Arched and eyebrow windows are common in OC's Spanish colonial, Mediterranean, and traditional architecture. The curved top edge means most off-the-shelf window treatments don't fit, and custom fabrication is required for almost every approach. The options that do work are beautiful and architectural.
Arched vs eyebrow vs half-round.
Full arched
Vertical window with a semi-circular top. Common above front doors and in dining rooms.
Eyebrow
Shallow curve over a rectangular window. The arch is wider than it is tall.
Half-round
Palladian. A semi-circle without a vertical section below. Often above a doorway.
Trapezoidal
Angled tops along vaulted ceilings. Same problem set as arched windows.
Five approaches for arched windows.
Custom-fit basswood shutters
Hand-finished basswood built to the exact arch radius. Louvers cut to match the curve. The most common solution for arched windows.
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Custom-shaped Roman shades
Built to the arch shape. Follows the arch when raised, drops as a rectangle when lowered. Best in bedrooms and bathrooms.
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Stationary Hunter Douglas Duette
Cellular shades cut to the arch shape, mounted as stationary panels. Thermal performance for west- or south-facing arched windows.
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Drapery sweeping below the arch
Custom drapery on a rod below the arch, framing the rectangular portion. Leaves the arch exposed as architecture.
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Specialty sunburst shutters
Louvers radiating from a center hub. Usually stationary. Best for fixed-light windows above doors or as clerestories.
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Most homeowners in OC leave the arch exposed when the architectural style is the main attraction.— Field notes from arched window installs
What doesn't work on arched windows.
Most off-the-shelf categories fail on arched windows because the geometry doesn't accommodate a horizontal headrail or a continuous vertical track. Standard shade and blind construction assumes a rectangle.
Standard horizontal blinds
The arch doesn't accommodate a horizontal headrail. Louvers can't follow the curve.
Vertical blinds
The track can't follow the arch curvature.
Off-the-shelf Roman shades
Standard rectangular construction doesn't handle arch geometry without custom fabrication.
Most cordless lift systems
The arch constraint usually requires stationary or motorized operation.
More on arched-window installs.
Window treatments in San Clemente
Spanish colonial architecture and arched windows. Our most common arched-window market in OC.
Explore →Hunter Douglas Duette
Cellular shades for stationary arched-window installs. Thermal performance for west-facing rooms.
Explore →Plantation shutters
The most common arched-window treatment we install. Custom-built basswood matched to the arch radius.
Explore →Lead time on custom-arched shutters and shades is usually 6-8 weeks rather than the standard 4-6 because the fabrication requires shape-specific tooling. Call (949) 407-9114 to schedule a walkthrough. Installed across Orange County. See service-area pages for the cities we cover →
Start with a walkthrough.
Schedule a complimentary in-home consultation. We design, source, and install across Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Corona del Mar, Laguna, San Clemente, and the rest of Orange County.