Arch Window Treatments

Four Easy Do it Yourself Arched Window Treatments

While arched windows can enhance the beauty and architectural appeal of any home, they can also be something of a headache to cover up due to their unorthodox shape. For rooms where privacy is not an issue, consider leaving the windows free curtains or shades – doing this will not only provide a permanent window to the outside world, but also bathe the entire room in natural light.

In rooms where privacy is a concern, however, the arch windows should to be covered or shaded.

While it may seem challenging at first, finding the right kind of arch window treatment isn't all that hard. Those handy with a measuring tape and a pair of scissors can even create their own custom made arch window shades. Here are for arch window treatment ideas for the DIYers among you:

1. Window Shades are the most common method of covering windows. Made-to-measure shades can be ordered online or from your neighborhood hardware stores. To create basic flat window shades for your arched window simply cut the fabric or canvas to the shape of the half circle to cover the window's arch and use the appropriate matching length of the fabric for the bottom part of the window. Other ideas include a fan-shaped shade for covering the arch, or creating balloon-shades measured to the exact dimensions of the window.

1. Blinds and plantation shutters are a timeless window treatment, never going out of style. Custom-made fan-shaped plantation shutters are available from many manufacturers - you have to provide the window dimensions and ask the manufacturer to follow the curve of the arch when trimming the plantation shutter's molding. This can be expensive, however, and not the ideal solution since plantation shutters and blinds can still allow sunlight to leak through their slats. If you do go with such a window treatments for your arched windows, be sure to turn up the slats upwards at night-time otherwise you run the risk of giving people outside a direct view inside your house.

2. Window curtains can be a cost effective way to cover arched windows. If you do not care about maintaining the shape of the arch, the simplest option would be to fix the curtain rod about ten inches above the arched window's apex and hang the curtains from there. It is recommended to use pinch-pleated drapes for this, since they open and close very easily. For a more elaborate setup leave the window’s arch area uncovered, hang the curtains just below the arch and fix an elaborate valance on top to cover the arch. For extra flair add decorative finials or ornate doorknobs at both ends of the valance rod. A third alternative is to use curved rods to cover your arched window. Curved rods specially designed for arch window treatments are available in home improvement or interior decorating stores everywhere.

3. A pricier but extremely effective arch window treatment is to use leaded glass. Similar to ethereal and colorful church window glass, colored leaded glass for your arched windows can allow enough natural light without compromising privacy. Lead glass is expensive and difficult to replace if broken - something to take into consideration if you have kids or live in a neighborhood with a lot of kids running around. Contact films are a cheaper alternative that mimics the effect of leaded glass. Contact films come in a variety of colorful designs and are widely available in home improvement stores everywhere. While they are most commonly used to cover glass shower doors and bathroom windows, contact film can just as easily be used for arch window treatments. Contact films are easily installed, all that is required is to cut the film into size and apply directly onto wet glass using an old credit card or flat applicator to flatten out the film and remove air bubbles.