How to Make Arch Window Coverings

Arch window coverings can be made inexpensively.

Covering arched windows can feel quite exciting and a little intimidating. The arch adds a touch of mystery and elegance, yet it seems difficult to manage with simple window treatments. An arch offers unique design opportunities that should be exploited to showcase your unusual architecture and the design and decor of the room. If your arched window is a single vertical column, you can decorate the window with a few hooks and some fabric. You will be surprised at how good it looks.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Power screwdriver
• Tape measure
• 11 swag hooks or buttons (per window)
• 2 curtain hold-backs or curtain tie-backs (per window)
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Drapery rings
• Needle and thread
• Sewing machine
• Ribbons

Instructions

1. Position a tall ladder in front of your arched window so that you can work above the arch more easily. Measure the width of the window and mark the center. Mark above the window trim four inches. Screw your first swag hook or button into the wall using a screw driver. (A swag button or hook is about one inch in size and it protrudes from the wall about one inch.) If you do not screw into a stud, use a wall anchor appropriate to your type of wall.

2. Measure four inches out from each side of the window trim, following the arch, and screw in another swag hook or button on each side. Continue mounting hooks or buttons along the full curve of the arch. Measure 2/3 the height of the window and mount a curtain hold-back or tie-back four inches outside the window frame on each side.

3. Measure from the top-most swag hook to the floor and add three inches for hems. If you want the curtains to puddle on the floor, add more fabric as desired. Measure the width of the window and multiply by two for your fabric width. Cut your fabric.

4. Measure from the center top swag hook to the bottom of the arched window area (this is the point where the arched window transitions to a typical window or the bottom of the arch) and add 1 1/2 inches.

5. Place the two rectangular panels of fabric face side together on the table. Keep in mind that the long side of the fabric is the length of the curtain so your curtain top (short side) may be to your left and turned sideways to fit on the table. Measure from the top left corner of the curtain top, down the side to the bottom of the arch measurement. Lightly sketch the arch curve on the back of the fabric and cut the curve.

6. Sew a 1/2-inch double hem around all sides of each fabric panel. Sew a drapery ring to the back side top edge of the curtain at the longest point in the fabric. Measure eight inches and sew another ring for each swag hook. Do this with both curtain panels.

7. Hook your two center rings over the center swag hook. Hook each ring to each side on its own hook. The fabric between hooks should gap forward. Tie a ribbon and bow around the tie-back allowing the ribbon to be more loose so that the upper arch fabric can swag. Allow the remaining curtain to fall, and puddle on the floor if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Tie-backs can be made of the same fabric as the curtain, jewelry, belts, tassels, ropes or any type of material available. If you want to line your drapery, simply add the same amount of fabric in a liner fabric and sew the two fabrics together back-to-back.

References

• Home Decorating Reviews: Sewing Window Treatments
• Window Blinds Project: Arched Window Treatment
• Window Treatments Made Easy: Arched Window Treatments