How To Put Curtains On Half Circle Window?

Are you redecorating your home, and you’re wondering how to put curtains on your half circle windows? Wonder no more, for we have researched this question, and we have the answer for you.

There are three ways of putting a curtain on a half circle window. The first way is to ignore the curve and install the curtain over the window like you would any ordinary window. The second method is to place the curtain below the half circle to cover the rest of the window and leave the half circle part of the window open. The third is to install the curtain along the perimeter of the curve.

Let’s talk more about how to put curtains on a half circle window in the sections below. There are different scenarios that can influence the way you put curtains for half circle windows, and we will talk about all of them below.

Read on!

Big window with garden meadow panorama, How To Put Curtains On Half Circle Window.

What are half circle windows?

Half circle windows are also known as full chord windows, semicircle windows, or half round windows.

It gets its “full chord window” name from a chord. A chord in geometry is any line that joins any two points on the circumference of the circle. It is called a full chord because a half circle window has the shape of a circle that is divided into two equal parts or along its diameter.

Diameter is the longest chord that you can possibly make in any circle. Hence the moniker “full chord window.”

The rest of the names are self-explanatory.

Although half circle windows can stand alone as a design element of a house, they often serve as the transom window over the door or other windows that are often rectangular in shape.

A transom is a horizontal beam above a door or a window that separates it from the window above.

What are half circle windows- Bed from pallets in loft bedroom with white brick wall and big arch window

How to put curtains on half circle window?

The available methods for putting curtains on a half circle window can be dependent on the surrounding elements of the house. In most cases, however, the method is dependent on the aesthetic preference of the individual.

Standalone Half Circle Window

Standalone Half Circle Window - White dining room with half circle window, table and chairs

Installing a curtain for a standalone half circle window can be tricky. These windows are often found high  on the wall, close to the ceiling. They provide additional illumination to a room.

You can install curtains for a standalone half circle window using a curtain rod above the arch of the window. However, this is only possible if there is enough space between the top of the window and the ceiling. You can have a low ceiling above a window if it follows the incline of the roof, and the half circle window is installed on one of the short walls.

Another way to install a curtain on this type of window is to have two, three, or even four swag curtains along the semi-circular perimeter of the window. You can use a thin rod that runs along the arch of the window to install the curtains.

The number of swags depends on the size of the window.

You can then add two cascade curtains along the curve behind the swags.

While having swags and cascades will make your half circle window look elegant, it will undoubtedly be costly to install. These curtains will have to be custom-made for your window. Moreover, you will need to follow a similar treatment on all your other windows so that you will have design consistency.

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Standalone Half Circle Window Under The Ceiling Angle

If the half circle window is under one or two ceiling angles, then the only option is to install a custom curtain along the perimeter of the curve like in the situation above.

Alternatively, you could skip installing curtains on that window. The angle of the ceiling will prevent too much sunlight from getting into the room unless the sun passes exactly in the center of the window.

Half Circle Window As Transom Window

In this configuration, you have the option to install the curtain above the half circle window. The curtain will have to be floor length. You can even add short curtains that cover the half circle windows, then install a separate set of curtains for the window below.

Another option is to install the curtain along the length of the transom, leaving the half circle window open to let in some light and sun. Test both methods to see which one works better for you and for the rest of the décor inside the room.

You can also install two swag curtains or so, like in the first scenario, over cascade curtains that will cover only the half circle window. You can then have matching regular curtains below the half circle window, starting from the transom.

Half Circle Window As Transom Window Under One Or Two Roof Angles

Half Circle Window As Transom Window Under One Or Two Roof Angles - Bedroom interior

Check the angle of the roof and whether you still have enough space on both sides of the window to install a curtain rod. If you don’t have enough space at the top of the arch, you will have to settle for installing the curtains along the transom.

If you do not have enough space even on the transom level, then the only option left is to install a custom curtain along the arch of the window.

Half Circle Window Over Two Or More Transoms

When installing a curtain over this configuration, the most common approach is to consider only the topmost transom. You can then pick any of the methods above to install a curtain.

However, if the window is under one or two roof angles, you can install the curtain rod along the transom that will give you enough space on the left and right sides of the window.

Half Circle Window Over A Transom On Bay Windows

Half Circle Window Over A Transom On Bay Windows - White living room with gray sofa, pallet table and black cabinet

Installing curtains on half circle windows as part of a bay window can be done using the three methods above. The only challenge would be the presence of crown moldings that could make it hard to get a good position for the curtain rod.

If there is very little space for the curtain rod, you can install swag curtains for the half circle window and then install the curtain rod along the transom for another set of curtains. This method will have you getting a set of custom curtains, but it will not be too expensive because you will only need them for the half circle windows.

If you really need to install a curtain rod, install it in a way that it will float slightly ahead of the crown molding.

Another way to put curtains in this configuration is to install the curtain rod on the inside wall outside the bay window. Install the curtain rod close to the ceiling.

Opening the curtain will create the effect of opening stage curtains to reveal the bay window behind it. This is a great treatment if you have beautiful scenery outside the bay windows.

A Series Of Half Circle Windows Over A Transom

If you don’t have enough space between the windows, treat the series of windows as a single large window and pick one of the methods of hanging curtains for a regular half circle window as a transom window.

However, if you have sufficient space between the windows, you can treat them individually.

A Series Of Half Circle Windows With Different Heights Over A Transom

If you’re installing the curtain above half circle windows of different heights, you can have different heights of curtains too as long as you keep the distance between the top of the arch and the curtain rod constant.

If the transoms of the rectangular windows are level, you can install curtains that are level with each other on the transom. Then install shorter curtains for each individual half circle window with varying heights.

Half Circle Windows On A Curved Wall

Installing curtains for a half circle window on a curved wall or a curved bay window can be done the same way as the methods above. The only difference is that you cannot use a curtain rod anymore.

Instead, you will need to install a custom curved track that will hold the curtains.

Conclusion

There are different ways to install a curtain for a half circle window. Consider the available distance on both sides of the window before picking a method for installing your window. Always keep in mind that you don’t always need to go for a custom curtain, and you don’t always need to install a curtain.