Oh… the arch. We love it… for the most part. The arch is such a beautiful architectural element that really adds character to a home. It can also add some complexity that is sometimes hard to work with. This can come in the form of whether or not to case an arched opening to what I’m talking about today… the arched window treatment.
I have several arched windows throughout my home and each had its own window treatment – none of which I loved, or solved the problem of occasionally blocking out light if we are being technical here!
I knew I wanted some window treatments in here because even though I don’t necessarily need to block light, an office can sometimes feel less than homey. When creating the design board for this room, I knew I wanted it to be my favorite place in the house… comfortable, functional, and just lovely to be in.
There were many hours spent on Pinterest searching through inspiration images… and let me tell you, there’s not a lot! I narrowed down what I would consider the top 3 ways to tackle arched windows treatments.. and then share with you what I’ll be going with!
Option 1: Arched Window Drapery
My first option to show you is a great example of adding both function and design in a simple way. The drapery frames the arched window while still allowing the full beauty of the arch to show. This can be a great opportunity to add color or soften a space with layers. Note: this option requires adequate wall space above and on each side of the window for the curtain rod to be mounted if you want to showcase the full window.
This example has multiple layers of curtains that allow the light to be filtered while still getting a glimpse of the arched window.
Option 2: Shutters
Using shutters to cover arched windows would be more custom, but it is striking and adds so much personality. If you had just one arched window or area of arched windows (like below) in your home that needed privacy and character, this could be a really good option.
In this example below, drapery would not have been a good option with the bench. Shutters are the perfect solution here for a little bit of privacy and personality.
Option 3: Custom Shades
I found quite a few examples of shades to cover arched windows. This first example has a transparent fixed shade in addition to an added layer of drapery. I think this look is very sophisticated but might not work for all situations.
Below is an example of custom shades that follow the curvature of the arched window. From looking into this option, it can be pricey. I think this look is a bit more formal but very tailored and can be a really good option.
All of these options could be beautiful solutions to add treatments to an arched window. After comparing them for my specific office window, I decided on the look of simple framed drapery. This beautiful plaid fabric from Uptown Drapes was an instant win for me while deciding on the overall design for my office.
I hope this planning post helped if you have arched windows of your own!
I agree the draperies hung high is the look I would choose too, even if I could afford the custom shade. But I couldnt find any plaid fabric you mentioned. Maybe my eyeballs aren’t working right.
Hi Joanne, thank you for being here. If you go to the numbered section of the drapery blog post and click on any of the names of the drapes (text in gray), that will take you to each respective drapery’s website.
Wow, beautiful options. I don’t have arch windows but I have been trying to find a style of window treatment that I like and this is pretty inspiring ❤️
Oh good, glad to hear it! Thank you for being here!