Window Treatments for Arched and Specialty Windows

Arched tops, angled windows under a vaulted ceiling, half-rounds over a door, circles and tall transoms give a home its character. They also leave many homeowners wondering whether these windows can even be covered, and whether they should be. Usually they can, and the right answer depends on what you need the window to do.

First question: does it need covering?

Not every specialty window needs a treatment. Ask yourself:

• Does it let in glare or heat at certain times of day?
• Does it face a neighbor or the street, so privacy matters?
• Does sunlight from it fade floors or furniture, or shine on the TV?
• Is it in a bedroom, where morning light wakes you up?

If the answers are no, many people leave arches and transoms bare to let in light and cover only the main windows below. That’s often the most beautiful choice, because the shape of the window stays on display.

If any answer is yes, read on.

Designer tip: Live with a new specialty window for a season before deciding. The summer sun can surprise you, and so can the winter sun, which comes in lower and deeper.

Options for specialty shapes

Shutters

Shutters are one of the most beautiful ways to cover arches, circles and angled windows. They’re custom built to the shape of the opening, so they look like part of the architecture rather than something added to it. Heritance® hardwood shutters are a great choice for specialty shapes.

Shades under an arch

A common and practical approach: cover the rectangular part of the window with a shade, and leave the arch above open. In this classic brick home, a Pirouette® shade is fitted under an arched window in a den, so the arch still shows while the room gets privacy and light control.

Cellular shades in specialty shapes

Cellular shades can be made for many specialty shapes, including angles and arches, so they can match the shades on the rest of the room’s windows. Some specialty shapes are fixed in place, while others can open and close. Your designer will explain what’s possible for each window.

Drapery

On a large arched window, drapery hung above the arch can frame the shape beautifully and close for privacy at night. In this historic home, pinch-pleat draperies frame tall arched windows below original woodwork.

Angled windows above a bed

Angled windows in bedrooms are common in homes with vaulted ceilings. They often let in early morning light right where you sleep. A shade made for the angle, sometimes with motorization, solves it. See bedroom window treatments for better sleep.

Motorized shades for tall angles

Angled and very tall windows can be hard to reach. PowerView® Automation is available on many products and makes high windows easy to control. Our guide to tall windows and two-story rooms covers this in more detail.

Keep the room consistent

When a room combines regular windows and specialty shapes, using the same color and material throughout ties everything together, even if the products differ slightly from window to window. It also keeps the outside of your home looking tidy.

Measuring specialty windows takes care

Arches and angles are rarely perfectly symmetrical, and a specialty shade or shutter has to fit exactly. Precise measuring is essential. Our team measures specialty shapes carefully during your consultation, and our experienced installers make sure everything fits.

Bring us your toughest window

Have an unusual window that’s been bare for years because no one knew what to do with it? That’s exactly the kind of challenge our designers enjoy. Book a free in-home consultation, and browse more finished rooms in Our Work for ideas.