Great Shutter Options for Unusual Shaped Windows

Windows come in all shapes and sizes to meet both unique architectural designs and functional needs. But finding window treatments to suit unusually shaped glazing can be challenging. Off-the-shelf blinds and curtains are designed for standard rectangular openings, leaving oddly shaped windows bare. Fortunately, with some creative thinking and custom fabrication, quality shutters offer solutions to dress up distinctive window forms of all kinds.

This guide explores shutter options to enhance round, oval, arched, and angled windows across Australian homes. With the right materials and manufacturing techniques, even the most unusually shaped fenestrations can be covered beautifully while still operating smoothly. Draperies shouldn’t win by default – read on to discover how shutters can elegantly accent your home’s special windows.

Common Shapes Requiring Specialty Shutters

While rectangular and square windows prevail, many other interesting forms arise:

Round/Oval Windows

Full circular or elliptical porthole-style windows are captivating architectural accents. They instantly draw the eye and beautifully frame outdoor vistas. But their continuous curve challenges traditional treatments.

Arched Windows

Stately arched windows lend grandeur to homes while allowing ample light in. The rounded top opens wall space compared to rectangles. Finding suitably fitting window dressings can be difficult.

Triangle (Palladian) Windows

The three-sided geometric design anchored by an arched window is a hallmark of neoclassical Palladian architecture. But covering angled glass requires made-to-order solutions.

Trapezoid and Diamond Windows

Slanted, tetrahedron-shaped windows add intrigue but demand thinking beyond standard vertical treatments.

Consider both your home’s unique style and the challenges when approaching special-shape fenestrations. Shutters offer solutions.

Benefits of Shutters on Distinctive Windows

More than just visually complementing unusual windows, shutters offer many practical advantages:

Light Control

Shutters allow tuning light levels entering unconventional window shapes for room functions. Fully closed shutters can darken oddly angled glazing for media rooms.

Privacy

Shutters prevent sight lines into uniquely shaped windows at all times of day. Diagonal panes can lack privacy from certain vantage points outside.

Insulation

An air gap behind shutters enhances inefficient triangular or round window energy performance significantly. Irregular shapes often lack proper weatherseals.

Noise Reduction

Solid shutters dampen outside noise infiltration better than bare unconventional windows with gaps and echoes. The absorptive mass mutes disturbances.

Visual Continuity

Consistent window treatments visually unify unlike shaped fenestrations. Covering the openings as a collective whole looks more integrated.

Safety

Shutters eliminate risks associated with exposed atypical windows both indoors and out by removing accessibility. Kids and pets are kept safely away.

Take advantage of these benefits shutters offer for your home’s unique windows.

Shutters for Circular Windows

Several approaches allow shutters to gracefully accent round windows:

Solid Circle Center Shutters

Precisely fabricated full circular shutters mounted concentrically within the window pane operate similarly to standard shutters, opening and closing via side hinges. They deliver complete blackout and privacy but fully obstruct views when closed.

Rotating Circular Shutters

These unique operable shutters spin 360 degrees within round window openings via a central swivel. Rotating the solid shutter panels provides adjustable light tuning similar to angling blinds or louvers. They can fully close but allow window sight lines when open.

Spoked Shutters

Multiple shutter panels in pie shape wedges spanning from a central swivel point like wheel spokes cover the circular opening elegantly. The segmented panels can open and close independently for customized privacy, light control and views.

Curved Track Shutters

Individual shutter panels ride along an inner curved track circumference, stacking to one side when open. Track mounting allows any number of panels to smoothly follow the rounded shape.

With some creativity, shutters offer great options for dressing your home’s portholes beautifully.

Shutter Solutions for Arched Windows

Several approaches adapt shutters for elegantly accenting arched windows:

Solid Arch Center Shutters

Custom molded shutters precisely following the window’s arch shape operate from side hinges to close over the center glass. They deliver full privacy when shut but completely obstruct outward views.

Bi-fold Arch Shutters

Vertically oriented shutter panels in two halves designed to the exact arch dimensions fold in together via an interior hinge system. Bi-folds allow covering only portions of arched glazing for partial outdoor views.

Segmented Arch Shutters

Multiple individual shutter panels aligned vertically side-by-side span the width of the arched opening. The conforming segmented shutters can open independently to customize privacy and light tuning.

