Arched windows – modern aesthetics, but also requirements

Semi-circular windows are often found in old townhouses, especially in the attic. They fit perfectly into the architecture of a house styled like an antique palace or a stylish country cottage. Houses designed in a modern style can also have arched windows. Often, to achieve a stylish and elegant effect, a single window is used, usually the most visible, largest or in a prominent position. They look great at the top of the house, creating an integral architectural composition with a soaring roof. The term “arched windows” includes both rectangular ones, with an arch at the top, and completely round or oval ones, which also appear in modern designs.

Design challenges of arched windows

In order to fully enjoy the undoubted aesthetic qualities and high functionality of arched windows, several issues must be considered very carefully, such as their location and size, as well as whether and how they will be divided into sashes. Whether it should be an opening or non-opening window, a side-hung or a tilt window.

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Difficulties related to shape and location

• in the case of round windows, the simplest solution is non-opening models, treated as a room lighting element. However, if the window is to be openable, a system for rotating the window around a vertical or horizontal axis is used.
• Due to the characteristic way in which they are opened, arched windows require the designer to find a location for the window in the building that allows for this. This is especially important in attic rooms, as the slants and beams often found there significantly limit the free space.
• Fittings, which, although invisible, are the main factor in the comfortable, safe and long-term use of our windows. It is worth remembering that fittings specially designed for this type of joinery are produced for arched windows. The tilt function of an arched window. It is important to remember that the curved part of an arched window is much less reinforced and stable. This is particularly important for windows with a completely round shape. There are already specialised fittings that are able to make this possible, but it is best to avoid this type of solution. This problem does not occur in rectangular windows that only have an arch at the top.

Installation requirements

When deciding to install arched windows in your home, you should be aware that, like other unusually shaped windows, they are in some respects more demanding than rectangular windows.

• window opening – already at the stage of erecting walls in which semicircular, round or oval windows are planned, it is extremely important to maintain both the dimensions and the specific arch of the recess. They require customised lintels, which are much more difficult to produce than standard ones.
• Dimensioning – to avoid unwanted surprises, all dimensions must be specified very precisely when ordering windows. This is very important for all windows, but measuring arched windows yourself is particularly risky. Despite the greatest care, it is very easy to make a mistake here. It is best to entrust this task to someone qualified, guaranteeing that the ordered window will fit the prepared reveal.

Covering and arranging windows

Arranging an arched window is a real challenge. Sometimes, you come across solutions that significantly detract from the characteristic qualities of such a window. However, it is worth making the effort to look for suitable solutions, because the use of appropriate curtain rods or curtains gives an amazing effect, and the arrangement of an arched window undoubtedly attracts attention.

Also when it comes to external roller blinds, there are no suitable designs for this type of window, and the substitute solutions used leave much to be desired. Shutters can be a reliable solution, which in this case will add extra charm.

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