Palladian Window Treatments

by Nancy

The Palladian window is a special type arch window type, which can use the very same Palladian window treatments that the regular arch windows use due to its arch that is flanked by two smaller side windows.

Palladian window treatments have first come to light around the 1500's through the work of Andrea Palladio, an Italian architect of the time, who designed the first windows of this style. The Palladian window is a special type arch window type, which can use the very same arch window treatments that the other types of arch windows use due to its arch that is flanked by two smaller side windows. Basically the Palladian windows are made of 3 distinct parts: a central part that is quite wide with a rounded arch and two rather narrow windows that are on both sides of the central piece.

Palladian windows have come back to popularity and have seen an increase in use by many homeowners. The problem they all have with these window types is the difficulty in properly dressing it up with some adequate window treatments. This is due to the special shape that is its blessing and its curse.

Some people like to actually downplay the arch by using regular shades, however that would ruin the gorgeous curved siluete that makes up the beauty of this special arch window type.

One of the best ways to enhance this window type is to give it an accent by adding a valance that is just below the arch. You will still have the Palladian shape visible while at the same time you will have a great window covering in place. This is particularly useful when the top arched part has many details that you want to be visible at all times. Alternatively if you want to enhance the beauty of your Palladian window, you could accentuate the actual window shape by going across, up and around and then across again. This is usually done by a professional decorator who knows their craft, since it's not an easy way to do it for a regular home owner. It is very easy to destroy the beautiful arched look of your windows if you do it the wrong way.

You could also use a pole swag valance that has two poles one above the rectangular part of the window and the other one above the window arch. You will allow the valance to beautifully cascade downwards continuing with a swag that is draped over the lower window pole that is on top of the side window. This basically extends over the entire arch going right up to the top pole where it simply drapes over it to give room to a new swap that will continue to the lower pole. This is an absolutely beautiful way to decorate your Palladian windows but again you need crafty hands to perform the window decoration.

Another way to decorate your arched window is to take the arched part as a separate piece and decorate it accordingly. Arch window blinds are perfect for this task and this will go quite well since the arch has that round shape that is easy to find blinds for. Then you can decorate the rest of your palladian window any way you like, using regular window shades, or Waverly window treatments or various other types of curtains or shutters for windows, it is all up to your preferences and what goes best with the rest of the room decor. It is much easier to do it this way than trying to dress up the entire window in one piece.