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Window Treatment for Arched Window

18 years ago

We are building a new home which has three very large (84x84) windows with an arch at the top. I would like to use blinds but there is nothing between the arch and the window on which to attach the blind. Because the window is so big, blinds probably need support. Any ideas about what I can do to treat the windows? I don't really want to use drapes because they will cover the beautiful arch from the inside.

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Comments (4)

sallymo2015
18 years ago
If the drapery rod is mounted above the arch and given enough room on the sides of the window for "stack-back", you will see the window just fine when the drapes are open. When they are closed you won't, but I'm not sure what else you can do. You will most likely want some fabric treatment at some point, unless you have a more contemporary look.

Those are really huge windows, so whatever you choose will be costly.
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dogitnice
18 years ago
I lived in the middle east where arched windows are the norm and the solutions never obscured the shape. The best answers are custom 'Shutters' that are made to fit the shape. They can be wood, metal or a frame with translucent/transparent fabric. Whatever your taste, whatever you do, don't obscure the beautiful shape of the arch. That is something I missed back here.

Good luck,
Dogitnice
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Another source to look is jcp.com. I noticed they have 3 blackout drapes (one in regular home WT section and 2 in clearance) in the longer length at low prices--if the colors work for you (always the challenge). If you can't find the grommet style that might be easier to pull open/shut on a daily basis, you might consider ring clips since they slide easily. If the hem looks too challenging to alter on rod pocket styles, you can cut off the top and rehem that quite easily. IMHO they'll look best if you have them full length, rather than end at the window sill. It seems like that would really detract from the effect of the window. Even your inspiration pic, while really cute, seems to just miss the mark a bit on the curtains. They're ok I guess, but full-length would have been better--IMHO. You may have to get extra panels to give the fullness you want across the window when they're closed unless you go with custom widths. Good luck with your project! Here is a link that might be useful: Clearance jcp.com blackout curtains
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@Ely M Beautiful inside too! Gorgeous floors. Love those windows & would be a shame to hide any of the features of them on inside. I’m guessing windows are centered on the wall - looks off in picture but guessing that’s angle. I’ve never seen angled rods as @threers suggests. I also think any inside mount blinds would be custom & $$$$ due to shape & I don’t think outside mount fits these windows. I would go with drapes with the rod just above highest point on center window & with panels that split in middle & pull half to each side. I see the vent at lower right so you may need to use shorter length that ends just below sill. Even though the other window just like this one is evidently in another room, if you want to cover it at night, use same kind of drapes so the view is the same from street & the back side of drapes should be white. BTW, love the hanging light too!
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alex2004
18 years ago
I agree with sallymo that fabric treatment probably would be the best choice for you. Mounting blinds above the arch would not look good. Blinds are good for light control and insulation. But they don't look as nice as fabric treatment. If these windows are not in your bedroom, you don't have to worry too much about covering them up with blinds. Ceiling to floor curtains look formal and can also provide light control and insulation when you close them. I have arched windows in my living room and dinning room. I have a layer of sheer fabric inside my curtains and I leave the sheer closed all the time for privacy and keep the heavy weight curtains open. If you want to mount the blinds above the arch, you need to cover the blinds with some top treatment at least.
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sakismom
18 years ago
I put stained glass in my arched window over my front door and I will be putting it in the 2 windows that are on either side of the fireplace, I have one more fully arched window in the family room that I am leaving alone, I'm looking at putting some sort of UV protection on it.
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