What Is A Palladian Arch Window?

A Palladian arch window, also known as a Venetian window, is a distinctive architectural element, rich in history, visual impact, and functionality. Typically, it consists of a central, taller, wider round-arched window flanked by two narrower, shorter sections having flat or square tops.

A venetian window is hailed as a triumphal arch of fenestration, which envelopes wall apertures with a sense of pomp and grandeur.

Having first appeared in Renaissance Italy, the Palladian arched windows have been used for over 500 years in Italy, Europe, the US, and other parts of the world. This tripartite architectural style has also been applied to doors of palaces and monumental buildings for centuries.

The three elements of the Palladian windows are symmetrical and proportionate in arrangement and sizes. If the central arched section is 7 ft high and 5 ft wide, each of the flanking rectangular windows would typically measure 5.5 to 6 ft high and 3.5 to 4 ft wide, making the central opening both significantly taller and wider. The side window openings are topped lintels and supported by columns.

Key Features of Palladian Windows

• Classic, 16th century Italian design architecture – beautifully recreate ancient building aesthetic
• Adds an element of pomp and grandeur to a building’s overall architecture.
• Available in glazed or open style.
• With three coverable openings, they offer more customization options for light, privacy, insulation than windows with a single opening.
• Patio-like functionality – allows lots of natural light flooding in, when you need it.
• Come in different sizes, from standard to large to extra large.

Pros and Cons of Palladian Windows

Pros

• Three maximized glass openings for tremendous amounts of natural light.
• Elegant and graceful style – come with ornate molding and beautiful columns integrated into the frame.
• Add to the resale value of your property.
• Lots of material options – from wood and vinyl to steel and aluminum.

Cons

• Very expensive windows compared to ordinary casement, single hung, or double hung windows
• Huge installation costs due to their large size and weight
• Risk of fading when exposed to the harsh sun for longer periods of time daily
• Large expanse of glass can pose privacy problems

Other Window Types That Compete with Palladian Window for Aesthetic & Functionality

• Casement windows – The earliest form of a movable window in hinged style, it can swing outward like a door for excellent ventilation. And can be automated to open with the press of a button.
• Arched casement windows – A graceful combination of rectangular lower two-thirds and curved upper one-third.
• Single hung windows – A traditional, double-sashed window style, with fixed upper sash and movable lower sash.

• Double hung windows – Both the sashes can be opened separately or simultaneously to let in fresh air.
• Sliding windows – A rectangular sliding window that opens by sliding horizontally to the sides along the top and bottom tracks in the window frame.
• Picture windows – A large, multi-section window with narrow frame and maximized glass to let in lots of light, and bring in nature like a picture frame showcasing art or photography.
• Transom windows – A small window set above a larger window or door, or, more specifically, above a a transom (a horizontal beam or bar above the window or door) that brings extra natural light and visual interest to a space.
• Gothic arched windows – Representing Gothic architecture, these windows resemble the shape of a house and add a dramatic touch to your space.
• Bay and bow windows – While both types serve to expand your room space, a bay window has 3 angular windows and a bow window has 4 or more windows with a subtle curve.

Expected Cost of a Palladian Arch Window

Venetian windows are hugely expensive as they are structurally three picture windows in one. Plus they often come with big thick molding on top and decorative columns in between the frames, significantly adding to their price. On average, a palladian window costs between $2,000 and $8,000 based on size, material, and quality of construction.

Cost Breakdown

• Material cost – $1,500 to $3,500 for wooden; $2,000 to $5,000 for steel; and $1,000 to $3,000 for vinyl palladian windows.
• Installation cost – $75 to $150 per hour or $1,500 to $3,000 per window, measuring 7 ft high by 11 ft wide.
• Quality and decorative elements – add an additional $500 to $1,000 to your budget.

How to Treat Palladian Windows to Enhance their Functionality While Preserving Their Visual Interest

• Custom light filtering roller shades cut in two pieces, one for the lower, larger rectangular part, & another for smaller, curved head in the middle – sleek palladian window treatments for a layered look and soft, UV-free light, plus privacy.
• Single-piece vertical blinds covering the entire Venetian window – these window treatments for palladian windows can be easily drawn and stacked to either side, completely uncovering and exposing the visual impact of the window.
• Roman Shades – a classic-with-classic combination, for a double classic touch.
• Double cellular light filtering shades cordless – add extraordinary thermal regulation, energy efficiency, and light filtering capability to your palladian window coverings.
• Top down bottom up blinds – just stack them in the middle of the window like a built-in structural element, by lowering the top part and raising the bottom part.

Safety Tip

When selecting new blinds or shades for palladian windows, always make sure to get a child-safe, CPSC-approved (cordless or motorized) product that eliminates strangulation hazard for your kids and pets.

Expected Cost of a Covering for Standard Palladian Window

Average price range for a treatment is $200 to $7,000, based on size, quality, and type (roller, Roman, vertical, etc.) of the window covering.

FAQs

Is it Palladian or Venetian windows?

It is both Palladian and Venetian window – this window type is named after Andrea Palladian and it was immensely popular in the city of Venice in the Venetian republic. Historically, Andrea Palladian was an Italian Renaissance architect who popularized in the Venetian Republic. However, ironically, he neither invented this arched window style nor was he the first to write about it, according to Madison Trust for Historic Preservation.

Are Palladian windows still popular today?

Yes, the Venetian style palladian windows are still popular among homeowners and businesses who love their stunning visual impact. It continues to be applied – in many variations – on buildings across Venice (the place of its origin) and the United States, especially houses. However, some homeowners are switching to alternatives with near-equal elegance, such as arched casement windows, transom windows, gothic arched windows, and bay windows.

What is another name for a Palladian window?

Other names for a palladian window include Venetian window, palladian arch window, serlian motif, and serlian window. 

Need More Help?

Need design consultation or any other help for Palladian arched windows? We’re ready to assist and invite you to 24/7 live chat. Or contact us at (800) 863-6109, or customerservice@affordableblinds.com for further assistance.