Window Treatments for French Doors and Arched Windows
By Patricio Marquez · October 8, 2026
French doors and arched windows are some of the prettiest features in a home and some of the hardest to cover. The right treatment has to work with the door handle, the swing, or the curve. Here's what works.
French doors
- Door-mounted shades or blinds: slim roller shades or blinds mounted on each door panel so they move with the door. Choose a low-profile mount so the shade clears the handle.
- Shutters on the doors: Norman shutters can be built for French doors, with panels sized to each door. See plantation shutters.
- Draperies above the doors: mount wide and high so panels stack beside the doors and never block the swing. Ripplefold works especially well.
Arched and half-round windows
- Leave the arch open and cover the rectangular window below. This is the most common choice: you keep the shape and the light, and handle privacy and heat below.
- Custom shutters for the arch: specialty-shaped shutters can follow the curve for a built-in look.
- Draperies mounted above the arch: a high rod or track frames the whole window and softens the shape.
Angled and trapezoid windows
Angled windows near the roofline can sometimes take specialty-shaped shutters, or be left uncovered with the windows below treated. On hot west walls, ask about exterior shades or a solar film alternative.
Tips that save headaches
- Always measure door treatments with the handle and hinge clearance in mind. We do this at the consultation.
- Match the color and style of door treatments to the windows nearby so the room looks consistent.
- For very tall arched windows, motorized shades on the rectangular part make daily use easy. See tall and two-story windows.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best window treatment for French doors?
Door-mounted roller shades or blinds for a clean look, shutters for a built-in look, or draperies mounted wide and high so they clear the door swing.
Should I cover an arched window?
Many homeowners leave the arch open and cover the rectangular window below. Custom shutters can also follow the arch.
Do door-mounted shades get in the way of the handle?
Not when they're measured and mounted correctly. We plan for handle clearance at your consultation.