Choosing exterior shutters for an arched window takes more than matching a color: the top profile and dimensions need to work with the curve. Of these five options, the Ekena Millwork model is the only one specifically labeled with a cathedral top. The others are rectangular decorative shutters that may work beside an arched window, but they will not follow its curve. Measure carefully, and confirm the shape before ordering.
| Product | Style | What to know for an arched window |
|---|---|---|
| Ekena Millwork Cathedral Top Open Louver Shutters | Open louver | Specifically labeled cathedral top; check the arch profile and 14.5-by-25-inch dimensions. |
| Ortus Collective Exterior Louver Shutters | Louver | Available in multiple sizes, but the listing does not specify an arched top. |
| Pontiac Trail Board & Batten Shutters | Board and batten | Rectangular decorative shutters offered in several sizes; confirm the selected dimensions. |
| Exterior Solutions Raised Panel Shutters | Raised panel | Fixed rectangular pair measuring 15 by 35 inches per shutter. |
| Polaris Homeside Board and Batten Shutters | Board and batten | Rectangular pair measuring 14.5 by 59 inches; not listed as an arched style. |
Table of Contents
Our Picks: Best Exterior Shutters On Arched Windows reviews
1. Ekena Millwork Cathedral Top Open Louver Shutters: Best Match for an Arched Opening
This Ekena Millwork pair is the most relevant choice here for an arched window because its listing identifies it as a standard cathedral-top design. That makes it a more promising starting point than a plain rectangular shutter if you want the shutter’s upper edge to echo an arch. The listed size is 14.5 inches wide by 25 inches high, with a nominal tolerance of about half an inch.
The open-louver look suits traditional home exteriors, and the pair includes color-matching hardware. Its molded-through color and woodgrain texture are intended to provide a finished appearance without real wood. The listed limited lifetime warranty is another useful feature to check when comparing options.
Do not assume that “cathedral top” means it will fit every arched window. Arch rise, width, and curve can vary, so compare the shutter’s actual shape with your window before buying. The listed dimensions are also relatively compact, which may not suit a large opening. If the curve must match precisely, confirm the profile with the seller or consider a made-to-measure option.
Pros:
- Cathedral-top style is the clearest match for an arched opening in this group.
- Includes a pair of shutters and color-matching hardware.
- Molded-through color and woodgrain texture.
- Listed limited lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- The fixed 14.5-by-25-inch size may not suit larger windows.
- You need to confirm the curve matches your specific arch.
Verdict: Choose this pair if its cathedral profile and compact dimensions suit your window; it is the strongest listed option for echoing an arch.
2. Ortus Collective Exterior Louver Shutters: Best for Color and Size Options
Ortus Collective’s louver shutters are sold in pairs and come in multiple sizes, with black, white, red, and blue listed as color options. Their polypropylene construction is described as UV-protected, waterproof, and fade-resistant, making them a practical choice when you want a decorative update with limited upkeep.
The listing says the shutters can be used with surfaces such as vinyl, wood, stucco, fiber cement, brick, stone, and masonry. It also describes a quick DIY installation and includes color-matched hardware. The stated size tolerance is plus or minus three-quarters of an inch, so check the actual measurements against your available mounting area.
These are louver-style shutters, not an arched-top model based on the supplied product details. They may work as rectangular accents beside an arched window, but they will not trace the curve. The listed size options are useful, though you will need to confirm that the option you select has the right height and width for your wall.
Pros:
- Multiple sizes and several color choices.
- UV-protected polypropylene construction.
- Color-matched hardware is included.
- Listed for use on a range of common exterior surfaces.
Cons:
- No arched top is specified in the product details.
- Size tolerance makes careful measuring important.
Verdict: Consider Ortus if rectangular louvers beside your arch are acceptable and you want to compare multiple sizes and colors.
3. Pontiac Trail Board and Batten Shutters: Best for a Rustic Exterior
Pontiac Trail’s board-and-batten shutters offer a simple vertical-plank look that can suit farmhouse and beach-style exteriors. The pair is decorative only, so it is meant to add visual detail rather than open or close over the window. The listing describes widths of 11 or 14.5 inches and a range of heights, with several color options.
Installation hardware is included, but drilling is required. The description identifies Cosmos Black and Dover White as paintable options. It also notes a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and a seven-year color-fade warranty. A stated size tolerance of about three-quarters of an inch is worth factoring into your measurements.
The vertical design can frame an arched window if you are comfortable with straight-sided shutters beneath or beside the curve. It is not listed as a cathedral-top style, so it will not follow the arch. Check the selected size and the return terms before ordering, especially because the listing notes possible restocking and return-shipping costs.
Pros:
- Board-and-batten design suits rustic and coastal-inspired homes.
- Several widths, heights, and colors are listed.
- Includes mounting hardware and color-matched caps.
- Selected colors can be painted.
Cons:
- Decorative only and requires drilling for installation.
- Rectangular profile does not follow an arch.
Verdict: Pick Pontiac Trail for a rustic look beside an arched window, provided a straight-edged decorative shutter is the style you want.
4. Exterior Solutions Raised Panel Shutters: Best for a Traditional Look
This Exterior Solutions pair has a raised-panel design and an embossed woodgrain texture for a classic exterior style. Each shutter measures 15 inches wide by 35 inches high. The pair comes in black, with 12 vinyl mounting fasteners for decorative fixed installation.
The shutters are made from one-piece molded vinyl, and the product details describe a UV-stabilized finish intended to resist fading. They are fixed decorative shutters, not working shutters, so they will not swing closed over the glass. A limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty is listed.
