Looking for a DIY solution to cover your arch windows? You can trim and customize your existing shutters, shades, blinds, or curtains or build new ones to fit your arched window and match your decor.
Scroll on to learn some quick DIY options for arched window blinds.
What are Arched Windows?
Arched windows – also called arch top windows or radius windows – are characterized by square bottoms and an arch or half-circle on the top. Arch top windows can add light, beauty, and style to any room. Some half-circle shaped windows are also installed directly above a traditional rectangular window.
How to Cover Arched Windows?
As arched windows have varying shapes (a perfect arch, an eyebrow arch, a quarter arch, or a Palladian arch) and sizes, covering them can seem a difficult and challenging task. You have a variety of custom covering options to choose from. Just make sure to do a little planning, take accurate measurements, and use some creativity to cover your arched windows, while adding to their function (privacy, light control, insulation) and charm.
Tools You’ll Need
- A shade, blind, or other type of window covering to fit the window.
- Poster board or cardboard to make a template.
- Luan plywood with a smooth finish
- A few nails and a pencil
- A few screws
- Paint and a paint brush or a spray gun.
- A jig saw or band saw.
5 Easy Steps to Make a Custom Arched Window Blind
Step 1: Make a Template
- Measure the area of the arch top window you want to cover.
- Use poster board or cardboard to make a template.
- Add extra 1 to 2 inches to the bottom of your radium to hang the blind on.
- Make a circle compass using a scrap strip of Luan plywood board.
- Draw an arch on the template using a nail and a pencil.
- Cut the template out and do a test fit. Do trimming, if needed, to get the perfect fit.
Step 2: Cut Parts and Dry Fit
- Cut two arches and other smaller components using a band saw or jig saw.
- Dry fit them into the arched top of the window opening to see what you’ll have once finished.
- Be creative and do some paper designs of your own.
- Do trimming and make other adjustments to ensure a nice fit.
Step 3: Assemble and Glue Parts
Assemble all the pieces (parts) and glue them up in stages.
Step 4: Paint the Arch
Paint the arch along with its edges until you are happy with the results and let dry. When the paint is dry, your blinds will be ready to install.
Step 5: Install the Arch and Hang the Blinds
- Place the arch in the top (arched) part of the window opening and secure it with screws.
- Install the blinds using mounting brackets and screws.
Popular DIY Options to Consider When Making Custom Arched Window Blinds
As arched or radius windows are different from traditional rectangular windows, you need to make custom blinds for them.
Here are a few DIY tips for making blinds for arch top windows:
Use a Curved, Flexible Track System
A curved track system allows the window blinds to be bent and shaped to fit the curve of the window’s arch.
Use a Custom Arched Shade
This involves using a shade made to fit the specific dimensions and measurements of your arched window.
Install a Honeycomb or Cellular Shade
Honeycomb or cellular shades are made of a series of fabric cells like a honeycomb that can be easily shaped to fit an arched window.
Use a Vertical Window Blind
Vertical blinds can be made to fit an arch top window by using a custom curved track.
It’s important to note that some of these DIY options may be more expensive than others. So, the best choice will depend on your budget and preferences.
FAQs
Can you put blinds in an arched window?
Yes! You can put any window blind, shade, curtain, or shutter in an arched window, leaving the arch top open. To cover the entire window, you’ll need to get a custom window treatment solution. Some arch window treatments, like paper blinds, sit in the arch. Other options, like wood shutters, have hinges that you install in or outside the window frame. Use a drill or a screwdriver to install a curtain rod or roller mechanism above the arch and hang curtains, roller blinds, or drapes that will cover the entire window.
How do you cover curved windows?
Here’re 6 practical DIY methods to cover curved windows:
- Made-to-measure shades or blinds
- Shutters made out of sturdy, warp-resistant composite material.
- Fabric curtains, drapes, and valances
- Window film
- Paper blinds
- Tinting and decorating
How do you cut an arch window shade?
To trim or cut an arch window shade, you’ll need a sharp kitchen knife. Cut the shade all the way through to your desired length and width. Then you are ready to place your shade into your perfect half-rounded arch-shaped windows, with the arch holder in the middle of the window holding. You can secure it with included tape.
How do you case an arched window?
A flexible arch is not the easiest thing to measure and cut. To case you arched window, follow these 7 steps:
Step 1: Make a cardboard template of the arch window.
Step 2: Cut the fabric or other material by putting the template on it.
Step 3: To trim the molding, mark a 45-degree line, instead of a square.
Step 4: Slowly cut the piece with the blade following the line ascribed.
Step 5: With one side cut, temporarily fix the piece on the arch to get the very precise measurement on the other side.
Step 6: Remove the piece and cut the other side according to the measure.
Step 7: Install the shade along with molding.
Need More Help?
Still unsure which custom blind will be more suitable for the size and shape of your arched window? Contact our professionals using 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109 for a custom solution.