More ideas for your arched windows.- Contributed

I always read your articles in Outlook and find them interesting. I, however, never happen to see window treatments used at an arched window.

I have a couple of bay windows in my house that have arches over them and don't have a clue how to make my curtains. Could you design something for me? It would be greatly appreciated.

Yours truly,

C.J.

Dear C.J.

I am happy to know that you find my articles interesting. I do make an effort to touch on the everyday problems of interior decorating so just about any and everyone can benefit from the information and advice I offer.

I do find that some windows can be the greatest challenge for homeowners to dress, since they are designed to add architectural interest to both the inside and outside of the house. These challenging windows tend to be in the shapes of arches, ovals, ellipses and triangles.

Pleasing treatment to windows that come with arches

In most cases, persons are content to go without window treatment since these designed windows are usually high, and they also allow the sunlight to come in. If, however, the sun glare is a problem, a transparent window film can be applied; this will minimise the sun's rays without darkening the glass.

Sunburst is one of the more frequently used treatments that minimise the amount of sunlight that comes in, and is considered one of the most pleasing finishes to a problem window.

rod-pocket

This is achieved by using sheer fabric with rod-pocket that is then shirred unto an arched rod. The lower edge can be gathered into a rosette or it can be cut, folded and stitched to make a pocket for a cord to go through, which is then pulled tight to form the sunburst.

If privacy and complete coverage are what you need, then treatments that are called cellular shades can be installed. They are custom-made and done by order by our very own local blind specialists here in Jamaica.

However, if you just want to have your windows look more aesthetically appealing, use a length of sheer or light fabric to drape over a pole or through sconces, and have it fall to the sides or continue down to form a puddle on the floor. This simple yet elegant treatment is quite effective, since the curve of the fabric highlight the curve of the window.

A simple rod-pocket curtain or pinch-pleated drapes installed on arched rod are also other options, and if you want to create drama have pegs or knobs installed spaces apart, around the arch, then have curtains or drape simply hung by corded loops. These treatments, however, are best done by a professional, since they pose a challenge to have the finished length all on one level.

I do hope from these number of choices you will be able to select a design that suits you and your décor.

Hi Sharon,

I look forward to reading your articles and have clipped and kept them for future references. I do love, in particular, the window treatment you had in your last article for the small window. I am sure you are aware of the small windows that are in these houses in Portmore, and I find it difficult to get curtains that look elegant at the windows. I don't want to extend them wider since they would be blocked by furniture, I just want them to remain small but elegant. What would you suggest I use there?

D.D. from Portmore.

Dear D.D.,

Good idea to clip and keep articles. I find that I myself go back to them for information. I can understand that for some homeowners, small windows can be difficult for them to achieve an elegant finish or enough decorative impact when dressed, and so some are just ignored or blocked out by furniture. Indeed, the right harmonious balance can be achieved between these small windows and the room with the right treatment and installation.

fabric weight

You mention not wanting the windows to be widened, which leaves you with the other option of installing the rod above the trim or just below the ceiling line and add floor length panels. The two long curtain panel will draw the eyes up. One of the most significant factors to take into consideration is the weight of the fabric. Avoid using heavy and dark material, light weight and sheer is better.

The only limit to the number of ways these windows can be dressed is your imagination, so it helps if you call in the professional for, at the end of the day, what you want is to have window treatments that provide a desired solution with an aesthetically pleasing finish.

Send your feedback and quires to sharonintdec@yahoo.com