New shopfronts

Curved glass shop fronts

A curved glass shop front uses panes that have been heated and bent to a set radius, usually at a corner, bay or recessed entrance, and held in curved frames or channels. Each pane is made to a template, so the glass and the frame must be planned together.

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Curved glass shop window on a corner unit

When is this the right choice?

Curved glass suits corner units, recessed lobbies, and older frontages where an original bowed window needs replacing. New retail schemes also use it to give a frontage a shape people remember. It suits owners who accept a longer lead time and a higher price for a one-off piece. A broken pane takes longer to replace, so insurance cover and spare planning matter.

What are the options?

Bent toughened glassThe pane is heated, bent and then toughened, so it breaks safely like flat toughened glass. The glass processor sets the limits on size and radius.

Bent laminated glassTwo bent plies are joined with an interlayer and hold together if cracked. This suits higher-risk positions.

Curved double-glazed unitsTwo curved panes form a sealed unit for heated premises, at a higher price and with a longer lead time.

Curved aluminium framesSections are rolled or stretch-formed to the same radius as the glass, then powder coated.

Curved timber framesLaminated timber head and sill sections are useful when restoring a bowed period window.

Faceted alternativeFlat panes set at angles can follow a curve at lower cost, where a true bend is not required.

How much does a curved glass shop front cost?

Curved glass shop fronts usually cost £6,495 to £15,995 ex VAT for a typical frontage, supplied and fitted. Radius, pane height, glass type and the need for curved frames are the main factors. Making templates, careful handling and extra fixing time also count, and curved sealed units cost more than single panes. A free survey and written fixed quote confirm what is achievable before you commit.

Guide prices exclude VAT. Your written quote is fixed after survey.

What is the specification?

Glass	Bent toughened or bent laminated, typically 10 to 12 mm single glazing
Safety	Safety glazing classified to BS EN 12600, with laminated glass to BS EN 14449
Radius	Set by pane size and thickness, and confirmed by the glass processor
Template	Full-size site template or measured survey for every pane
Frame	Curved aluminium, hardwood or stainless steel channel
Typical lead time	8 to 12 weeks from signed template (typical range)

How does the job run?

Measure the curve
We record the radius and height on site, often with a full-size template.
Confirm with the processor
Radius, thickness and pane size are checked with the glass processor before the design is fixed.
Make frame and glass
Curved frames are formed alongside the glass, so the two match when they reach site.
Set and seal
Panes are set on packers and sealed in place, without being forced into the frame.

Common questions

What happens if a curved pane breaks?

It has to be remade to the same template, so replacement takes longer than for flat glass. The opening can be boarded or temporarily glazed in the meantime. Keep the template details with your insurance paperwork, and ask your insurer how long it will cover the gap.

Can any glass be curved?

Most float glass can be bent, but the size, thickness and radius are limited by the process. Tight curves and large panes are the hardest. The glass processor confirms what is possible before we finalise the design, so you are not quoted for something that cannot be made.

Can curved glass be double glazed?

Yes, curved sealed units are made from two matching bent panes. They cost more and take longer than flat units, and the frame must suit the extra depth. In England, Approved Document L sets no maximum U-value for display windows, so single glazing often remains an option.

Is a curved front a good fit for a corner unit?

Yes, a curved corner removes the upright post and lets the display wrap around, which suits buildings with two street faces. The corner must be checked first, as the post may be carrying load. We confirm that at survey and involve a structural engineer if needed.

Do I need planning permission for a curved glass frontage?

Usually yes in England, as a curved front normally changes the look of the building. Replacing an original curved window like for like is different, but listed status can still require consent. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so we check this for your building.

Which materials go with this?

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