If you have odd shaped windows in your home, you might be wondering how to hang curtains on them. Odd shaped windows can be beautiful and unique, but they can also pose some challenges when it comes to window treatments. How do you hang curtains on an angled, arched, or triangular window without compromising the shape or the light?
In this post, we’ll show you six different ways to hang curtains on odd shaped windows, depending on your window type and your personal preference. You’ll also learn some tips and tricks for choosing and installing the right curtains for your space.
Hanging curtains on odd shaped windows can be done with custom rods, ceiling tracks, tension rods, flexible rods, valances, or tiebacks. Each method has its pros and cons, and you’ll need to measure your window and choose the right curtains for each option.
Use Custom Rods for Angled Windows
One of the most common types of odd shaped windows is the angled window. This is a window that has one or more sides that are slanted or sloped. Angled windows can create a dynamic and interesting look in your space, but they can also make it hard to find a standard curtain rod that fits.
One solution is to use custom-ordered curtain rods cut to fit your particular windows. You can install the rods on the inside or outside of the window frame and use drapes custom made to hang neatly inside or outside the window. Soft, light drapes, such as sheers, work best in this situation. The drapes will filter the light coming into the room while adding color and texture1.
Using custom rods gives your angled windows a tailored and elegant look. You can easily open and close the drapes as needed, or tie them back with some hooks or tassels. However, custom rods can also be more expensive and time-consuming than standard rods.
Use Ceiling Tracks for Arched Windows
Another common type of odd shaped windows is the arched window. This is a window that has a curved or semi-circular top. Arched windows can create a graceful and romantic look in your space, but they can also make it hard to find a standard curtain rod that follows the curve.
One solution is to use ceiling tracks that are mounted on the ceiling above your arched window. These are metal tracks that have hangers that attach to the curtains. You can choose from different shapes and lengths of tracks, such as straight, curved, or flexible, depending on the shape of your arch.
To hang the curtains, you’ll need to slide the hangers into the tracks and attach them to the curtains. You can use any kind of curtains that have hooks or clips at the top. Make sure the curtains are weatherproof and fade-resistant, and that they complement the color of your ceiling2.
Using ceiling tracks gives your arched windows a sleek and modern look. You can easily slide the curtains along the tracks as needed, or bunch them up at one end. However, ceiling tracks can also be more difficult to install and maintain than curtain rods.
Use Tension Rods for Triangular Windows
A third type of odd shaped windows is the triangular window. This is a window that has three sides that form a triangle. Triangular windows can create a geometric and dramatic look in your space, but they can also make it hard to find a standard curtain rod that fits all three sides.
One solution is to use tension rods that are adjustable and spring-loaded. You can install the rods on each side of the triangle, inside or outside the window frame. You can use one rod for each side, or two rods for the base side if it’s longer than one rod.
To hang the curtains, you’ll need to slide them onto the rods before adjusting them to fit your window. You can use any kind of curtains that have loops, grommets, or tabs at the top. Make sure the curtains are weatherproof and fade-resistant, and that they match the style of your space.
Using tension rods gives your triangular windows a simple and minimalist look. You can easily open and close the curtains as needed, or tie them back with some hooks or tassels. However, tension rods can also be more prone to sagging or slipping than curtain rods.
Use Flexible Rods for Curved Windows
A fourth type of odd shaped windows is the curved window. This is a window that has a smooth or irregular curve along one or more sides. Curved windows can create a whimsical and playful look in your space, but they can also make it hard to find a standard curtain rod that follows the curve.
One solution is to use flexible rods that are bendable and moldable. You can install the rods on the inside or outside of the window frame, following the curve of your window. You can use one rod for each curve, or connect multiple rods for a longer curve.
To hang the curtains, you’ll need to slide them onto the rods before bending them to fit your window. You can use any kind of curtains that have loops, grommets, or tabs at the top. Make sure the curtains are weatherproof and fade-resistant, and that they contrast with the rods.
Using flexible rods gives your curved windows a fun and creative look. You can easily open and close the curtains as needed, or tie them back with some hooks or tassels. However, flexible rods can also be more difficult to shape and secure than curtain rods.
Use Valances for Small Windows
A fifth type of odd shaped windows is the small window. This is a window that is smaller than a standard window, such as a porthole, a skylight, or a transom. Small windows can create a cozy and charming look in your space, but they can also make it hard to find a standard curtain that covers them without overwhelming them.
One solution is to use valances that are short and decorative. You can install the valances on the inside or outside of the window frame, using rods, tracks, or hooks. You can choose from different types of valances, such as swags, scarves, or pelmets, depending on the shape of your window.
To hang the valances, you’ll need to drape them over the rods, tracks, or hooks before adjusting them to fit your window. You can use any kind of fabric that is weatherproof and fade-resistant, and that matches the color of your window frame.
Using valances gives your small windows a cute and stylish look. You can easily change the valances as needed, or layer them with other window treatments. However, valances can also be more limited in functionality and variety than curtains.
Use Tiebacks for Asymmetrical Windows
A sixth type of odd shaped windows is the asymmetrical window. This is a window that has one or more sides that are different in size or shape from the other sides. Asymmetrical windows can create a dynamic and interesting look in your space, but they can also make it hard to find a standard curtain that balances them out.
One solution is to use tiebacks that are decorative and adjustable. You can install the tiebacks on the wall or the window frame, using hooks or screws. You can choose from different types of tiebacks, such as tassels, ropes, or magnets, depending on the style of your space.
To hang the curtains, you’ll need to slide them onto a rod or a track before attaching them to the tiebacks. You can use any kind of curtains that have loops, grommets, or tabs at the top. Make sure the curtains are weatherproof and fade-resistant, and that they coordinate with the tiebacks.
Using tiebacks gives your asymmetrical windows a custom and elegant look. You can easily adjust the tiebacks as needed, or remove them altogether. However, tiebacks can also be more expensive and time-consuming than other methods.
FAQs
Q: How do I measure my odd shaped window for curtains?
A: To measure your odd shaped window for curtains, you’ll need to measure the width and height of each side of the window. You’ll also need to measure the angle or curve of each side if applicable. You’ll also need to add some extra inches to the width for overlap and to the height for hemming. For example, if your angled window has a base side of 10 feet wide and 8 feet high, and an angled side of 5 feet wide and 4 feet high at 45 degrees angle, you might want to get curtains that are 11 feet wide and 9 feet high for the base side, and 6 feet wide and 5 feet high for the angled side.
Q: How do I choose the right curtains for my odd shaped window?
A: To choose the right curtains for your odd shaped window, you’ll need to consider the following factors:
- The material: You’ll want to choose curtains that are made from weatherproof and fade-resistant fabric, such as polyester, canvas, or Sunbrella. These fabrics can withstand rain, sun, and wind, and they are easy to clean.
- The color: You’ll want to choose curtains that match or complement the color scheme of your space. You can also use curtains to add some contrast or interest to your space. For example, you can use bright or patterned curtains to liven up a plain or neutral space.
- The style: You’ll want to choose curtains that suit the style of your space. You can also use curtains to create a different mood or atmosphere in your space. For example, you can use sheer or light-colored curtains to make your space feel more airy and spacious, or use thick or dark-colored curtains to make your space feel more cozy and intimate.
