How to Decorate the Curved Top of a Window

Arched windows intend to draw attention to the style.

Arched windows assist in the overall decorating of a room, because they generally look fancier and somewhat more formal than regular squared ones. Windows with curved tops are often larger than their standard counterparts and, therefore, attract more attention when someone first enters a room. Decorating a window's arch accentuates it and makes it stand out more than it otherwise would. This requires care — the arch is often too high to reach without assistance — but the results are worth the extra effort.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Paint
• Plastic drop cloths
• Masking tape
• Stencil
• Fine paintbrush
• Shelf
• Colored or stained glass
• Drill
• Curtain brackets
• Curtain rod
• Curtains

Instructions

1. Paint the arch in a separate color from the wall to make the arch stand out more. Use a ladder for high arches. Lay out plastic drop cloths under the arch and use masking tape to protect the surrounding area from being affected as you apply the paint.

2. Stencil designs into the arch using a stencil and a fine paintbrush. Use a paint color darker than your earlier one. For example, use black paint to draw designs on an arch you'd already painted white or light yellow.

3. Attach a shelf to the archway so you can place photos and other small decorations up there.

4. Replace the glass in the arch itself with colored or stained glass. This provides color to the arch and also diffuses the sunlight that comes through it, which affects the entire room.

5. Drill brackets on either side of the arch to hang a curtain rod. Hang curtains over the arch to further block the light coming in as needed or use lighter fabrics to complement the sunlight, which then functions as a back light for the fabric.

References

• Online Tips: Arched Window Draperies
• InteriorDezine.com: Palladian Curtain Ideas
• Overstock.com: How to Decorate an Arch Window