Curved Track Arch Shutters

Shutter panels ride along a precisely curved overhead track following the smooth arch shape. Panels stack or slide to one side when open. The curved track technique accommodates any number of shutters.

With some creative fabrication, shutters can elegantly accentuate the beauty of arched architectural details.

Solutions for Angled Geometric Windows

Thinking beyond vertical treatments solves covering dynamic angled fenestrations:

Triangle Center Shutters

Single solid shutters cut precisely to the angle and shape of triangle windows close over the center pane. Hinges mount along the angled sides versus vertically. The shutters fully close but limit views when shut.

Sliding Triangle Shutters

Multiple shutter segments riding along angled overhead tracks independent of each other cover triangular windows seamlessly. Adjusting the sliding panels provides customizable privacy and light control.

Tiered Triangle Shutters

Combining adjacent vertical and horizontal shutter sections creates an overlapping tiered design that conforms to triangular windows aesthetically when closed. Upper and lower tiers can operate separately.

Rotating Triangle Shutters

Hinged triangular shutter panels mounted in the lower corners of windows rotate open and closed overlapping the glass elegantly. Spinning the panels adjusts privacy and light similar to angled blinds.

With some geometric imagination, shutters offer chic solutions for triangle windows.

Material Selection for Shaping Shutters

Certain materials work best when crafting shutters for unconventional window shapes:

Wood Shutters

Can be cut, carved, and molded to any needed shape. Hardwoods like mahogany and teak steam bend easily to conform along curves. Cedar and redwood also take well to shaping. Grain may need creative alignment.

Aluminum Shutters

Extremely malleable and ideal for forming precisely to specialty shapes but avoids organic warmth of real wood. The surface disguises forming. Louvers add depth.

PVC Composite Shutters

Shutters molded from PVC polymers easily form accurately to curved or angled geometries. Hold shape reliably without warping or shrinking. Lack natural wood finish.

Fiberglass Composite Shutters

Fiberglass shutter substrate allows flexible forming while maintaining crisp detail. Composites don’t split or crack under stress. Finishes hide inorganic core.

Consult our experts on the best material options for your unique window geometries.

Keys to Proper Specialty Shutter Installation

To ensure operability and longevity, consider these factors when installing custom-formed shutters:

Allow Expansion Space

Provide adequate margins around curved or irregular perimeters for material expansion to avoid binding or distortion. Use spacers during mounting.

Anchor Framing Securely

Reinforce mounting points on angled window framing to handle cantilevered forces long-term without pulling loose or sagging. Use heavy-duty braces.

Smooth Track Alignment

Shutter tracks must align precisely along unconventional opening shapes for unhindered panel travel. Check with levels and remove any high points.

Conservatively Rate Hardware

Use load rated pivot joint and hinge hardware well above the shutter weight and wind forces anticipated. Don’t underestimate usage and stresses.

Limit Vibration

Add stabilizer bars and vibration dampeners as needed to prevent shutter chatter in wind against oddly shaped openings.

Seal Gaps Thoroughly

Fill any cracks or open joints against window frames with flexible sealants to prevent water intrusion behind shutters.

Follow proven specialty fabrication methods for quality fit and operation.

Maintenance Tips for Unconventional Shutters

Follow these care steps to maximize durability:

• Inspect hinges and pivot joints often for signs of wear or loosening. Tighten or replace as needed.
• Check for cracking, splitting or degradation at joints or bends. Seal or reinforce promptly.
• Remain vigilant for indications of sagging, misalignment or poor closure. Correct early.
• Clean tracks, guides and bearing surfaces before debris builds up and impedes smooth operation.
• Apply fresh sealant if any light or water leakage becomes visible around openings.
• Refinish surfaces whenever glossiness declines to maintain protection.
• Have mounting integrity and hardware condition professionally assessed every 2-3 years.

Custom shutters require specialized care to uphold their function and finish. But properly maintained, they’ll withstand the test of time.

We Can Solve Your Unique Shutter Challenges

This guide highlights how shutters offer excellent options for elegantly dressing your home’s architecturally interesting windows beyond just standard rectangles.mater Our experienced artisans have tackled all manner of unconventional fenestrations across Australia. We relish the opportunity to help bring your one-of-a-kind vision to life flawlessly. Challenge us with your most vexing shutter needs and discover how we can craft custom solutions to perfectly accent your unusual windows. Contact us today to get started creating beautiful bespoke shutters sized, shaped and finished just for you.