Overwhelmed with funky shaped or curved windows? There are lots of beautiful options to cover arched windows and other specialty shaded windows, like blinds, curtains, shades, and cellular arches. They can be customized to complement the look, functionality, and size of your semicircular windows.
If your home has a beautiful arch-shaped window, it is likely you’d like to cover it to improve its curb appeal and functionality with a suitable arch window covering. Here is a comprehensive guide about how to cover an arch-shaped window of any size, shape, style, and design.
There are different types of window coverings for an arch window, including Roman shades, plantation shutters, and draperies. There are other options if your window is unusual.
Here are some tips to make your window coverings work better. You’ll be able to make an informed decision about the material you want to use once you have identified what to look for.
Factors to Consider When Covering Arched Windows
Shape and Size of Arched Window
Since arches come in different shapes and sizes, accurately measure the arched window’s dimensions to ensure perfect fit.
Design and Style of the Arch
When selecting arch window blinds, curtains, or shades, look for styles and designs that complement the overall style of your home. Arched window coverings come in different styles, from traditional and sophisticated to modern and minimalist. For example, to know your socks off, you can combine luxurious fabrics with modern motorized operating systems to cover a tall arched window.
Light Control & Privacy
What level of light control and privacy do you want? To effectively regulate the amount of sunlight coming in, select arch window coverings that have adjustable slats or panels. To achieve complete room darkening or 100% blackout effect, go with heavy, tightly woven fabrics.
Durability
When choosing materials for arch-shaped window treatments, consider durability to enhance appearance and practical worth of the window covering. Also look for light filtering properties and ease of maintenance. High-end fabric, wood, faux wood, and vinyl are some of the popular choices that offer extended durability.
What are the Best Window Coverings for Arch-shaped Windows?
Roman Shades – A Luxurious Option to Cover a Semi-circular Window
What is the best way to cover arched windows? Here’s a fantastic option – Roman shades! Roman shades, similar to a drapery, are a perfect favorite for windows with arched or curved frames. These high-end, luxurious window treatments and arched windows tend to complement each other.
A window treatment that emphasizes the semi-circular shape of an arched window can give your home a modern look. This style will not only enhance the semi-circular shape of the window, but it will also tie in with the rest of the room decor.
Roman shades are a great way to create a timeless, elegant look for your home that matches your decor and design.
Pros
- Roman shades are stylish and functional window coverings.
- They can also be customized for color, fabric choice, design, size, style, pattern, and lift option.
- You can even personalize your shade for arch-shaped windows by adding a border pattern, edge banding, or a bottom shape to give it a unique look.
- For a more modern look, you can select a Roman fabric shade that resembles cellular shades.
- Flat fold shades appear flat when fully lowered.
- They complement tall arch windows and offer practical light filtering and privacy features.
- The plain, crisp style Roman shade has more texture, body, and width than the standard flat-fold style. It is also wider than the standard flat-fold style.
Cons
- Roman shades are not designed to fit snugly onto windows. This is one of the biggest problems with installing them on arched windows. Unlike other window treatments, they won’t fit tightly, so you’ll need to adjust them on your window to avoid light seeping in between them. And you don’t want light from the sun to wake you up in the middle of the night, do you?
- Furthermore, Roman shades can be easily flattened by hot baths, humidity, and moisture. These problems are not worth the risk.
Draperies – A Stylish and Elegant Way to Dress Arched Windows
Drapery is a stylish and elegant way to cover an arch-shaped window. You can hang drapery rods above the window and maximize the view while also providing privacy and light control. Layer draperies with shades for an added touch of style. Or you can install shades or scarf panels in front of your arched windows. Whatever you choose, drapery adds elegance to any room.
Pros
- One of the benefits of drapery window coverings for arched windows is their low-maintenance. Draperies often only require a wipe-down to keep them looking their best.
- Drapery panels come in several different designs, from simple lined swags to voluminous panels. These panels will give your windows a classic look while giving them an open feel.
- They are easy to operate. To open the drapery panels, you can pull them to one side.
- These treatments for arched-shaped windows can also be used in rooms with high ceilings. In this way, drapery is a great way to cover arched windows.
Cons
- Although arched windows are beautiful architectural details, they can be difficult to cover. They are unique in their shape and can be high and large.
- You might need to use a special template, or invest in a ladder if you want to get the right look for your drapery.
