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Arched Window Shades

user-228485 | Posted in Quilting and Home Decor on

Hey, has anyone ever tried to sew a window treatment for an arched window?  I just moved into a new home (yay my first!) and it has a half moon type arch above the living room window and it faces the west (yuck afternoon sun!)  Right now I have a piece of foam core (yes how attractive) blocking out the light above the vertical blinds covering the rest of the rectangular portion of the window.  Ive tried to find patterns for a window treatment for this type of window, but have been unsuccessful.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  Thanks!

Cindy

Replies

  1. rjf | | #1

    Are you planning to have the shade open and close?  I haven't seen any that look like they do that....they just sit there covering the window.  I'll be interested to see what the forum members come up with.  You came to the right place to ask questions.   rjf

    1. Jean | | #2

      Sounds like a good place for a stained glass window.

      1. rjf | | #3

        What a great idea!  There seem to be a lot a stained glass people working these days.  Maybe even a good hobby to take up.       rjf

        1. Jean | | #4

          The idea came from close to home. My DH has been doing custom stained glass windows for 25 years. :)

          1. rjf | | #5

            So it's a hubby hobby?        rjf    (sorry about that)

    2. user-228485 | | #6

      No I dont care if it opens or not, especially since it would be hard to reach.  And stained glass would be pretty but I dont want strange colored shapes all over my guests faces.  LOL.  My ma cant believe there isnt any pattern out on the market since the newer houses all have these arched windows.  Oh well.

      Cindy

      1. Jean | | #7
  2. Tikiclub | | #8

    Well, we had one of those arch windows in our starter house (gawd, I never did like those things, and when I had one it grew into a bonafide hatred). What I did was put sheer fabric in it so we still got the light, just not as much sun. You can get these flexible plastic tube thingies at Home Depot in the window treatment area. You install these clips (in the kit) on the inside of your arch, then make your own sheer. Then you gather the center together with a rubberband creating a rosette in the center, along the bottom of the arch. Since the rubberband will eventually deteriorate, once you get in in position, I would use a big twist-tie to re-secure it. Of course, in full sun the fabric may not last too long, either. So don't get anything expensive. Cheap is good here.

    I hope my description was clear enough. I'm one of those people where if I see it I can duplicate it and figure out the details on my own. I believe the package may have pretty good instructions, too. For the sheer fabric, be sure to go with 3-4 times arch circumference. That sounds like a lot, but less than that and the sheer will look out of proportion.

    Hope this helps.

    edited to say: golly, those opening lines sound pretty, well, haughty. Didn't mean to come off that way. Just that those arches are a bear to cover inexpensively. One friend who is not so handy purchaced a custom pleated shade, $$$. And she wouldn't let me see the bill, 'cuz she knew I'd give her grief about it. I managed to anyway...



    Edited 11/2/2002 8:49:05 AM ET by TSittler

    1. user-228485 | | #10

      Hey man Im all for cheap.  I almost had Home Depot come out to measure the window for one of those custom treatments, only because I was at a loss for ideas.  But its funny, I found a website http://www.alternative-windows.com that has instructions darn near similar to what you suggested, except velcro was used in the arch area.  I may give either your idea or that a whirl.  Thanx much for your input!

      Cindy

      1. Jean | | #11

        Thanks for posting that site.  A terrific resource!!

        1. user-228485 | | #12

          Youre Welcome!  I know I was thrilled when I came across it!  There should be more out there like it...there probably are I just havent found them yet! :)

          Cindy

      2. Tikiclub | | #13

        The thing at HD is pretty cheap, since it's just a plastic tube (sort of like a flattened oval shape) with some plastic clips and a few screws. Packaging probably costs more than the product. The nice thing about the plastic tube is that there is tension on it, so your fabric stays pretty well in the arch. All you have to do is make sure there is a heading on your casing, and it will cover the little space between the clip & the drywall.

        I would worry about using velcro only from the standpoint of removal. If you use the adhesive type, the heat and UV may break it down, and it'd come off at an inopportune time. Or the reverse, when you've changed your mind and CAN'T remove it without damaging the drywall. I don't think I'd like to be sewing velcro to sheer fabric, either. Depends on how much light your are wanting to block out on that one.  Can you tell I like mechanical fasteners (read: removable)? I am always changing my mind! 

        1. user-228485 | | #14

          Yeah I hear ya about the heat and UV (esp since I live in sunny FLA).  Where exactly can I find this thing at HD?  is it in the window treatment section?  I think its a better way to go.  Maybe I could still incorporate the drawstring portion of the other way to cinch up the fabric to create the rosette, instead of a rubber band.  We shall see when my ma comes back over.  Im useless putting up things like this by myself!

          Cindy

          1. Tikiclub | | #15

            Yup, it's in the window treatment area (somewhere). And a drawstring is an even better idea to cinch up the center. I just used the rubberband to get an idea on how it would look without committing myself. Be sure and give yourself enough fabric for the rosette plus each casing and/or header. Since it's gathered in the middle, it only needs to be half the width (which in this math problem would be the radius, no?).

          2. user-228485 | | #16

            Yes it would be the radius of the circle.  I cant wait to go to HD and find that tubing!!  The foamcore that was up in my window fell today while I was at work.  Hope it didnt hit my kitty Dexter.

            Cindy

  3. lanoll | | #9

    check M'Fay patterns. They have an arched window drape.

  4. Meefirst234 | | #17

    Arched Window Shades
    Hi. I am also looking for blinds for an arched window and didn't come up with anything very relevant on the internet. I found something about pleated blinds which caught my attention, and now I am thinking about finding a blinds retailer that would make them made to measure. I would love to have them installed against my arched window, I think it would look lovely. Here it says that they can fit any window size, square or rectangular. I wonder if they can make them rounded too: The slim 20mm pleats make the blind neatly fit into any size window. The blinds are particularly suitable for conservatories, orangeries and sunrooms. There are two types of pleated blinds, freehanging for windows and conservatory walls, skylight blinds for square and rectangular glass and conservatory ceilings. Our pleated blinds manufactured with ASC fabrics with their solar reflective backing will keep your conservatory cool in summer and save money on heating costs in winter. Our translucent fabrics gently filter and soften the light whilst still giving your room privacy.

    What are your thought on this? I would love to hear an opinion. If you find anything suitable please let me know.

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