Chamfered or ovolo: which frame finish?

The finish describes the shape of the edges on your frame and sashes. Choosing between chamfered vs ovolo windows changes the look of the window more than you might expect, especially from the street.

Both finishes perform the same. The difference is purely about style, and about which suits the age and character of your property.

What do chamfered and ovolo mean?

The terms come from traditional joinery. Carpenters shaped the edges of timber frames and glazing beads, both to soften them and to throw off rainwater. uPVC profiles copy those shapes.

You will see the finish on the outer frame, on the edges of the opening sashes and on the glazing beads that hold the glass in place.

Chamfered windows

Chamfered frames have angled, bevelled edges. They look clean and modern and suit most houses built from the 1950s onwards.

It is the most common finish and is included in our standard price. If your current uPVC windows were fitted in the last few decades, they are very likely chamfered.

Where chamfered works best

• Post-war, 1960s to 1980s and modern new-build homes
• Rendered and contemporary properties
• Smooth white, grey and black finishes
• Rentals and extensions where budget matters

Ovolo windows

Ovolo frames have softly rounded, sculpted edges that echo traditional timber joinery. They suit period homes, cottages and conservation areas, especially in woodgrain or heritage colours like Chartwell Green or Cream.

The rounded profile catches light differently, giving a softer, more crafted look that sits naturally next to original features.

Where ovolo works best

• Victorian, Edwardian and 1930s homes
• Cottages and rural properties
• Conservation areas, where planners may prefer a traditional look
• Windows with Georgian bars or heritage colours

Chamfered vs ovolo: side by side

	Chamfered	Ovolo
Edge shape	Angled, bevelled	Rounded, sculpted
Style	Clean and modern	Traditional, timber-like
Suits	Most homes from the 1950s onwards	Period homes, cottages, conservation areas
Price	Included in our standard price	Check the designer for your chosen profile

How to choose

Start with the house, not the window. Look at the age of the property, the style of the street and any original features you want to keep.

Then think about colour. Ovolo pairs naturally with woodgrain and heritage shades, while chamfered suits smooth modern colours. Our window colours guide covers the options.

Consider the doors too. If you are replacing front or back doors at the same time, a matching style across the whole house looks more considered. Traditional homes with ovolo windows often suit a composite or uPVC door in a heritage colour, while chamfered windows sit well with sleek modern doors.

The finish available can also depend on the frame system. Our window profiles guide explains the four systems we offer.

Matching your neighbours

If you are only replacing some windows, look closely at the edges of your existing frames and match them so everything looks consistent from the street.

A quick test: run your finger along the edge of the sash. A flat, angled face is chamfered. A smooth curve is ovolo.

On terraces and semis, it is also worth glancing next door. Matching the finish on the attached house keeps the whole frontage looking tidy.

Common mistakes

• Mixing finishes on the same elevation, which is noticeable up close.
• Choosing ovolo for a very modern home, where it can look out of place.
• Forgetting to check conservation area rules before replacing windows on a period property.

Quick answers

Is ovolo better than chamfered?

Neither is better. They perform the same. Ovolo looks more traditional and chamfered looks more modern.

Does the finish affect energy efficiency?

No. Every window we make is A-rated with argon-filled double glazed units, whichever finish you choose.

Can I use ovolo on a sash window?

Sliding sash windows are usually styled to look traditional anyway. See our sliding sash windows guide for the details.

Which finish is included as standard?

Chamfered is the most common finish and is included in our standard price.

Design and price your window →