Wood Blinds to Add Durability and Organic Texture to Arch Window Coverings
While there are many options for blinds to cover arched windows, some homeowners prefer arch wood blinds. If your windows are arch-shaped, you may want to consider purchasing custom-made wood blinds to match the curve of the top arch.
Pros
- This type of window treatment gives your room a sophisticated look.
- The best blinds for arched windows are multi-textural, which means they have several textures that will draw attention to architectural features in the room.
- Wood blinds have a classic appearance. They are made from 100% real hardwood, and they feature clean lines and subtle wood accents. These wood blinds rotate, providing you with the flexibility to control the amount of incoming light.
Cons
- Arched windows can get too much sunlight, so full coverage is generally the best choice. However, some blinds can leave the top arch open, which can lower the degree of privacy.
- They can be an expensive option for treating arch-shaped windows.
Shutters – A Bold Choice
Shutters for arched windows can make your home more stylish and let in light.
Pros
- There are several types of shutters for arch-shaped windows, including wood shutters and composite ones.
- Some of these window coverings mimic the look of traditional shutters, while others provide privacy and light control.
Cons
- They are heavy.
- Shutters can be a bit difficult to install on arched windows.
Cellular Shades to Filter Light and Get Extra Insulation
Cellular arches are a great option to cover arched windows. These are made from a soft-spun material that features rows of honeycomb-shaped cells to filter light while providing extra insulation. These window coverings are also known as honeycomb shades.
Pros
- Cellular shades are made to fit most arched windows.
- They have the look of a honeycomb and are made with different cellular thicknesses.
Cons
- Cellular shades have limited design options.
- They are a bit difficult to clean and maintain due to their cellular structure.
Palladian Shelf – An Ideal Choice for Arch Top Windows
If your window frame isn’t made of wood, you may want to opt for a Palladian shelf that can be customized to fit your arched window of any size and shape. This custom window accessory comes in varying depths and is made from wood that matches the existing window frames.
When choosing a Palladian shelf, be sure to measure the length and width of your arched windows before buying it. You can get the perfect fit with a steel measuring tape or a laser measuring tool. It is installed on the outside of the window casing and serves as an extra point of contact for your top-mount window treatment.
Pros
- The Palladian shelf comes with concealed brackets that provide a stable mounting surface for your arched window shades. It will enhance your funky windows and add elegance.
- Palladian shelves are made from wood and come in many different styles and colors.
- A Palladian shelf helps you hang your blinds properly on arched windows.
- These are the perfect window coverings that protect your expensive furniture from UV rays.
- It conceals the shelf, which makes it a perfect fit for your arched window treatment.
Cons
- Palladian shelf window treatments for arch-shaped windows can be expensive due to the custom measurements and designs needed to fit your window.
- Since Palladian shelf window coverings for curved windows are often made of stationary panels or fixed louvers, they may not offer the same level of light control and privacy as other window treatments, such as curtains and blinds.
FAQs
How to cover an arched window with curtains?
There are two popular options to cover an arched window with curtains:
- Option 1: Hang the curtain above the arch on the wall or ceiling, so it will cover the entire window including the top curved part.
- Option 2: Hang them below the arch so the arch will always be visible.
How do you put a shade on an arched window?
Follow these simple, easy steps to put a shade on an arched window:
- Step 1: Screw brackets into the sides of the arched window frame, making sure they are at equal heights.
- Step 2: Install the curtain rod on the brackets using a screwdriver.
- Step 3: Hang the shade on the curtain rod, while making sure it is level.
Can you put blinds on an arched window?
You can put blinds (shades, curtains, sheers, and plantation shutters) on an arched window, leaving the arch top open. Go with an outside mount, as it will enhance your arched window beautifully. The arched top can be covered separately using window film. You can customize both the blinds and the film to match elements of the room.
How do you mask a curved window?
Here are five simple steps to mask a curved window using the masking tape and the window film.
- Step 1: Measure the width and height of each window pane. Separately measure the panes on the upper curved part.
- Step 2: Pre-tape the sides and bottom of the arched window.
- Step 3: Unfold the window film and cut it according to the recorded values.
- Step 4: Adhere the film to the pre-taped sides and bottom of the curved window.
- Step 5: To mask the upper curved part of the window, cut the film according to the curvature and adhere it firmly to the window frame.
Need More Help?
Still not sure how to cover an arch-shaped window with blinds, curtains, and shades? Contact our customer care professionals using 24/7 live chat or call at (800) 863-6109 now for custom window treatment solutions for your curved window.