Treatments for Large or Oddly Shaped Windows

Windows come in all shapes and sizes, yet the one thing they have in common is their purpose: controlling light and privacy. Depending on their orientation to the sun and public spaces, some need just an impression of cover, while others need more significant concealment. Natural fabrics, woods and synthetic materials each have different aesthetics and create different degrees of illumination. What will work for you? For inspiration, we’ll look at a few shapes, materials and design solutions that make windows glow confidently.

Project: Install window dressing for large or unusually shaped windows.

Why: No matter what the shape or size, windows let in sunlight and provide views outward and also from the outside into your home. A large or unusual shape means windows might go uncovered, which can mean too much sunlight (and heat) enters the interior and privacy is compromised.

What to Consider

Panels: In the first photo, fabric panels on a concealed track complement the contemporary theme of the bedroom. Several manufacturers provide these systems in materials similar to those used for vertical blinds. The cost can be reasonable compared to other types of window treatments.

Meanwhile, an oceanfront setting and large arched shapes demand an inventive solution for the California living room shown here. Each shade panel rolls up by remote control into a custom-designed pocket to hide and allow unobstructed views. The problem of covering the unusually shaped window was solved by letting the panel overlap a portion of the wall, which can be an effective solution on any size or shape of window. Just be prepared that motorized remote-controlled shades can be double or triple the price of conventional blinds.


Here the panel track has been left exposed to reveal its simplicity. The panels can be very lightweight, in which case sliding them out of the way is easy. The material of these resembles bamboo or woven wood, which is commonly used in Roman shades.





Shutters: Sometimes covering a portion of the window is sufficient, as seen in the high-ceilinged living room. Shutters like these tend to be more costly, but if you cover just half the window, as shown here, it might work for you.

The clever solution in this powder bathroom provides complete coverage for the window. Shutters don’t have to have louvers. Any small window can be configured with a similar hinged panel by a very good carpenter.


As evidenced in this bedroom, shutters can accommodate very large and unusually shaped windows. Custom designs such as these are, as you might expect, fairly expensive.





Sheers: Sheers softly and delicately diffuse light throughout the day while still providing some privacy. In the modern living room, a metal rod spans the width of the wall so that the curtains can pass effortlessly over both the window and glass doors.

The sheers in the bedroom photo hang from an embedded track mounted in the soffit above beautiful multipane windows. The result softens the light and nicely contrasts the crisp architecture.


Sheer drapes mounted at the cove molding uniformly cover both the arched window and the squared one to the right here. Sheers can be a less expensive solution depending on how they are mounted and finished, and the type of fabric that is used.





Exterior: No one ever said that shades have to be on the inside. The panels on this Los Angeles home roll neatly and inconspicuously away. They provide privacy and light control simultaneously for two floors. In addition, the effect of wind can add stimulating movement to the architecture, taking the expression of its design to another level.

While this house was originally designed to accommodate these shades, you may have a porch outside of a room that needs protection. Consider placing something on the exterior of the perimeter of the porch to create a solution. Of course, it must be determined how much wind a shade can withstand before determining if this is a good idea in your area.





Combinations: Combining different types of window coverings can add a great deal of interest to a room. In the bedroom photo above, a motorized shade descends over the glass doors, while the punctuated windows in the block wall have warm, sensual wood shutters.

The window bench area has a grouping of half-shuttered windows and a Roman shade.


Here an upholstered valance hides the rod for the sheers over the headboard. Sheers pleat to the center of the arched windows, and Roman shades finish the scheme on the lower portion of those openings.





Disguised: Window treatments can be more inconspicuous too. A monochromatic theme hides the motorized shades in the living room. The shades feel nearly invisible and let the large windows act as an architectural backdrop.

Though the top shade in this bathroom is fixed, its finish blends into the coordinating Roman shade below it. The arched window remains prominent and admits plenty of natural light, but does not overtake the other features of the room.


The cornice detail above each of the large window groupings in this dining room conceal shades that can be lowered by remote control. When retracted they are invisible and let the architecture take precedence.

Cost: Varies greatly. Here are some rough averages, including installation:

Shutters: $15 to $35 per square footSheers: $5 to $25 per square foot Shades and panels: $5 to $30 per square foot (double or triple that for remote-controlled and motorized systems)
First step: Create an ideabook of photos that have similar window configurations to yours. Then search for shades and window professionals in your area. Retailers will often carry several national brands. You can find national retailers who make drapes and sheers, but you can also find local businesses who make them.

Who to hire: Most local businesses will come and take measurements of the windows for you as part of their service. Online retailers might have instructions on their websites for how to take measurements and do the installation. Just beware that taking your own measurements can be tricky unless you are familiar with window treatments. In that case, using a local retailer might be your best bet. You can also rely on your favorite handyperson to help out with this process. Once you have hung a few blinds and drapes, the process is not that different from place to place.

Project length: Taking measurements takes just a few minutes. Placing your order may take an hour or two depending on the complexity of your project. Getting your shades manufactured or your drapes custom made takes time. For simpler projects allow at least a couple of weeks. For more complex and custom projects, allow six to 12 weeks for your window coverings to be made and shipped to you.

Installation of window treatments is typically accomplished in half an hour to an hour for each window for a professional installer working with common sizes; a bit longer for more complex jobs. DIY jobs might take double or triple that time, depending on your own skill level and the detail of your window treatments.

More: How to Get Your Window Treatment Right

URL: Treatments for Large or Oddly Shaped Windows http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-23027.html