5 Challenging Window Shapes and the Custom Solutions That Make Them Shine

Share with Friends

Some windows make a statement, while others make you scratch your head. Arched, angled, or oversized openings bring personality and natural light into a space, but they can also pose window treatment questions and challenges when it’s time to find the right window covering.

Bright, airy home office with arched windows, wooden desk, upholstered chairs, a bench, bookshelf, indoor plants, abstract art, and a patterned rug on a hardwood floor. — *As a Hunter Douglas Gallery, we offer many exclusive solutions for challenging windows in the Piedmont Triad.*

At Window Works Studio, we specialize in designing custom solutions for every window, no matter how unique. From Palladian windows to casement styles and French doors, our in-house workroom crafts treatments that are beautiful, functional, and made to fit perfectly.

1. Palladian and Arched Windows: Elegant Curves, Tailored Solutions

These classic curved windows add timeless character, but standard shades rarely fit their graceful lines.

Custom Solutions:

Stationary drapery panels that frame the arch without hiding its beauty.
Custom-cut shutters or blinds built to follow the curved shape precisely.
Hunter Douglas Silhouette®, which can be custom-shaped to fit arched or Palladian windows and motorized for effortless control and light diffusion.

Elegant bedroom with arched windows, ornate drapes, a wooden dresser with a mirror, two table lamps, and a plush armchair beside a closed white door. — *In formal spaces, custom swag valances offer a decorative way to dress arched windows.*

2. Bay Windows: Beauty in the Angles

Bay windows invite sunlight and provide beautiful views, but those sharp corners and multiple panels can complicate installation.

Custom Solutions:

Corner rods or custom-bent track systems to follow the window’s curve.
Roman shades on each section for clean, defined lines. Depending on the window depth and trim, these can be inside-mounted, outside-mounted, or mounted directly on the molding to achieve the desired look and functionality.
Top treatments like cornices or valances to visually connect multiple sections and create a polished finish.

At Window Works Studio, we often design coordinating seat cushions and accent pillows to complete the cozy, built-in look homeowners love.

Spacious bedroom with a four-poster bed, teal bench, matching sofas, large windows with patterned curtains, and neutral-toned decor. — Custom draperies on angled traversing rods follow the Greensboro bay window’s curve, allowing panels to glide smoothly while maintaining clean, continuous lines across this elegant bedroom retreat. Design by MM Interior Design Group.

3. Casement Windows: Function First, Style Always

Casement windows swing outward on side hinges, making them a window type that requires a truly custom approach. They’re prized for ventilation and clean sightlines, so the goal is to enhance both.

Custom Solutions:

Custom Roman shades designed to fit precisely within the frame, allowing the window to open freely while maintaining an elegant finish.
Custom draperies in lightweight fabrics that soften the look without restricting airflow or interfering with the window hardware.

Because every casement window is different, these projects call for fully customized solutions. When you work with Window Works Studio, our in-house team designs, measures, fabricates, and installs your treatment — ensuring it’s engineered to function beautifully at every step of our process.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, black window frames, a farmhouse sink, small potted plants on the windowsill, and stainless steel appliances on the countertop. — *A trio of custom woven wood Roman shades was the perfect solution for these kitchen casement windows.*

4. Clerestory and Transom Windows: Let There Be (Controlled) Light

High windows are beautiful architectural accents, but they can also introduce glare or unwanted heat gain.

Custom Solutions:

Motorized solar shades that filter sunlight, protect floors and furnishings from UV damage, and offer easy operation for hard-to-reach areas.
Two-story stationary side panels that frame tall windows and add softness and scale to expansive walls.
Two-story motorized functional draperies for a dramatic, unified look with both beauty and performance.

These treatments create visual unity across multiple window levels, tying upper and lower spaces together while maintaining a light-filled, balanced interior.

A living room with a gray couch, a side table with a lamp, white curtains, and glass doors leading to a patio. — *Floor-to-ceiling custom draperies draw the eye upward, accentuating the transom window and adding softness and scale to this living space.*

5. Sliding Glass and French Doors: Function Meets Flow

Doors are among the trickiest “windows” to treat because they need to move and withstand frequent use.

Custom Solutions:

Ripplefold draperies that glide effortlessly across the track for daily convenience.
Hunter Douglas Luminette® Privacy Sheers, designed specifically for large expanses of glass, combining the softness of sheers with the functionality of vertical vanes for light control and privacy.

Custom shutters or roller shades for French doors, offering durability and a tailored fit without interfering with door movement.

A modern living room with large windows, vertical blinds, a potted plant, two chairs, a patterned rug, and a grand piano near a staircase. — *We always prioritize easy operation and durable materials, ensuring the treatment enhances everyday living while complementing the home’s design.*

Bringing It All Together

Every home has its unique architectural features, and that’s what makes it special. Our design team at Window Works Studio helps homeowners in Jamestown, Greensboro, and the Piedmont Triad turn challenging window shapes into opportunities for creativity.

From design consultation to fabrication and installation, our experienced team ensures the perfect fit, finish, and function for every style and space. Schedule a design consultation today.