What’s the difference between ovolo and chamfered window profiles?
The term profile refers to the shape of the frame as seen when it is viewed end-on. With most uPVC windows, you’ll have the option to choose between chamfered and ovolo; although these don’t affect the window’s performance, they do alter the window’s overall character.
The two shapes
- The edge of Ovolo is curved and convex, consisting of a rounded, sculpted moulding rather than a flat cut. It has a softer and more traditional appearance.
- A chamfer has an edge that is flat and angled – it features a neat 45-degree bevel with straight lines running the entire way. This gives it a sharper and more modern appearance.
There isn’t a better one; they are just different, and the one that will suit your house will depend more on the property’s style than anything else.
Ovolo
Ovolo (in some cases referred to as sculptured) has a rounded, convex edge – a soft, curved bead extending along the frame rather than a flat cut. This profile is most closely linked with period and character homes and is generally the preferred option in conservation areas, since a softer, more traditional-style frame suits the rest of the street.
Chamfered
Chamfered frames are cut at a simple angle, not a curve, which keeps the lines straight and gives the entire frame a clean and modern appearance. This is the kind of profile you’ll find on the majority of newer constructions and contemporary renovations.
Frame and bead
The profile you choose doesn’t only apply to the frame itself; it extends to the sash and to the internal glazing bead, the piece that holds the glass in place on the inside. With Kömmerling, the system we install, this comes as two distinct ranges: C70 for chamfered, O70 for ovolo, each running consistently through the frame, sash, and bead.
What isn’t always obvious is that, because the bead clips in separately from the frame, the two can be mixed. The most common combination is a chamfered frame and sash on the outside paired with an ovolo bead on the inside, giving clean, contemporary lines from the street while keeping a softer, more traditional edge around the glass indoors. This has to be requested specifically, though; ordering a standard C70 or O70 will give you a matching profile throughout.
Choosing what suits your house
Begin with the house rather than the window. Chamfered mouldings usually work well with a newly built or modern home because they give the frame a sharp appearance and complement the overall architectural style. On the other hand, an older house, or one located in a conservation area, generally looks better with ovolo moulding, as the curved profile mirrors the traditional detailing already present on the street.
If you’re still not sure, why not look at both profiles in the showroom? Although the difference isn’t obvious in a photograph, it is clear when you see them in person, and you’ll immediately know which one should go on your house.