Curtains for Arched Windows: Design Tips
If you have arched windows in your home, you likely love the beauty of the architectural features and the light they bring into your home. However, sometimes light control is necessary to mitigate heat buildup from the sun or reduce glare. Regardless of your reasons for needing window treatments, one of the best options is curtains for arched windows. Arched window curtains offer a few different application options that allow you to take control of your light and privacy while also still enjoying the beauty of your window. Plus, curtains come in a wide range of styles and fabrics so you can find just the right look to complement your window and the rest of your interior décor.
To find the right curtains for arched windows, learn about types of arched windows, drapery options and more:
In this article
What Are Arched Windows?
Arched windows refer to any window with a curved top. The curved portion can be a part of a single window frame, or it can exist in its own frame above a window or door. There are several types of arched windows based on the degree of curvature and the shape of the curve. Learn about the most common types of arched windows to identify your own window.
Radius: Standard Arched Window
A Radius or Standard arched window features a curved, half-circle at the very top and a straight, rectangular body, all of which are connected in a single window frame.
Pictured: Tailored Pleat Drapery, The Novogratz, Feather Palm Embroidery in Vintage Lace
Half Circle Arched Window
Also called the half-round or half-moon arched window, the half-circle is a semicircular design that often sits in a separate frame atop a rectangular window or a set of doors. A half circle can also be divided in half to create quarter-circle arched windows.
Pictured: Pinch Pleat Drapery, C.O.M Wells Textiles Rose Cummings, designed by Ashley Avrea Cathey for the 2022 Kips Bay Dallas Showhouse
Elliptical Arched Window
An elliptical arched window is a wider semicircle, most often in a separate frame over large windows or doors. Just like a half-circle arch, an elliptical can be divided in half to create half-elliptical arches installed side-by-side over a window or door.
Pictured: Wood Blinds, 2-inch Exotic in White Oak
Full Chord Arched Window
Similar to a half circle, but typically shorter, the full chord window looks as if the circle has been cut closer to an edge rather than through the center. It is commonly installed in its own frame above a window or door. A full chord can also be divided in half to create half chords installed side-by-side over a window or door.
Pictured: Rod Pocket Drapery, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Chinoiserie in Blush, design by Angela Kim
Full Arch Head Window
Similar to a radius or standard arch window, a full arch head features a shallow or subtle curve at the top of the frame with corners at the edge that align with a tall rectangular body. A full arch head can also be divided down the center to create a half or partial arch head.
Pictured: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Baldwin in Pearl with C.O.T. Schumacher Labyrinth Tape in Bleu, designed by Anthony Baratta for the 2022 Kips Bay Dallas Showhouse
What Is the Point of Arched Windows?
Arched windows are a beautiful architectural feature that improve the view to the outdoors and let in lots of natural light to brighten and warm your space. However, most arched windows do not provide ventilation as they cannot be opened.
why go custom?
Thanks to their beautiful unique shape, arched windows can sometimes make finding the right premade curtains difficult. That’s why it’s typically best to go with custom drapery to cover arched windows, as you’ll be able to achieve just the right size, style and functionality to suit your needs.
Benefits of Arched Window Curtains
Curtains for arched windows are an excellent window treatment solution for several reasons, including:
- Enhances the aesthetics of your space with long, lush panels that help accentuate the height of your arched window.
- Can be easily pulled off your window, with the right hardware and pleat style so you can easily enjoy your window when you want to and cover it when you need to.
- Provides light and privacy control by blocking some or most of the light coming through your arched windows or doors when the curtains are pulled shut.
- Improves the functionality of your space by reducing glare and heat buildup so you can enjoy the space in comfort more often.
How Do You Hang Curtains on an Arched Window?
There are two main ways to hang your curtains for arched windows: hanging the curtains above the arch on the wall or ceiling or hanging them just below the arch so the arch is always visible.
Above the Arch
Hanging your drapery above the arch on the wall or ceiling is a great solution if you want total light and privacy control by covering the arch and the windows or doors below it. This option also accentuates the height of your arch and the ceiling, which makes your space feel bigger and more spacious.
