By the ShutterAuthority.co.uk – The UK's Independent Window Shutter Guide Team · Updated May 2026 · Independent, reader-supported

Best Shutters for Bay Windows UK: Suppliers, Styles and Fitting Tips

Bay windows add character to a home, but they present a genuine challenge when fitting shutters. The angled walls mean standard shutters won't work—you need frames angled to match the bay, or a style flexible enough to handle the geometry. Getting this right saves money and frustration later.

Why Bay Windows Need Different Shutters

A standard bay has walls that aren't parallel to your front wall. They angle outward, typically at 135 degrees to 150 degrees. Shutters fitted square won't close properly against the frame, and you'll have gaps letting light and cold air through.

You have two main options: frames angled to match your bay's geometry, or shutters designed to work with angled installations. The second approach is usually simpler and costs less.

Solid-Panel Shutters for Bays

Solid-panel shutters (also called plantation shutters without the louvres) work well on bay windows because the full panel fills the angled space without light gaps. Once the frame is fitted to your angle, the shutter panels close flush.

Advantages:

• Clean look, no slats to trap dust
• Better insulation and blackout capability
• Easier to clean than louvred shutters
• Flexible on sizing—frames can be custom-angled

Drawbacks:

• More expensive than louvred versions
• No light control without opening fully
• Heavier, so installation needs proper support
• Takes up more wall space when open

Most solid-panel suppliers offer adjustable-frame kits designed for angled bays. These come with a frame that angles to match your specific bay geometry, then shutters fit into it. Expect to measure your angle carefully—many suppliers provide angle-measuring guides or will work with you by phone.

Tier-on-Tier Shutters for Bays

Tier-on-tier shutters (two independent sets of panels, one above the other) are practical for bay windows because you control each tier separately. Close the bottom tier for privacy while keeping the top open for light, or vice versa.

Advantages:

• Flexible light and privacy control
• Lighter than solid panels
• Works well with adjustable frames
• Generally cheaper than solid panels
• Good for windows you want to look out of while maintaining privacy

Drawbacks:

• More moving parts to maintain
• Slats can accumulate dust
• Less effective at blackout
• Slightly trickier to fit into an angled frame

For bays, tier-on-tier makes sense if you want usability without heavy panels. Combined with an angled frame kit, it's a straightforward installation.

Measuring Your Bay Window

This is where most problems start. Bay windows need two measurements:

1. The angle of your bay. Measure from the corner of your front wall to a point on one side wall, then to a point on the opposite side wall. Your supplier can work from this, or you can calculate it with a protractor against a template they provide.

1. Width and height of each section. Bay windows typically have three sections (left angle, centre, right angle), sometimes more. Measure each separately. The angles mean widths might differ by 2–3 cm side to side.

Most suppliers send measuring guides free, and some offer phone support to walk you through it. Don't estimate—an error of a centimetre or two creates visible gaps or forces difficult refitting.

Adjustable-Frame Shutter Kits

Adjustable-frame kits from major suppliers are designed exactly for this problem. They come with a frame that slides and angles to fit your bay, then shutters clip or hinge into place.

These kits typically cost £150–400 per bay section before professional fitting, depending on size and material. The saving compared to custom-built frames is significant.

What to look for:

• Aluminium frames (lighter, less warping than wood)
• Clear adjustment instructions
• Support for your specific angle range
• Reviews mentioning bay-window success

Professional Fitting vs DIY

Angled frames need careful installation. If your bay walls are truly angled but walls aren't plumb, or if the frame needs shimming to sit flush, professional fitting saves time and mistakes. Many suppliers offer fitting services for £100–200 per bay, or you can use a local handyperson experienced with shutters.

DIY is possible if your bay is symmetrical and walls are relatively plumb. You'll need a drill, spirit level, and patience.

Suppliers and Options

Look for suppliers offering adjustable bay-window frame kits rather than custom builds—the cost difference is substantial, and the results are identical. Check whether they include a measuring guide, whether they offer phone support during measurement, and read reviews specifically mentioning bay windows.

Key things suppliers should confirm: your exact bay angle, the number of sections, and whether each section needs independent angling or if one frame covers the whole bay.

Getting Started

Measure your bay accurately first. Take photos from different angles and note the approximate angle visually. Ring suppliers with your measurements and ask whether they've fitted your style of bay before—they'll spot issues you've missed.

Once you've chosen a style and supplier, order a measuring guide and take time with those measurements. A bay-window shutter installation done properly looks seamless and works smoothly for years.