Question about curtains

crollin

We have 2 arched windows in our house.  One in the nursery and one in the formal dinning room.  Both rooms get so hot during the summer and I want to keep the nursery cool for the baby.  Do you think it would look ok if I were to hang the curtains up as high as the arch?  I want to put the black out on the curtains so it will help with the heat.  Do you think it will look ok?

amandabrooke81

Ohhh arched windows are beautiful!  ...but they can also be a pain when it comes to window treatments (and particularly if you need a room blackout- which you will likely want for the nursery!).

Here's my 2 cents on some options for the arch window treatments:

• If you hang the curtains above the arch, I would have the rods extended beyond the edge of the window sides and definitely make sure height-wise it's above the top of the arch. Rod-placement reason: I'm going to guess the arched windows are at the front of your home??? When you have the curtains drawn it wouldn't matter BUT when you have them opened, it will help with the symmetry of the front to not have curtains showing in one room and not in another. It's also a designer trick to extend the width/height perception of a window interior. Here's a photo example where they took it them all the way to the ceiling:

• If you could splurge for it, there's also the option of doing a shutter or blind treatment on the arch portion and then would hang the curtains at the top of the rectangular frame. You could either do a working shutter/blind or there are also fixed.
• For the blackout treatment, you could also consider putting up a cornice to cover the arch (but what a shame to cover it...just an idea though) and then continue with your regular blackout panels. If you were to do it that way, your curtains wouldn't need to be as long.

sdkrlm

we're looking at this issue now.  Avery has a small arched window but the amount of light it lets in is crazy.  I think i'm going to look at a wooden blind option for it (but can I ever "open" it again?)  It's the only arched window in our house so from the outside I don't have to worry about any symmetry issues. 

 (PSA - Target has some blackout curtain panels for $14.99 each in some fun colors for kids rooms!)

crollin

Yes, my windows are on the front of the house.  You gave me great advice.  Thanks so much.  You made some really good points.

amandabrooke81

sdkrlm:

we're looking at this issue now.  Avery has a small arched window but the amount of light it lets in is crazy.  I think i'm going to look at a wooden blind option for it (but can I ever "open" it again?)  It's the only arched window in our house so from the outside I don't have to worry about any symmetry issues. 

 (PSA - Target has some blackout curtain panels for $14.99 each in some fun colors for kids rooms!)

There are some fixed blinds (which always stay closed but can compliment the blinds used on the rectangular window below) or the moveable blinds. 

There's a honeycomb version (cheaper), the wooden shutter (fixed & moveable), and I think I've seen a moveable one that actually opens down. I'd imagine they're all fairly expensive.  

MissLMS

I like Amanda's idea about hanging the drapes high up above the arch.

If you have a sewing machine or know of someone who sews you can make the drapes with blackout liner for so much cheaper than what it would cost in the store.

Plus, for the length you will need them, they will probably have to be custom made anyways.

Good luck!

Mrs Lou

I don't have advice about the arch, but will say finding curtians in a longer length than 84" can prove challenging...I have been searching for over 2 years.....granted I need a pretty specific color and don't want to pay $100 a panel....but I dont' see many color options in the longer length

crollin

MissLMS:

If you have a sewing machine or know of someone who sews you can make the drapes with blackout liner for so much cheaper than what it would cost in the store.

They are going to be custom made.  My sister's SIL's grandmother is going to do it for me!