Pictured: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Luxe Linen in Oyster, with C.O.T. Samuel & Sons Mare Embroidered in Oyster, designed by Scott Sanders for the 2023 Kips Bay Palm Beach Showhouse
below the arch
Hanging your drapery below the arch allows you to always view your beautiful window and enjoy the natural light it lets it while still giving you the privacy you need by covering the windows or doors below the arch. This application will create a segmented look and can help very tall windows and ceilings feel less overwhelming in your space.
Pictured: Pinch Pleat Drapery, C.O.M Wells Textiles Rose Cummings, designed by Ashley Avrea Cathey for the 2022 Kips Bay Dallas Showhouse
Another possible application is to hang your curtains within the arch on a curved rod. This would require custom-made hardware and will only work if there’s enough space within the arch’s frame to install the rod. This method is often not the preferred route, as it is difficult to adjust the panels on the curved rod, making them not as functional as the first two options.
Types of Curtains for Arched Windows
Types of curtains for arched windows are the same as those you can choose for any other window. However, choosing the right one for an arched window versus a regular window takes special consideration. Explore types of drapes in terms of pleat style, hardware, fabric and lining and learn about the best choices for arched windows to help you decide which is the best for your needs.
Pleat Style
Pleat style refers to how the drapery is fashioned at the very top of the panel and how fabric falls off the panel. Pleat styles range from sleek and modern to elegant and traditional — and they also have different levels of functionality. Learn more about each pleat style to see which best suits your style and functionality needs for your curtains for arched windows.
Ripple Fold Drapery
Design: Soft S-curves create sleek waves of fabric for a modern or contemporary aesthetic and a linear design that creates the illusion of height.
Functionality: Very easy to use thanks to compatibility with track systems only.
Best arched window application: As functional panels hung above the arch to accentuate the height with the streamlined linear design.
tailored pleat drapery
Design: Three-finger pleats pinched at the very top create a sleek, modern aesthetic with a linear design that adds a sense of height to your room.
Functionality: Very easy to use thanks to compatibility with track systems and rod and rings.
Best arched window application: As functional panels hung above the arch to accentuate the height with the sleek linear design.
pinch pleat draPery
Design: Traditional three-finger pleats pinched four inches from the top of the drape panels, which gives it a pleasing visual weight.
Functionality: Very easy to use thanks to compatibility with track systems and rod and rings.
Best arched window application: As functional panels hung below the arch, as the three-finger pleats create a nice visual break between the curved top and rectangular bottom of the window.
goblet drapery
Design: Delicate, goblet-shaped pleats pinched at the top of the curtain panel for a luxurious aesthetic.
Functionality: Compatible with track systems and rod and rings, but best for decorative use only as the goblet pleats don’t stack nicely over themselves.
Best arched window application: As stationary decorative panels hung either above or below the arch based on your preferences.
inverted pleat drapery
Design: Flat, crisp pleats across the top that create clean angles and lines for a formal, stately look.
Functionality: Compatible with track systems and rod and rings, but best for decorative use only as the flat pleats don’t stack nicely over themselves.
Best arched window application: As stationary decorative panels hung either above or below the arch based on your preferences.
grommet drapery
Design: Rings pressed into the drapery material about one inch from the top create deep, dramatic pleats for a modern, linear look.
Functionality: Only compatible with rod and ring systems as the grommets thread over the rod, so best for decorative use.
Best arched window application: As stationary decorative panels hung above the arch to accentuate the window’s height.
cubicle Drapery
Design: Small grommets a few inches from the top attach to hook carriers in a track system creating wide, gentle waves for a casual aesthetic.
Functionality: Only compatible with a track system for very easy functionality.
Best arched window application: As functional panels hung either above or below the arch in a more contemporary, casual interior.
rod pocket drapery
Design: A sewn pocket of fabric at the top threads over a curtain rod, creating sections of gathered fabric for a soft, casual look.
Functionality: Only compatible with curtain rods and best for decorative use as the fabric is difficult to move across the rod.
Best arched window application: As stationary decorative panels hung above or below the arch in an informal space.
Hardware
As you’ve started to learn above, hardware plays an important role in the functionality of curtains for arched windows along with pleat style. But not all pleat styles are compatible with all types of hardware. Understanding your hardware options is essential for achieving the right functionality for your arched window curtains.
Hardware can be divided into two main categories: rod and rings systems and track systems.
