Arched windows are a distinctive architectural feature that infuses rooms with old-world charm and elegance. However, finding suitable window treatments for those sweeping curved shapes can be a decorator’s nightmare. Off-the-rack curtains simply won’t conform neatly to fit the contours. But with some clever customization, you can fashion window coverings that enhance your arched windows rather than clashing awkwardly.
It just takes a little know-how and effort to whip up exquisitely fitted curtains or perfectly positioned valances that transform basic arched windows into true standouts while still functioning flawlessly.
Finding or Making Curtains for Arched Windows
If you want to save yourself some sewing, start by looking for ready-made curtains specifically designed for arched windows. These specialty curtains come in a variety of headers, fullness options, lengths, and fabrics intended to smoothly follow the slope of your arched shape.
Ready-made arched window curtain options
Many retailers offer ready-made arched window curtains in a choice of rod pocket, back tab, or cassette header styles. Rod pocket curtains mount directly onto a window-frame installed traverse rod, while back tab and cassette styles have built-in headers that conceal slide-on curtain rods.
You’ll also find a spectrum of fabrics and patterns to select from. Neutrals like linen or textured solids make nice choices that won’t compete with the architectural details. But don’t be afraid to have some fun with bold prints, delicate sheers, or strongly colored opaque fabrics either. Just be sure to buy full-length panels for that sweeping grand look.
Custom-sewn arched window curtains
To fully tailor curtains to your arched opening’s exact measurements, custom-sewn options are best. But this does require carefully measuring the length and width of the arch at both the top and bottom to calculate the fabric you’ll need.
When selecting fabric, cut heavier fabrics like velvets or brocades on the bias so they can follow the arched contours smoothly. For the header, pick rod pockets for the most adjustable fit or go for back tabs mounted just behind the arch peak. Figure fullness based on a standard allowance or by measuring how much space you want the curtains to take up when open.
Getting creative with DIY arched window curtains
If purchasing specialty arched window curtains isn’t in your budget, get creative! Upcycling king-sized sheets or tablecloths can transform them into custom curtains. Clamp the fabric taut in the window frame while still leaving access to drill pockets and insert dowel rods or small tension rods.
No-sew rod pocket techniques are also easy DIY options. Simply fold and press the fabric’s cut edge to form pockets, then slide lightweight curtain rods through. Though not as durable long-term, these no-sew attempts can achieve that tailored arched window treatment on a bargain budget.
Hanging Options for Arched Window Curtains
Installing your tailored arched window curtains is a breeze with a few specialized tricks. Traverse rod systems neatly mounted inside the window opening offer a streamlined look that spotlights those graceful curves. Tension rods also quickly traverse the arch for instant transformation while still allowing adjustable positioning.
Specialty traverse rods
One of the best ways to hang curtains on arched windows is by installing custom bendable traverse rods inside the actual window frame. With no additional hardware visible, these sleek rods highlight those pretty arches beautifully. Despite following the window’s contours, quality rods still easily slide and swivel to neatly stack curtains off to the sides.
Tension rods across the arch
If drilling into window frames isn’t an option, standard tension rods neatly fit inside most arched openings. Easily adjustable without tools, tension rods allow quick room transformations. Just note that their lightweight design means they can sometimes slip downwards over time. So while great short-term solutions, select sturdier mounting options for heavy window treatments meant to stay permanently in place.
Traditional curtain rods
Standard straight curtain rods can also work across arched windows, though doing so does partly conceal that graceful shape. Either link two same-length rods together at the arch peak to traverse the span, or custom bend adjustable rods to follow the contours.
Since most don’t extend fully between walls, mount these directly to the ceiling or install supporting brackets at the edges. Positioning the rod close to the arch rather than farther out increases how much of the beautiful curve stays visible.
Complementary Arched Window Treatments
While tailored curtains might be the obvious choice for covering arched windows, don’t overlook other options. Layer in swathes of swooping drapes, frame the opening with a shapely valance, or softly filter incoming light with breezy sheers.
Stylish swooping drapes
Floor-length curtains that puddle elegantly at the bottom provide a striking complement to arched windows. The bold shapes and generous gatherings balance the arch’s clean vertical lines for a cohesive aesthetic. Swooping drapes can either be left long to pool onto floor surfaces or hemmed to just lightly kiss the floors instead.
Frame the arch with a valance
Sometimes a tailored fabric valance is all an arched window needs to utterly transform it. Mounted on a rod secured just above the window, valances follow the arch shape while adding gorgeous focus. Luxurious fabrics certainly work, but don’t overlook unexpected materials like wooden beadboard, perforated metals, or molded millwork.
Go either minimalist or heavily ornamental with molded details, intricate pleating, ruffled edging, or contrast welting and fringe. This single slender component spotlights the window’s appealing form.
Add softness with sheers
Sheer curtains hung as an outer layer or directly inside heavier window treatments delicately filter incoming light. Billowy sheers soften the hard edges of arched openings and allow daylight’s illumination to still penetrate the room. Layer over other coverings or fly solo by artfully swagging and tailoring directly to the arched shape.
Tie It All Together with Decor
Well-designed window treatments only enhance arched windows’ architectural details. So pull together entire vignettes by layering accents like lush textiles, warm lighting, or bold prints.
Layer textures with arched windows
Arched windows already supply loads of visual interest before adding anything else. You can play up the complex shapes by piling on diverse textures like sheer overlay panels or adjacent furniture upholstery. Combine glossy and matte patterns in both the windows and surrounding furnishings for intriguing depth.
Make a fabric statement
Command attention with eye-catching fabrics hung around your arched openings. Pair vividly colored or audaciously printed curtains with equally bold rug and furniture choices to turn the whole area into an artistic display. Contrast billowy sheers boasting oversized florals with graceful arched lines to underscore their sweeping verticality.
Enhance the architectural detail
Properly fitted window treatments only continue the meticulously constructed look of arched architectural features. Select rods and headers that don’t distract from the lovely lines. Floor-length curtains align with the slope to maintain visual flow. Framing valances highlight the curve so it stands out.
Well-conceived decorating choices emphasize what’s already beautiful about arched windows rather than covering them up. So opt for perfectly contoured curtains, flawlessly positioned valances, or whatever else underscores those attractive attributes.
With some creativity, it’s easy to design custom arched window treatments to match your personal style. Carefully tailored curtains or perfectly positioned valances and drapes can make those elegant arched windows true standouts while still functioning flawlessly.
Consider using a drapery panel system with multiple independent panels for more flexibility fitting around arches. Tiered curtain systems layer one set of privacy curtains over another decorative set. And don’t forget the importance of lighting provisions when decorating arched windows for the ideal amount of illumination.
Take advantage of the abundant natural light arched windows allow. Then frame them for full decorative impact with window treatments designed to specifically follow their graceful shapes. The custom details tailored to each unique arch design complete these captivating focal points.
