Arch Window Blinds and Arch Window Treatments

The type of blinds or window treatment for arch windows will depend on the type and size of the arch and window.   The most common shaped arches used over windows are the half circle which had a rounded or curved edge, a straight sided arch which has a curved top portion, but straight sides, an eyebrow arch which is more flat, and the quarter circle arch which is half the size of a half circle arch and has a straight 90 degree angle with a curved side.    Architecturally speaking, a curved arch is know as Romanesque which is based on Roman style arches or Palladian which is named after the 16th century Italian architect who designed a three part window with the center window having a curved arch above it.   Arched windows may also be in the shape of a peak or point which is know as the Gothic arch.  The most common shaped found in homes today is the curved arch. 

While aesthetically pleasing, arch windows can present a unique set of challenges when it comes to privacy and light control and there are not as many window treatment options for arch windows as for more traditionally shaped windows.  For these reasons, many people choose not to use window treatments with arch windows.  Another option is to use window treatments on the lower rectangular part of the window and leave the arch above bare.   However blinds and other windows treatments for arch windows can add to their beauty and enhance them.  For the most uniform and aesthetically pleasing window treatment for arch windows is it recommended to treat the arch with the same window treatment as the lower, rectangular window.  Depending on the size and style of arch, arch window treatments may be custom made or pre-manufactured. 

Cellular, or honeycomb, arches are one of the best choices for arch windows because they add insulation as well as allowing soft light into the room.   They are available in single, double or triple cell versions with the triple cell having the most insulation qualities.  Cellular arches can be fixed or moveable.  Shutter arches are made of real or faux wood or PVC with stationary or moveable louvers.  Faux wood and real wood arches are well suited to coordinate with wood blinds or plantation shutters on other windows and can be matched to any wooden window treatment color or painted.  Whether faux or real wood, the arches have good insulation due to their overlapping louver construction.  The louvers may be fixed or stationary, or moveable.   eDirectBlinds.com offers five different arch styles in wood, faux wood or PVC materials.   With the exception of their Stationary Arch, all styles have moveable louvers for light control.  Your Blinds, Hunter Douglas, and Graber all make cellular and real or faux wood arches. 

Arch Retracta Blind is a patented, easy open, easy close blind for arch windows that covers the 180 degree radius of a half circle arch window.  It can be completely closed during the day to keep harmful light from coming in and then opened in the early morning or evening to enjoy an unobstructed view of the outside.  Another option for an arch window treatment is to use fabric to cover the arch.  Fabric treatment styles vary, but can be pleated or gathered.  The sheerer the fabric the more light will be allowed in and the more opaque the fabric the less light will be let in.  A disadvantage to fabric covered arch window treatments is that they are stationary and thus cover the shape of the arch.