled window and additional shutters to the lower windows help transform spaces like these into a peaceful reading or relaxation nook. The fully adjustable louvres on both sets ensure you won’t be bothered by glare or bright sunlight.

Line drawing illustration of an angular shaped shutter.

Circle

Circular shutters are an elegant and functional solution to an extremely challenging window shape to dress. Often they're a focal point around stairs - either on the landings or at the stairs themselves – or used as a quirky addition to a smaller space, such as a cloakroom or ensuite. Because of their quirkiness it would be a shame to cover them with a blind, so a custom-made shutter crafted to fit the exact space is the perfect answer.

A room with wooden floors and a wall in wooden panels on left, square window on right wall and background wall with round window dressed in wooden circular shutter.

Line drawing illustration of a circular shutter.

Other shapes

Sometimes it takes a combination of different shutter shapes to work together to create a unified look at your window, so let's look at some complex window designs and their shutter solutions.

White bedroom with bed on right with grey upholstered bedhead, white and grey bedding and gable end window and doors dressed in white shutters, closed with louvres open.

A gable end window is a striking feature in any home and is an extremely popular choice for extended spaces, which often have multiple functions to fulfil. With such large expanses of glass, not to mention the height, gable ends can present a challenge when it comes to window furnishings, and shutters are an excellent solution. Depending on size and materials, either one or two triangular shutters can complete the top shaped window, with regular Full Height shutters beneath.

Dining room with gable end windows and doors, dressed in cream shutters partially folded back to reveal the open door.

If your gable end also features doors, then you'll want a solution that allows full functionality in addition to catering for the shaped section. Tracked shutters are the answer for the doors, easily gliding out of the way to let you use the door, and then the shaped section of the gable is shuttered separately. Depending on the height involved, an additional set of shutters might also be necessary between the lower doors or window and the upper shape, and this can add further visual interest.

Neutral lounge with cream carpet and rug, pale grey chair in a curved 5-bay window dressed in white shutters, louvres open.

While not a shape in the strictest sense of the word, bay window shutters are often referred to as shaped shutters. A bay window can be awkward to find the right window dressings for, not because the windows themselves are odd-shaped windows but because the overall shape needs to be dressed as a whole, rather than as individual windows. We use a unique pole system with our bay window shutters to ensure a perfect fit across the whole bay shape for a premium look.

Summary

Shaped shutters are more than just window dressings; they are a statement of style and a testament to the beauty of thoughtful design. Whether you’re looking to enhance the elegance of your home with arch shutters, add a modern twist with angled shutters, or create a unique focal point with a combination of shutters, there’s a wide range of possibilities. The benefits they bring in terms of aesthetic appeal, and functionality make them a worthwhile investment. Embrace the elegance and versatility of shaped shutters to transform your living spaces into works of art.

Discover more about Shaped shutters