Window Treatment Ideas

Arched Window Treatment Ideas

April 2, 2007

Arched windows are a bit of a challenge to decorate. Unlike regular windows, there is an extra element that you’ll have to consider when picking the appropriate window treatment. But this doesn’t mean that you should leave your arched window alone or be intimidated enough to stay away from it. There are certain things you can do to maximize the beauty of an arched window and enjoy the view it provides. Here are some ideas you can try:

Leave it bare.
There’s no use trying to fix something that isn’t broken in the first place. If your arched window looks out to a spectacular scenery but still provides enough privacy, why cover it? Leave the window bare for you to appreciate the terrific view outside. The overhead curves provide a distinctive detail to your home and a great accent to any room. It is only when you find the curves too overwhelming and want to play them down that you should consider covering them.

Downplay the arch
Install a curtain rod across the top portion of the window and hang draperies. Pull back the fabric using decorative tiebacks that skim the lower line of the window’s arch. This offers a subtle definition of the arch without making it stand out too much.

Leave the curves alone
Many interior decorators prefer to leave the arches open and recommend adding window treatments only to the lower section. This is usually the portion of the arched window that concerns most homeowners since the arches are higher and away from the general field of vision.

If you feel you need to cover the arched section of the window, have a custom-made window treatment created using blinds or curtains. Since it’s so high up from the ground, consider using sheer fabric instead, to let in enough light and still give you enough privacy.

Hang curtains and draperies
Use curtain rods made from dark metal and hang curtains and drapery panels. The vertical line this creates helps promote a sense of height and is especially helpful if you want to impress the eye with the size of the arched window. This makes your arched window a focal point of the room, with the window treatment providing a simple accent that does not steal the scene from the window itself.

Swag the window
Swags reiterate the elegance of arched windows. Install one that barely skims the window’s upper trim. Allow drapery to hang from the swag and work well with the window’s natural curves and shape. If privacy is a concern, use sheer fabric for curtains to cover the lower glass panels.

Use blinds.
Blinds provide great coverage for arched windows and provide a good measure of control. You can adjust them to let in enough light or shut it out completely. Choose vertical or horizontal blinds, depending on the look you want for your arched windows. In terms of material, you can pick from aluminum, vinyl, wood, faux wood and fabric. There are lots of colors to choose from and you’re sure to find one that is a perfect fit for your home’s particular color scheme.

Motorize your window treatment
If you have exceptionally large and white arched windows, a great window treatment to use are motorized blinds that come in different materials, including vinyl and fabric. Motorized blinds are usually custom-fitted and can provide a great view or much needed privacy at the touch of a button. They also make manipulating the window treatment a lot easier.

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