Beyond the Rectangle: How to Style the “Awkward” Windows in Your Home

If you live in a home with character, you likely have at least one window that keeps you up at night. Maybe it’s a stunning arched window in the foyer that lets in too much heat, a high transom window that creates a glare on your TV, or a slanted skylight that turns your bedroom into a greenhouse at 6:00 AM.

At Ogden Blinds, we often hear the same thing from our clients: “I love the look of these windows, but I have no idea how to cover them.”

Standard, off-the-shelf blinds aren’t built for triangles, circles, or arches. But that doesn’t mean you have to choose between your privacy and your home’s unique architecture. Here is our expert guide to covering the “awkward” windows in your home.

1. The Gracious Arch (Arched & Circular Windows)

Arched windows are a staple of luxury homes in the Western Suburbs, but they are notoriously difficult to treat.

• The Solution: Hunter Douglas Duette® Honeycomb Shades.
• Why it works: Honeycomb shades are incredibly versatile. We can install them in a “stationary” fan-style for the arch, or even create a moveable shade that follows the curve. This allows you to maintain that beautiful architectural silhouette while finally blocking out the afternoon sun.
• Alternative: NewStyle® Hybrid Shutters. Custom-fit shutters can be crafted to the exact radius of your window, offering a timeless, built-in look.

2. The Reachable (but Impossible) Transom

Transom windows—those thin horizontal windows located above a door or another window—are great for letting in extra light. However, they are often the main culprit for “screen glare” in home offices and living rooms.

• The Solution: PowerView® Automation.
• Why it works: Because transom windows are usually out of reach, manual cords are unsightly and impractical. With motorized shades, you can close the transom shade with a remote/ app, and set them on a schedule to close only during the hours when the sun hits your TV.

The Modern Angled Window (Trapezoids & Triangles)

Contemporary homes often feature “clipped” corners or vaulted ceilings with triangular windows. Many homeowners assume these have to stay bare, but that leads to massive heat loss in the winter and fading furniture in the summer.

• The Solution: Designer Screen Shades.
• Why it works: These can be custom-cut to the exact angle of your window. By using a high-performance screen fabric, you can preserve your view of the outdoors while blocking up to 99% of UV rays.

4. The Sky-High Challenge (Skylights)

Skylights are wonderful until you want to take a nap or keep your house cool in July.

• The Solution: Duette® SkyLift™ PowerView® Automation.
• Why it works: The SkyLift™ system is specifically engineered for overhead windows. It creates a tight seal that prevents hot air from entering in the summer and keeps your expensive heat from escaping in the winter. Plus, with battery-operated motors, you don’t need to run messy wires up your ceiling.

5. Sidelights (Those Skinny Front Door Windows)

These narrow windows provide a major privacy concern. You want to see who is at the door, but you don’t want the whole neighborhood looking into your foyer.

• The Solution: Silhouette® Window Shadings.
• Why it works: Silhouette shades can be made in very narrow widths. Their “S-vane” design allows you to tilt the fabric to see out while people on the sidewalk see nothing but a soft, elegant glow.

Don’t Guess- Call the Pros

Awkward windows are called “specialty shapes” for a reason. Even a 1/8th-inch error in measurement can make a custom blind useless.

At Ogden Blinds, we specialize in the windows that the “big box” stores won’t touch. We provide professional measuring and installation to ensure your specialty shaped look as intentional and beautiful as the rest of your home.