The fixed size makes this option straightforward to assess: compare the dimensions with the wall space beside your window before ordering. Its rectangular raised-panel profile can frame the lower sides of an arched window, but it will not match the curved top. The listing also directs shoppers who intend to paint to a separate paintable option.
Pros:
- Classic raised-panel style with woodgrain texture.
- Pair and mounting fasteners are included.
- UV-stabilized material is designed to resist fading.
- One-piece molded construction and a listed limited lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- Only the listed 15-by-35-inch size is specified here.
- Fixed rectangular shutters do not follow an arch or function as working shutters.
Verdict: Choose this pair if a traditional black raised-panel look and its fixed dimensions fit the wall around your arched window.
5. Polaris Homeside Board and Batten Shutters: Best for a Tall Window
Polaris Homeside’s joined vinyl shutters have a board-and-batten design and are listed at 14.5 inches wide by 59 inches high. The pair is available in various colors, and this option is identified as Chocolate. Its taller dimensions may work for a long window where shorter shutters would look undersized.
The listing describes easy installation and low-maintenance vinyl. It also notes that the shutters mount on almost any surface and use a color-through process intended to resist fading and help hide scratches. Battens vary by shutter length: the description specifies two horizontal battens for lengths up to 51 inches and three for lengths of 55 inches or longer.
At 59 inches high, this pair is substantially taller than the Ekena and Exterior Solutions options. Measure the straight wall area where the shutters will sit, especially if the arched glass leaves limited space at the top. Like the other rectangular styles, this model is not listed with a curved top.
Pros:
- Tall 59-inch height for larger or elongated window areas.
- Joined board-and-batten style with multiple color options.
- Color-through process is intended to resist fading and hide scratches.
- Listed for mounting on almost any surface.
Cons:
- The tall fixed size may not suit shorter windows.
- No arched top is specified.
Verdict: Consider Polaris for a tall, straight-sided board-and-batten accent when its 14.5-by-59-inch size fits your exterior layout.
How to Choose Exterior Shutters for an Arched Window
Decide whether the shutter should follow the curve
First decide whether you want a shutter with a curved top or simply a pair of straight-sided shutters placed beside the window. A cathedral-top shutter may echo the arch, while a rectangular shutter leaves the curve uncovered and frames the sides. The products in this comparison are decorative; the supplied details do not establish that they function as operable shutters.
Measure the window and the mounting area
Measure the window’s width, height, and the available wall space on each side. For a shaped shutter, record the arch’s width and rise as well as its curve. A paper or cardboard template can help you compare the profile with the product shape. Check whether listed dimensions are nominal and allow for any stated size tolerance.
Confirm the top profile before ordering
Product names and photos do not always provide enough detail to confirm an exact arch match. Ask the seller for a profile drawing or measurements if the curve needs to align closely. The Ekena listing is the only option here specifically labeled cathedral top, but its listed size and shape still need to suit your window.
Choose a material and finish for your exterior
Compare the listed construction, finish, and care needs with your home’s exposure and style. The options here include vinyl and polypropylene, with different designs such as louvers, raised panels, and board and batten. Color choices and paintability vary, so confirm the selected color and whether it can be painted before buying.
Check installation needs and surface compatibility
Look at what hardware is included and whether installation requires drilling. Ortus describes use on several common exterior materials, while Pontiac Trail notes that drilling is required. For any product, make sure the mounting method works for your siding or masonry and that the fasteners are suitable for the surface.
Think about scale and visual balance
Shutters should look proportionate beside the window, not just fit within the available space. A tall pair can suit a long opening, while a short pair may look out of scale on a large facade. With an arched window, compare the shutters’ height and top shape to the curve so the result looks intentional rather than crowded.
Review warranty and return details
Warranty coverage and return conditions differ across products. Check the current listing for the terms that apply to the exact size and color you select. This is especially important for large shutters and for any option where a custom or less common size may be difficult to replace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can regular rectangular shutters be used beside an arched window?
Yes, if you want decorative shutters along the sides rather than a curved top that follows the window. Measure the available mounting space and choose a height and style that look balanced with the arch.
Which option in this list is labeled for an arched style?
The Ekena Millwork product is labeled “Standard Cathedral Top.” That makes it the clearest option to investigate for an arched opening, but you should still confirm its curve and dimensions against your window.
Are these shutters functional?
The supplied descriptions identify the Pontiac Trail and Exterior Solutions options as decorative or fixed. The other listings also describe decorative installation or exterior accents rather than confirming that the shutters open and close. Check the product details if you need working shutters.
Do I need to buy a pair?
The Ekena, Ortus Collective, Exterior Solutions, and Polaris listings specify a pair. Pontiac Trail also describes each product as a pair. Confirm the quantity on the listing for your selected size and finish before ordering.
What should I measure for a cathedral-top shutter?
Measure the window width, the height of the straight section, and the arch’s rise and curve. Also measure the available mounting area. Compare those figures with the shutter’s profile and dimensions rather than relying on the window’s overall height alone.
Can I paint any of these shutters?
Paintability varies. The Pontiac Trail listing identifies Cosmos Black and Dover White as paintable options and points shoppers to a separate paintable option for Exterior Solutions. Check the exact color and product listing before planning to paint.
Final Recommendation
The Ekena Millwork cathedral-top pair is the best starting point in this selection if you want a shutter profile that may echo an arched window. Its listed dimensions are fixed, so confirm the curve and size before ordering. If straight-sided shutters are acceptable, Ortus Collective offers multiple sizes and colors, while Pontiac Trail, Exterior Solutions, and Polaris provide distinct board-and-batten or raised-panel looks. For a precise arch match, verify the profile first or seek a made-to-measure shutter.
