Custom-made windows: real costs and smart upgrades
Need custom windows: round, triangle, or extra-large constructions for your project in Europe? That’s what’s usually meant by “custom” here – not just made to measure, which is standard.
But do such upgrades really mean higher costs or longer lead times? When do you really need to pay extra?
This article breaks down typical upgrade costs for custom window shapes, finishes and features – with exact prices, delivery times, and what’s worth it from a contractor’s point of view.
When is it worth paying extra for bespoke windows?
In most European countries, standard sizes still exist in theory – but in practice, almost all windows in Poland are now made to measure.
That means you don’t pay more just because a window has an unusual width or configuration. Black aluminium frames? No problem – the price stays the same. Black uPVC frames? That’s different – expect a surcharge of 14–30%, because the colour needs a special foil.
So when do prices actually go significantly up? Mainly with more complex builds: arched or round shapes, rare types of glazing, or anodised aluminium finishes.
Before you add them to your spec, ask: do they really bring value to the project? Do they really help you earn higer margin on the project?
From what we’ve seen in projects, it makes sense to invest in bespoke windows when:
- The architecture includes non-standard shapes or large divisions,
- Your client expects high-performance features like acoustic glass, solar control or flush handles.
Even when you pay extra for custom options, you can often save elsewhere by reviewing your full specification.
Learn more How to reduce windows costs.
In Europe, windows are made to measure, at no extra cost
What custom options are available?
Almost every part of a window can be customised to match your project – visually, structurally or in terms of performance
You can adjust
- size
- colour (inside and out)
- frame profile
- shape such as arched, round or triangular
- glass pattern or texture
- glazing thickness (double or triple)
- mullion layout and divisions
Each of these impacts cost, lead time and buildability. The next sections explain which ones are worth considering and when.
Colour options and how they affect cost
uPVC windows use foil finishes to achieve the chosen colour. Aluminium windows can be finished in any colour from the RAL Classic palette.
Standard tones like white, grey, black and anthracite usually come with no extra cost.
More distinctive options – such as red, yellow or wood-like foils – may add around 15 percent to the price.
Wood-like foils on uPVC windows Aluplast Energeto Neo
Coloured from the outside, white inside
- uPVC windows:
Exterior colour foil, white interior (+14% vs. all-white) - aluminium windows:
Exterior colour, white interior (+3% vs. single colour)
Same colour on both sides
- uPVC windows:
Non-white colour on both sides (+30% vs. all-white - aluminium windows:
Same colour on both sides – no extra charge
Dual colour
- uPVC windows:
Different non-white colours on each side (+55% vs. all-white) - aluminium windows:
Different colours on each side (+3% vs. single colour)
Example of colour charts
RAL pallete offers more than 200 colours for aluminium windows
Sample chart of Salamander uPVC window colours
Sample chart of Aluplast uPVC window colours
Custom-shaped window prices
Fixed windows can be made in a wide range of shapes, including triangles, arches and circles. Some shapes can even be operable, depending on the material and dimensions. Each material – whether PVC, aluminium or wood – has technical limits for angles, radii and frame bending.
The prices below show how much more you can expect to pay for shaped windows compared to standard rectangular ones.
PVC made to measure windows with example prices
Square uPVC window 100 x 100 cm
Price: 103 EUR
Triangle uPVC window 100 x 100 cm
Price: 145 EUR
Round uPVC window 100 cm
Price: 330 EUR
Arched uPVC window 100 x 150 cm
Price: 302 EUR
Aluminium made to measure windows with example prices
Square aluminum window 150 x 150 cm
Price: 425 EUR
Triangle aluminium window 150 x 150 cm
Price: 430 EUR
Round aluminium window 150 cm
Price: 1197 EUR
Arched aluminium window 150 x 150 cm
Price: 1030 EUR
Custom window divisions in any configuration
Tilt and turn windows can be divided into multiple sections using mullions, all delivered within a single frame. The only technical limitation is the minimum and maximum size of each glass section.
This allows full control over both the visual design of the façade and the usability of the window from inside.
Each vertical or horizontal mullion adds around 100 EUR in material and production cost.
Profiles are cut with one millimetre precision, which allows for any layout within structural limits.
Flexible glazing options for any specification
Our verified manufacturers work with leading glass suppliers, including Glassolutions, Pilkington and Pressglass.
This ensures full compatibility with high-spec glass types – without compromising production time or technical quality.
You can choose from:
- toughened or laminated glass
- acoustic glazing for noise reduction
- solar control glass for overheating protection
- privacy, smart, tinted or textured finishes
- self-cleaning options for hard-to-access areas
Upgrading from double to triple glazing typically adds around 15 percent to the price. Sun protection glass adds about 30 percent, and safety glass around 10 percent.
Not every option is needed for every build – we help you select what brings real value.
Corner windows and combined configurations
Modern systems allow you to join multiple window units into a single structure – side by side, stacked or at angles.
You can also combine standard windows with sliding doors or fixed glass panels. This is often used in contemporary designs to open up corners, connect interiors to terraces or maximise daylight.
The only added cost is the connector – on average around 100 EUR, depending on system type.
Handle options and design impact
Handles in tilt and turn windows come in various shapes and finishes – from rounded to square designs. They can influence both the look and functionality of the window, especially in visible areas such as kitchens or feature walls.
Additional options include lockable handles for added security. Some systems, like the Cortizo COR 70 Hidden Sash, offer fully concealed handles that are invisible from inside.
Handle pricing is minor – typically around 5 EUR difference between models.
Invisible handle from Cortizo
Glazing bars for traditional or divided designs
While not common in modern European builds, glazing bars are sometimes required – especially for heritage-style windows.
They can replace operable sashes in some designs, which reduces the number of moving parts and lowers total window cost.
Depending on the number of divisions, glazing bars between the glass typically add between 20 and 50 EUR per unit.
Lead times for custom windows from Poland
All windows in Europe are made to measure, so there are no standard sizes. Despite this, most configurations do not affect production time.
For uPVC windows, production takes around 3 weeks. For aluminium, expect 5 to 8 weeks.
Transport time depends on your location – typically one week to Germany or the Netherlands, and up to two weeks to France, Italy or the Nordics.
Production may take longer if your spec includes:
- arched or round windows
- rare glazing types such as selective or extra thick glass
- grilles
- anodised aluminium finishes
Will lower-cost bespoke windows from Poland meet high technical standards?
You can reduce your window budget by 30% without compromising thermal performance, durability or installation quality.
As long as you work with vetted suppliers.
Polish manufacturers use the same profile systems, CNC machinery and certified glass components as top German producers.
The price difference comes from labour costs, not from lower build quality.
At debesto, we verify each supplier against key technical criteria – including U-values down to 0.15, steel reinforcement, and warm-edge spacers from Swisspacer.
Summary
Custom-made windows aren’t just about design features. On site, even a small mismatch – like a white handle on dark-frame doors – can ruin the overall effect.
The photo shows an actual mistake from another supplier, where lack of coordination with the contractor led to white handle on €40,000 custom arched doors.
In high-value builds, details matter. Success depends on who manages the process – from verifying specs to tracking timelines and avoiding costly oversights.
Bespoke windows shouldn’t mean delays, risk or inflated budgets. With the right support, you can choose the right options – technically, visually and commercially.
If your design includes non-standard elements, send us your drawing or specification. We’ll help you choose the most buildable and cost-effective setup.
Mistake by another supplier: white handle delivered on a €40K custom door due to lack of spec coordination.
Order custom windows from Poland
We coordinate custom window production with trusted Polish manufacturers – focusing on lead time, technical fit and cost-efficiency.
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