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Window Treatment Ideas for Irregularly Shaped Windows
August 11, 2025
Irregularly shaped windows are like little art pieces in your home—they add character, architectural charm, and plenty of natural light.
But while they're beautiful to look at, they can also be challenging to use for privacy, light control, and insulation.
Fortunately, custom window treatments allow you to keep these unique shapes looking their best while meeting your functional needs.
Let's look at eight irregularly shaped window types and the best treatments for each.
Arched Windows
Best Treatments: Custom arched draperies, arched shutters, or cellular shades cut to fit the curve.
Arched windows are timeless and elegant, often found in living rooms, dining areas, or entryways. The key is to highlight the graceful curve rather than hide it.
Custom shutters or shades can follow the arch exactly, providing privacy and light control. If you prefer a softer look, draperies above the window can frame the arch beautifully.
Design Tip: Keep the top arch uncovered for visual impact while using operable treatments for the lower section.
Circle or Oval Windows
Best Treatments: Interior shutters, fabric shades, or frosted film.
These windows draw the eye immediately, so you'll want treatments that enhance their symmetry. Shutters can be custom-built to match the exact curve of the frame, while fabric shades can be mounted inside for a clean look.
For rooms where privacy is more important than complete light control, frosted or decorative window film is a low-maintenance option.
Design Tip: Avoid heavy, bulky treatments that overwhelm the rounded shape.
Triangle or Gable Windows
Best Treatments: Custom plantation shutters or pleated shades made for angled tops.
These dramatic windows are often found in lofts, A-frame homes, and attics. Because of their angled tops, standard blinds or shades won't fit properly—but custom solutions can.
Plantation shutters can be built to match the exact angle, or pleated shades can provide a softer, more casual feel.
Design Tip: To maintain architectural interest, consider leaving the angled portion uncovered and treating only the rectangular section below.
Bay and Bow Windows
Best Treatments: Floor-to-ceiling draperies, Roman shades, or custom blinds for each panel.
Bay and bow windows add depth to a room and flood it with natural light. The right treatments should enhance their shape while giving you control over glare and privacy.
Draperies hung across the full span create an elegant, cohesive look, while Roman shades or blinds fitted to each panel give you flexibility in filtering light.
Design Tip: Draperies soften the angles, while shades keep the look crisp and modern.
Octagon or Hexagon Windows
Best Treatments: Custom-fit shutters, honeycomb shades, or stained glass film.
Geometric windows are uncommon and eye-catching, making them a design focal point. Shutters work well because they can fit precisely and allow for ventilation and light adjustment.
Honeycomb shades are a great option if insulation is a priority, and stained glass film can add color and privacy while letting light in.
Design Tip: Let the geometry shine—choose treatments that enhance the lines instead of hiding them.
Cathedral or Palladian Windows
Best Treatments: Layered treatments—arched valances or shutters for the top, and drapes or shades for the lower section.
These tall, dramatic windows often make a statement in entryways or great rooms. By layering treatments, you can preserve their grandeur while still getting light control where you need it.
The top section can be left open or framed with an arched valance, while the lower section can have functional drapes or shades.
Design Tip: Use treatments that frame the beautiful arched portion, not cover it.
Trapezoid or Slanted Windows
Best Treatments: Angled blinds, vertical cellular shades, or stationary fabric panels.
These windows are standard in contemporary or modern homes and can create challenges for symmetry in design.
Angled blinds or shades can match the slope, giving a tailored look perfectly. Stationary panels are a stylish choice to soften the lines without blocking too much light.
Design Tip: Precision is key—gaps or mismatched angles will stand out more with this style.
Eyebrow Windows
Best Treatments: Soft fabric swags, arched shutters, or sheer shades.
Eyebrow windows are smaller and more subtle than full arches, often placed above other windows or doors. Their charm lies in their gentle curve, so treatments should complement rather than dominate.
A light fabric swag can dress the window without blocking much light, while arched shutters or sheer shades add privacy when needed.
Design Tip: Less is more—accent rather than cover these architectural gems.
Give Proctor Drapery a Call
Irregularly shaped windows are part of what makes a home unique. With the right custom treatments, you can enhance their architectural beauty while ensuring your space suits your lifestyle.
Whether your windows are arched, angled, or perfectly round, a window treatment specialist can help you choose a solution that fits flawlessly, functions well, and elevates your home's style.
In his 50+ year career in the window treatment business, Michael Proctor has seen more interior design styles than you can count, and has developed the necessary skills and vision to know when to implement each.
Michael has an acute sense of how to match a window treatment to the home's current aesthetic and exceed the homeowner's expectations.
Whichever interior style you like (or want to experiment with), make Michael Proctor your first call for home improvements this fall!
Contact us today to set up a consultation!
