How to Decorate a Round Window

A Home Decorator's Guide to Window Treatments for Circular Windows

Oct 22, 2009

Circular windows present a challenge to the home decorator in terms of effective decoration so here are some ideas for window treatments for a round window

Round windows provide an opportunity to use some highly creative or simple window treatments to really bring out their attractive qualities. Home decorators can be as imaginative and playful as they want to be because circular windows are quirky and fun and can be a fantastic focal point in a home.

There are three choices with a circular window. Either to replace the window itself with a decorative inset, enhance its impact with a choice of window blinds, custom window shutters or fabric, or simply leave the window as it is but make sure that the paintwork and frame are crisp and neat.

Stained Glass Window Treatments for Circular Windows

If a view from a round window is less important than its effect on the interior design plan, using colour and light can transform it into a beautiful focal point. The glass can be replaced with a round panel of stained glass which can be created at home or sourced from recyclers or professional stained glass artisans.

A budget conscious option is to create a removable round panel to fit against the existing glass and use translucent paint, caulking to suggest leading, or coloured perspex on the panel. Using a panel also gives a lot more artistic freedom if for instance a decorator wants to connect pieces of perspex with small metal rings to leave gaps between the fragments or wants to be able to change the design from time to time depending on the season. A richly coloured stained glass effect window in winter, for instance, looks gorgeous when lit from the outside by a small lamp particularly if the interior room is lit softly.

The number of design options is vast. A child's simple drawing can be converted into a stained glass window as can a more intricate drawing or abstract. A collection of different shades of one colour for instance, or simply using clear glass or perspex panels look dramatic, as do reproductions of historical styles such as Art Nouveau, Edwardian or Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Wooden Shutters for Round Windows

Using wooden shutters will maximise the light and the view as well as afford a measure of privacy. Designs can either be single panel, which will swing back to one side, or paired to provide a frame on each side of the window when the two halves are opened.

Deciding to use custom window shutters can involve the design services of a shutter manufacturer, who can advise on appropriate designs in keeping with the home's current decor and who can take accurate measurements to make sure shutters will fit properly. Circular wooden shutters are trickier to make, and professional manufacture and fitting of custom window shutters will ensure a neat and elegant finish.

On a budget, however, it's perfectly possible to create wooden shutters, and circular windows don't necessarily have to be fitted with circular shutters. A pair of small, neat louvred doors will look good framing the window and will transform the window area into a visually attractive focal point.

Square slatted blinds are a good option for circular windows. When the blinds are open the round shape of the window and the horizontal slats combine into an attractive geometric design of lines and curves. Even circular wooden blinds are on the market for those who want to keep the circular theme going.

Materials for blinds could include Japanese paper or muslin for roller blinds, and other fabrics as well as muslin make very attractive Roman blinds. Neatness is key in deciding on window blinds as the formal circle of the window will lose its impact behind ruffles or ordinary net curtains.

Simple Window Treatments for Exterior Round Windows

It's just as important to take the exterior of the window into account as the interior. Round windows can be decorated with creative paintwork, mosaics, wire sculptures or a circle of small pots of flowers. Use thin flakes of slate radiating out from the circumference, or paint a mural using the round window as part of the design. Even if a round window is left plain, making sure the paintwork and brickwork are crisp and the glass clean and smear-free will draw attention to its attractive shape.

Round windows might at first seem like a challenge, but there are many creative window treatments to bring out their own character and turn them into either simple or elaborate focal points. They are opportunities for home decorators to express their creativity and personality just as much as a collection of books or artwork, and are great fun to work on.

The copyright of the article How to Decorate a Round Window in Home Furnishing is owned by Suzanne Bosworth. Permission to republish How to Decorate a Round Window in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.