apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

You could use either a decorative fan (I think a place like Pearl River downtown has some cheap) or shade intended for an actual half-circle window and have it go beyond the transom window and add some curtains on the walls to the sides of the main window so it doesn't look so strange - as if your window is bigger than it is.

Have you considered window film? These can offer privacy without completely blocking out the light and there are types that filter out UV light and/or offer insulation.

i just put light blocking curtains on mine. Put the rod up as high as you can. Ikea has some great extra long drapes that you can iron the hem to make the length you need. It makes the window look really nice.

Solar window film, maybe?

Something like this plus an hour of sewing time, and you have curtains.
http://tinyurl.com/d5ad72

Guys, it doesn't look like she'd be able to hang a rod and curtains that would cover the entire window, and the arch is the main part she wants help covering, because there is not enough space between the ceiling and the top of the arch to extend a rod across the wall. I suspect if the solution were this simple, she'd have done it already.

I think your window treatment should address the strongest architectural element in the room, the ceiling, not the shape of the window. Full length custom curtains following the pitch of the ceiling would work.

im 100% behind getting privacy film on that arch.

For those who would rather not click links, my link above is for an adjustable curved curtain rod, $15.

Thanks for the help, everyone!

@Enamorada- That is precisely my problem. A straight rod would be about an inch from the ceiling to fully cover the arch, which I think looks strange and conflicts with the vault.

@comicgeek- I had considered this, placing the rods at the same angle as the ceiling, but I have never seen it done before. Does anyone have any examples of this? And how would I fasten the curtains so that they don't slide down the rods?

@farmhousemoderne- Thanks! That is definitely something I will consider.

farmhousemoderne- we posted at the same time so I didn't see your suggestion, it is a good one!

I'm thinking the curved rod is the way to go. If you use a fabric pocket instead of curtain rings (or do just one big panel instead of two) you should be able to avoid the sliding-down-the-rod issue

I think some stained glass would look great up there. If you can't afford real stained glass I would consider the Faux stuff that was on AT a few weeks ago.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/closeup/closeup-faux-stained-glass-036496
You could use privacy films, or apply fabric or tissue paper right to the windows. It would add some interest to the wall and look pretty when the light is streaming through.

Could try this: Install three hooks, one at the center and one at each end of the arch. Then drape a piece of translucent fabric, like mosquito netting or light muslin, from the center one, and catch it loosely on the two end hooks.

You can get shutters for the arch, and if you cannot afford wood shutters, there are vinyl interior shutter alternatives available.

Don't you just love these windows in new houses that builders install to get you to buy, but nobody can actually live with?

I'd call in my custom window-treatment installer and tell him that I want a roman shade on a custom-curved inside-mount header and valence in a neutral cotton/linen fabric with interlining - and suck up the cost because it's something you're not going to have to replace for at least 10 years.

here is a pretty clever solution http://www.whyhelser.com/2009/01/tableaux-and-fabric-from-nest-feathers-in-tx/

I knew someone who had a window like this, and she took a big sheet of paper and folded it like a fan (zig-zag), folded it down the middle, and taped the two long edges together so when it unfolded - it made a half a circle. She just set it on the window ledge. Easy peasy.

i agree with sonburn solid wood shutters would look great, but they would have to be custom made. good luck

what about Japanese lace paper cut to fit and adhered to the window?

Shutters on the outside of the house?