Arched windows add beauty to a room particularly if they are tall. Their elegance and height need to be complemented and accentuated by the choice of window treatments used, rather than hidden or masked behind curtains wrongly placed.
Deciding on the purpose of the window and whether or not heat retention is an issue will help a home decorator decide how best to dress the window to its full advantage.
Sunlight Through Arched Windows Casts Beautiful Floor Shadows
Anyone who has seen the patterns of sunlight cast through the frame of an arched window will want to make sure that a window treatment doesn't block the light. Window dressing need be nothing more elaborate than making sure that all the panes are clean, that the paintwork is absolutely neat and there are no paint runs on the glass. These windows look magnificent and it can be a pity to hide them behind any fabric or blinds.
However, there are elegant options for a home decorator who needs a little privacy while at the same time wanting to preserve the beautiful light streaming through that arched window.
Japanese Shoji Blinds and Panel Blinds
This traditional Japanese paper is perfect for window treatments and translucent enough to allow the light to still flood through the window and not lose the whole effect of the arch.
Using a Shoji roller blind attached to the horizontal bar below the arch will give control of the privacy requirement as it can be raised or lowered according to need. There are different and subtle patterns available, or the simple plain papers which are traditionally used in making the screens found in Japanese homes.
An option that looks very elegant is to use long lengths of Shoji paper as panel blinds. Attach a length centrally on thin wooden dowelling the width of the recess and then attach this to each side of the recess with two small wooden washers about 1 " in diameter and a couple of screws top and bottom. Make sure the rod is level.
The lower edge can be weighted with a thin metal rod for weight and tethered by a length of clear nylon cord fed through a small drilled hole in the rod to a central point on the window ledge, using a small hook so that the cord can be released when windows need to be cleaned. The panel in each window can be narrow enough so that the view out is unrestricted from each side and yet wide enough to provide a certain amount of privacy. If the window itself is wide, two narrow panels can be used, leaving a gap between them.
Lightweight Fabric Window Treatments for an Arched Window
For dramatic impact, a long metal curtain pole can be attached to the wall above the top of the arch. A thin rod looks best so that it complements the thin framing within the panes, and it should extend out to each side so that when the curtains are drawn back they don't hide any part of the arched window.
A beautiful fabric that falls gracefully and is light enough to complement the delicate framing in the window is a good choice in summer when heat retention isn't an issue. The fabric can end about half an inch from the floor, or with more length it can pool on the floor.
Heavy Fabric Curtains for Dressing an Arched Window
If heavy materials like velvet or damask appeal, consider making a squared-off pelmet over the top of the arch with the lower edge following the curved line of the window. Extend the pelmet out and well past the sides so that when the curtains are hung from the rail hidden behind the pelmet they will have room to pull right back against the wall.
Shutters for Round Top Windows
For arched windows that aren't massively tall, another option is to fit left and right shutters that are rounded at the top so as to match the space. Folded back they and the window create a big visual impact and again, they do not block the windows when open. Pick a bold, deep colour for the shutters to make a dramatic statement or keep them as dark stained wood. Shop around for manufacturers if neither recycled or DIY aren't possible: Hunter Douglas make good quality shutters that will fit interior arched windows and Ready Shutters are worth a look for exterior models.
Anyone lucky enough to have arched windows will know what a dramatic statement these windows can make and how much light they let in to a room. With careful planning and judicious choice of materials, they can be the dominant features in any rooms and are well worth the time and effort in keeping the panes clean and polished.
For more useful ideas on dressing windows, read How to Decorate a Small Window and How to Put Life Back Into Tired Old Curtains
Suzanne Bosworth - Suzanne Bosworth BA (Hons) - a professional writer published in magazines, journals and websites, specialising in arts, history and ...
Join the Conversation