Arch Window Treatments

types of arch window treatments

From rounded circle-top windows to shallow arch windows featuring a slight curve, arched windows come in a range of shapes and sizes. Some arched windows are elaborate two story behemoths from which the drapery length could exceed over 20 feet.

Finding the right kind of window treatment for these types of windows can a source of frustration for homemakers and professional interior designers alike. The biggest question when it comes to arch window treatments are whether the arched shape should be highlighted by the drapery, or ignored and draped like any another window.

Arch window treatments fall under two basic categories: inside the frame of the window, or outside the frame and on the wall. Inside the frame treatments are mounted on the window trim moldings or, if the windows lack a trim, the surrounding drywall. Wall mounted window treatments are your traditional curtain rods fixed directly on the wall.

Here are a few window-frame treatment and wall-mounted treatment ideas for your arched windows:

1. The sunburst window treatment gives your arched windows a stylish and modern look. The rod used in this treatment follows the curve of the window's arch and the curtains attached to this bent rod. Suspended from the bent rod on top of the arch, the curtain fabric is allowed to fall over the windows and collects at the bottom center of the window where it can be trussed into attractive bundles. Striking a nice balance between privacy and style, the sunburst window treatment need only be removed for periodic cleaning.

2. The fan shade is another common arch window treatment. Due to its popularity, fan style treatment fabrics come in many different materials and designs. The fan shade works from a single pivot point in the center, much in the same way as an Oriental hand held fan. Split fan designs are slowly growing more popular as they allow for greater light adjustment. Fan style cellular shade treatments work in much the same way, requiring only a regular brushing or light vacuuming to keep clean.

3. Cellular shade treatments offer an easy way of raising and lowering shades inside the arch as they are mounted on the inner surface of the window's trim molding. Cellular shades are the treatment of choice when adjustable shades are required. Similar non fabric window treatment choices include wood blinds, pleated shades and shutters, and silhouette styles. As with all 'hard' window treatments, cellular shades need light brushing or vacuuming to keep clean.

4. Diffusion window treatments are useful for diffusing bright sunlight and reducing glare. Diffusion treatments are in the form of spray on glass treatments that gives the illusion of frosted glass. This sort of treatment can be an economical option for rooms where the window glare can affect computer monitors or television viewing. Wet mount films are also available that offer a similar diffusion of outside light. These types of treatments mute bright lights outside your window, improve privacy and are considerably cheaper than other arch window treatments. Diffusion treatments rarely need cleaning, and when they have to be cleaned a basic wet rag and dry towel combo should do the trick.

5. Wall mounted window treatments are your traditional drapery rods mounted inside or outside the arch. Straight drapery rods are inexpensive and widely available. While not specifically made for arched windows, they can be mounted directly below the arch of the window and used as normal window drapery. While this can be a cheap way of covering arch windows, it detracts from the arched part of the window, suggesting it has secondary importance to the rest of the window. Standard drapes need to be professionally steam cleaned once or twice a year.

6. Arched drapery rods are a wall mounted treatment designed specifically to work with arched windows. Designed to highlight and enhance the window's arch, curved rods are available in a variety of sizes and designs. Fabric swags or scarves can be used with arched drapery rods to bring out the window without obscuring it. Whatever type of arched drapery treatment you select, make sure you pay attention to things like its effect on outside views, window glare, height problems, lack of molding and other issues that can crop up. Fabric scarves may be home-washed and re-hung, while swags require yearly professional cleaning.