How to dress shaped windows

Inspiration

BY Abi Clewley

Published: 07 September 2015 Updated: 07 January 2025

Inspiration
Tags: Shutters, Blinds

Shaped windows introduce a sense of artistry and architectural interest to a home that standard rectangular windows often lack. They instantly draw attention and can add elegance, spaciousness, or even just a little whimsy. Let’s explore some creative ways to dress shaped windows in a way that balances style, functionality, and the architectural integrity of the space.

How to dress a shaped window

Despite their allure, they can present distinctive challenges when it comes to dressing them. Standard curtain rods and blinds don’t always suit a non-rectangular shape. Additionally, this type of window is often installed in unusual locations, such as high on walls or within stairwells, making access, installation and general usage trickier. Another challenge lies in balancing light control and privacy with maintaining the window’s shape and style.
The key to successfully dressing shaped windows is choosing treatments that highlight their distinct form while achieving functional goals.

Bedroom with three windows in an arch shape with dark blue trim, dressed in white arched shutters, louvres open, room in soft white with dark wooden floor, bed dressed in usky rose pink bedding with grey velour throw, cream upholstered metal stool at bed end with grey wool throw, white rug with dark speckling, marble pedestal table with large leafy plant and .

Challenging shapes

Covering a round or arched window will detract from its beauty, while overly ornate treatments could clash with the clean lines often associated with a feature window. Bespoke shutters and blinds can be precisely tailored to the window’s shape, ensuring a snug, seamless fit that maintains the window’s silhouette.

White bathroom with large arch window dressed in white shutters, closed with louvres open, abstract blue feature wall on right beside bath.

Difficult locations

Shaped windows are often there out of necessity – to provide light to an awkward location or create a feature. So it’s likely they’ll be hard to access or out of reach. There’s two main questions you need to ask yourself -

Do you need access to operate?
Can they be fixed with no need to operate?

If you still want full operation of the window dressing but can’t easily access it, then smart electric blinds are the answer. Use an app on your phone or tablet or if you already have a compatible Google Home or Amazon Echo device you can use a hub to control them by voice for a hands-free solution.

Dining kitchen with double height windows, top window shaped and all dressed in marine blue duette blinds, top closed and others halfway, wooden dining table with blue chairs set for six, white walls filled with light rays.

Light, privacy and temperature control

If your feature window is large then there’s additional challenges you may need to think about. Large windows often offer beautiful views by day, but think how you’ll manage the view during long, dark evenings—do you want to fully block it out for a cosier feel? During the day, consider how you use the space: do you need to filter light for tasks or reduce glare and heat on sunny afternoons? On cooler days, the right window treatments can add a snug, inviting warmth while still highlighting the unique shape of the window, like these Duette® blinds do here, while helping keep heat in during winter and the sun’s heat out in summer.

Grey living room with gable end windows and doors, glass roof and patio door to left dressed in pale pine green duette blinds at varying levels, wood floor, grey sofa and chair, wood coffee table and side table all on a grey rug.

Consider the setting

Choosing the right window dressing is key to enhancing your home’s aesthetic, as it plays a vital role in tying together your decor and creating the atmosphere you want. Consider how the style of your blinds, shutters, or curtains complements the overall theme of your space— Duette® blinds are perfect for a modern, minimalist look, while shutters bring a touch of classic elegance. Think about colours and textures too; soft neutrals can create a calming ambience, while bold patterns or vibrant hues add a burst of personality. The right window dressing should feel like an extension of your home’s design, effortlessly blending style and functionality to elevate your space.

Navy bedroom with three arched windows dressed in white shutters, bed with mustard and navy bedding to right.

A balancing act

Finding the right window dressing for your budget means balancing style, functionality, and cost without compromising on quality. Start by considering your priorities—do you need durable, long-lasting materials for high-traffic areas, or is a more budget-friendly option suitable for spaces used less often? Made to measure options offer a perfect fit and a tailored look but come at a higher price point. Explore cost-effective materials like faux wood or PVC, which provide the look of premium finishes at a fraction of the cost. With careful planning, you can find window treatments that enhance your space while staying comfortably within your budget.

Off-white bathroom with arched window dressed in white shutters, lower shutters open, arched shutter at top closed with louvres open, mirror to right.

Shaped window summary

An unusual shaped window can be a real focal point in your home and shaped window blinds and shaped shutters are the perfect solution for such spaces. Custom made shaped blinds and shaped shutters can be crafted to exactly fit almost any odd shaped window and offer a wide range of styles and shape to suit any setting. With expert advice and the right window treatments you can control the light levels and really enjoy these unusual features.