Rod & Rings Hardware
The traditional rod and rings hardware consists of a curtain rod and rings to which the drapery panels are attached. To adjust your arched window curtains, you pull the panels and rings across the rod. While it sounds simple enough, the higher your drapery, the more difficult it becomes to move the panels. Plus, as you learned above, some pleat styles are simply harder to move than others.
track systems
Track systems feature carriers in a track to which the drapery is attached. The carriers glide effortlessly on their track, making adjusting your panels easy regardless of height. Plus, you also have the option of a motorized track system, which allows you to adjust curtains for arched windows with a remote, an app or even the sound of your voice when paired with a smart home system.
How to Choose Hardware
Since curtains for arched windows can be hung quite high if they’re above the arch, functionality becomes much more important to your design. The right type of hardware will need to accommodate your needs and expectations for adjusting your drapery. If you plan to adjust your arched window curtains regularly, a track system or motorized track system is best for the easiest, most effortless experience. Just be sure to choose a pleat style that’s compatible with track systems.
Fabric & Lining
Your fabric choice has as much to do with aesthetics of curtains for arched windows as it does with their functionality. You’ll need to think about the level of privacy and light control you want from your drapery to choose the right fabric. And if your fabric doesn’t give you the level of light and privacy control you need, you’ll need to consider lining.
drapery fabric
Fabric options range from gossamer sheers to inviting thick wool blends and character-rich natural fibers to pristine synthetics. Finding the right fabric will depend on your aesthetic preferences as well as how much light and privacy control you need and your expectation for maintenance.
drapery lining
Lining options include privacy lining, blackout lining and interlining, which can be added to both privacy and blackout lining. Lining increases the privacy and light control of your drapery as well as insulation, especially with interlining. Plus, the added fabric adds body and fullness to your drape panels while also protecting them from the sun’s harsh rays.
Inspirational Arched Window Curtains & Other Ideas
With a better understanding of curtains for arched windows, as well as the window designs themselves, you’re ready to start creating your own design. Gather inspiration from these spaces featuring arched window curtains to spark your ideas.
Bright Ripple Fold Drapery Above Radius Arched Windows
For a modern living room with radius arched windows, add Ripple Fold Drapery that hangs from the ceiling to accentuate the height of your windows and make your entire space feel more expansive. With tall, wide curtains for arched windows, choose a neutral color like a creamy off-white that doesn’t overwhelm other design elements in your room. Plus, as Ripple Fold Drapery is only installed on track systems, you’ll enjoy easy functionality, regardless of your drapery’s height.
Pictured: Ripple Fold Drapery, Wool Flannel in Glacier
Subtle Patterned Drapery Above Half-Circle Arches
Add visual texture to a contemporary living room with a subtly patterned drapery. When hung high above doors with half-circle arched windows, the subtle pattern can make a big visual impact without overwhelming other design elements. To create balance with the height of your drapery and windows, choose a horizontal striped pattern like Tidal Line. The horizontal lines create a sense of width for your doors and windows while the streamlined Tailored Pleat Drapery adds to the sense of height for a spacious feel throughout your room.
Pictured: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Victoria Hagan, Tidal Line in Slate
Neutral Warm-Toned Drapery Above Half-Circle Windows
For a spacious living room area with multiple large arched windows, consider curtains for arched windows that have a warm, neutral color to add a cozy, inviting touch to the room. The neutral color makes it easy to integrate into your existing décor, whether featuring bold colors and patterns or a more subtle color scheme. For an additional touch of luxury and visual interest to your drapery, consider adding lavish trim like Samuel & Sons Bali Cord or Seychelles Wood Beads.
Pictured: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Luxe Linen in Oyster with C.O.T. Bali Cotton Knotted Tassel Fringe, 1.5-inch Cabana Ribbed Border, design by Amanda Lindroth for the 2023 Kips Bay Palm Beach Showhouse
Design the Perfect Curtains for Arched Windows
With all the insight you have into curtains for arched windows, including the windows themselves and your drapery customizations, you’re ready to start designing your own drapes. Not sure where to begin? Schedule a design consultation with one of our expert Design Consultants at your local showroom. They can ensure you pick the right pleat style, hardware, fabric and lining for your arched window curtains to meet your functional needs while enhancing your windows.
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