Arched Window Coverings & Window Treatments for Arch Windows Ideas

There is nothing more frustrating and expensive than arched window coverings. Yet there is nothing prettier, more compelling, or adds more drama to a room. One of the most elegant architectural design features of our time are arched windows. Architects and builders love arch windows. They must, they add them so often; one more grand than the next. They add beautiful wood casements and crown molding and luscious cabinetry to bring the elegance to the room without ever having to lift a finger toward the interior decor. These usually massive and extravagant arch styles speak to us in a different language.

One of the arch styles look like the perfect top half of a circle cut across the middle horizontally. This is called a Perfect Arch, or at the least, a Full Arch. Usually these arches are half as tall as they are wide. But like all things, there are exceptions. When an architect dreams up a formula for arch windows, another architect will change it just a little to make it "uniquely his/hers" design. Most architects can recommend designers who specialize in arched window coverings.

The Eyebrow shapes are a full arch or perfect arch with "legs" on each side. Those side legs can be a few inches or a few feet, depending upon the need and desire of the architect or builder who is designing them. Usually not as dramatic a curve as the perfect arch - but more gradual arch lines. Eyebrow windows are sometimes stacked on top of another row of windows to form a group of eye-catching architectural wall of glass. This creative endeavor is framed with a view of beautiful wood frames that opens up the outside world to the inside environment in a compelling array of light and scenery; hence, the phrase "bringing the outdoor in".

Window treatments for arch windows can be as simple or as extravagant as one is willing to reach deep into ones wallet to pay for the arched window coverings. Most are not for the faint of heart, they are expensive, and usually best left to a designer to do the work.

A good rule of thumb is for any window the same size in a squared off style plus a minimum of half again that same price added. This will give you the minimum base price of arched window coverings. In some cases it is much more. Anytime something is "curved" in the window coverings arena, its going to cost more. There's more labor, more materials, more high-tech installing, stronger and more durable manufacturing, and intense design work. So remember to do the same math for each layer you add to window treatments for arch windows.

Arched Window Coverings

It's a good idea not to use an arch curtain rod curved the shape of the perfect arch or eyebrow windows. Even if you use a rod pocket and thread the hemmed fabric panel onto it, it just never looks very professional. I would discourage any arch curtain rod window treatment including pinch pleated, gathered, rings and hooks, and the likes. In my opinion, the only arched window treatments that looks really wonderful with drapery hardware is going to the ceiling with nice decorative rods and rings or hidden traversing rod and hooks and ignore the lines of the arch entirely. Allow the panels to fall freely and take them to the floor in length.

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Here is another alternative toward a more modern look while incorporating the more practical drapery. We ignored the arch, the drapery is on a standard traversing rod hidden behind the valance. We updated the look by adding the grommet valance on a decorative wrought iron drapery rod with large iron finials. The valance bottom is fringed and follows the curve of the arch windows. The drapery opens and closes with ease, while the valance is stationery and brings a finished look to the arched window whether drapes are open or closed.

This is a clean and contemporary look and is very much in style today. This has become quite common with the open floor plans of two-story homes where there is a wall of windows stacked and the drapery extends from floor to ceiling over the two stories of glass. It is a classy minimalistic approach to design; elegant and beautiful arched window coverings without all the fuss and the bling. Yes, you CAN use shirring tape and pencil pleating on a rod to make window treatments for arch windows, even inside the arch; but not as beautiful and professional looking as the ones you do with a template and wood frame, or by using expensive hardware to the design as we did here. There is just no comparison with the overall finished look.

The other alternative with drapery hardware and arched window treatment ideas would be to take the rod across the bottom of the arch and dress the window below it. The arch then could be tinted with window film, arch shade, or arch blinds, or even a sheer fabric sunburst. The drapery hardware across the bottom of the arched window coverings works well with the faux iron works of Luna Piena arch window treatment as shown here.

In some cases, you may need nothing except a treatment as simple and elegant as the faux iron like the one shown here above the fireplace. This Luna Eyebrow Arch faux iron piece make a statement all by itself. It is available in so many colors and patterns, in fact, you can even create your own pattern design and they will manufacture it for you! Easy! Just what you want your arched window coverings to be. Casement windows and gliding windows are also more contemporary and go with today's modern home trend.

This picture of the arched window coverings consisting of inverted pleats and using two fabrics to bring out the color in the stone in this room. This window had a template to follow and the workroom formed the wood to attach the fabric to, then mounted outside the frame of the window. For privacy, there is a sheer fabric shade underneath mounted inside the window frame to filter light during the day and close for privacy at night.

There are many styles of arched window coverings. Probably the least expensive is tinted window film, then dress the lower one for privacy. You could dress the window with arch blinds that are not expensive. I have been in a long standing relationship with Heritage Shutter Nevada, and they has been a wonderful experience for my clients. They are trouble-free and leave happy customers. Their wood, fauxwood blinds and cellular shades are perfect for many of the specialty shapes.

But my favorite thing from Heritage Shutter Nevada are the Norman Shutters. They do shutters like no one else in the business! In my opinion, Heritage is the very best shutter company anywhere! Not just because of the product, but because of the integrity and ability to get it right the first time. Customer service has never been so good! They will dress your arch windows with decadence!

Heritage Shutter Nevada offers a full-louvered arch shutters as well as the fan-type arch shutters. They can accommodate your many eyebrow shapes, arch window blinds, arch shades, specialty curved window, french door, bypass, bi-fold and crank window cut-outs. They have it down to a science and you are the recipient of their excellent work ethics, fabulous workmanship, great service, and wonderful expertise! This is the way you want your arched window coverings experience to be, isn't it?