How to Hang Curtains on an Arched Window: 6 Different Ways

Arched windows are the crown jewels of architectural design. They add height, drama, and a touch of elegance that standard rectangular windows simply cannot match. However, these stunning focal points often become a headache when you realize the neighbors can see right in.

Finding the right coverage without ruining the aesthetic is tricky. You want privacy and light control, but you don’t want to hide the window’s unique shape. Fortunately, we have curated a list of functional and stylish solutions to help you solve this design dilemma.

Window Treatments for Arched Windows

Finding the right gear for your windows depends on your budget, your need for privacy, and how much natural light you want to preserve. Here is a breakdown of the best options on the market.

Plantation Shutters

If you want a permanent solution that looks built-in, plantation shutters are the gold standard. They are custom-built to fit the exact radius of your arch. You can adjust the louvers to let light in while keeping prying eyes out.

Most custom shutters for arches come in a “sunburst” pattern. The louvers fan out from the bottom center like sun rays. While they are on the pricier side, they add significant resale value to your home and are incredibly durable.

Custom Curtains

Custom curtains act as a frame for your view. When dealing with arched windows, custom drapery allows you to follow the curve of the window with a flexible rod, or mount medallions along the arch to hold the fabric in place.

This option provides a soft, romantic look that hard treatments cannot mimic. However, keep in mind that stationary curved curtains often stay closed or tied back; they do not traverse along a track easily like standard curtains.

If you order custom drapes, you will likely need a professional to create a template of your arch. Arches are rarely perfect half-circles, and fabric is unforgiving if measurements are off by even an inch.

Swag Drapes and Scarves

Swag valances or “scarves” are essentially long pieces of fabric draped artistically over the window hardware. You can use decorative hooks or sconces mounted above the arch to hold the fabric loosely.

This is a fantastic option for a bohemian or traditional vibe. It emphasizes the height of the window without covering the glass entirely. If you have a row of arched windows, swagging fabric across all of them creates a cohesive, flowing visual.

While beautiful, this is largely decorative. It won’t block much light or provide total privacy unless you layer it with blinds or shades on the lower portion of the window.

Arched Cellular Shades

Cellular shades, or honeycomb shades, are famous for their insulating properties. For arched windows, these are often manufactured as a stationary “fan” that sits inside the arch.

The honeycomb structure traps air, keeping your room cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This is a massive benefit for high arched windows, which are notorious for heat loss.

There are two main types: stationary (always covered) and movable. Movable arched cellular shades are rarer and more expensive, but they allow you to collapse the fan down to see the sky.

Roller Shades

Roller shades offer a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. However, standard roller shades cannot roll up into a curved headrail. The solution here is usually a “bottom-up” installation or mounting the roller shade below the arch.

If you mount the roller shade at the base of the arch (the top of the rectangular part), you leave the curved glass exposed. This gives you privacy at eye level while preserving natural light from the top.

For a seamless look, you can hide the roller mechanism behind a custom valance or wooden pelmet that runs across the window where the arch begins.

Straight Rods (High and Wide)

The “High and Wide” method is the secret weapon of interior designers on a budget. Instead of trying to find a curved rod, you simply install a standard straight curtain rod high above the top of the arch.

This trick makes the room feel taller and grander. When the curtains are open, they frame the entire window, arch included. When closed, they block all light.

The alternative is installing the rod directly below the arch. This separates the window into two sections; the rectangle gets privacy, and the arch stays open. This is common in Palladian windows but can sometimes look disjointed if the hardware isn’t chosen carefully.

Window Film

Sometimes the best window treatment is no treatment at all. If you love the look of your wood trim and glass but need to block UV rays or prying eyes, static cling window film is the answer.

You can buy frosted, etched, or stained-glass effect films. It is incredibly cheap and easy to apply. You simply cut the film to the shape of your arch and apply it with water.

This is perfect for bathroom arches where you need privacy but don’t want fabric that might get moldy from humidity.

DIY Arched Curtain Rod Tutorial

Can’t find a curved rod that fits? You can build one yourself using simple plumbing supplies. Here is how to create a custom fit for a fraction of the retail price.

Materials Needed

• Flexible PVC pipe (1/2 inch or 3/4 inch diameter).
• Wall brackets (hook style).
• Decorative finials.
• Spray paint (metallic finish looks best).
• Hacksaw or PVC cutter.
• Drill and screws.

1. Measure the Arch

Measure the full length of the curve from the bottom left corner, up over the peak, to the bottom right corner. Add about 4 inches to this measurement to allow space for the finials on the ends.

2. Cut and Paint

Cut your PVC pipe to the length you measured. Take the pipe, brackets, and finials outside and spray paint them to match. Oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel spray paints adhere well to plastic and look authentic.

3. Install the Brackets

Install a bracket at the bottom corners of the arch on each side. Depending on the width of the window, you may need a third support bracket at the very peak of the arch to prevent the pipe from sagging.

4. Assemble

Slide your curtain panels onto the PVC pipe. If you are using a pocket rod curtain, the fabric will gather nicely along the curve. Attach your finials to the ends of the pipe, then snap the pipe into the brackets.

How to Hang Curtains on Arched Windows

If you are opting for the “straight rod below the arch” look, getting the level right is critical. Here is the standard procedure.

Tools Required

• Tape measure.
• Level.
• Drill.
• Wall anchors and screws.
• Pencil.

1. Mark the Height

Decide where the rod will sit. Typically, this is right at the “break” line where the rectangular window stops and the arch begins. Use your level to draw a light pencil line across this separation.

2. Position Brackets

Place your brackets against the wall. You want them slightly wider than the window frame so the curtains can stack back and reveal the glass. Mark your screw holes with a pencil.

3. Drill and Anchor

Drill pilot holes at your marks. Since drapery can be heavy, always use plastic wall anchors if you are not drilling directly into a wooden stud. Tap the anchors in until they are flush with the wall.

4. Mount and Hang

Screw the brackets into the anchors. Feed your curtain panel onto the rod, lift it up, and set it into the brackets. Tighten the set screws on the brackets to lock the rod in place.

FAQs

How Can I Cover An Arched Window Cheaply?

The cheapest way to cover an arched window is using static cling window film or paper pleated shades. For a more permanent budget-friendly solution, install a standard straight curtain rod high above the arch to cover the entire wall, rather than buying custom curved hardware.

Can You Put Normal Blinds On An Arched Window?

Yes, but only on the rectangular portion. You can mount standard faux-wood blinds or cellular shades at the base of the arch. This leaves the curved top section open to let in light while providing privacy for the main part of the window.

How Do You Measure An Arched Window For Curtains?

For a straight rod, measure the width of the window including the trim, and add 4 to 8 inches for stack-back. For a custom inside-mount arch shade, you need to measure the base width, the center height (highest point), and create a paper template of the curve to ensure the radius is accurate.

Final Thoughts

Arched windows are a beautiful asset to any home, but they don’t have to be a privacy nightmare. Whether you choose the high-end look of plantation shutters or the clever DIY PVC rod hack, the goal is to complement the curve, not fight it.

Take your time measuring, consider your light needs, and choose a treatment that highlights the unique character of your space.