Window Treatments for Angled Windows
Window treatment solutions for angle top windows
Architects love them, lookers-on appreciate them whether in an article in Dwell Magazine or simply driving by a home, but for the home owner who appreciates the light and look angle top windows provide, there is often balancing real world living considerations involved. High windows that follow a pitched roofline can provide excellent light, and depending on the geography of the house, some excellent views, whether looking out into a canopy of trees, creating a treehouse like feel, or perhaps out into an open landscape or onto mountain peaks off into the distance.
But then there is living. When these angle top windows are in a bedroom, evening and early morning light can become problematic. Or perhaps in an office, where a computer screen may catch direct light at just the wrong time, making it both difficult and uncomfortable to work. Both of these were the case for this client based in the Park Estates neighborhood of Long Beach.
Types of Window Treatments for Angled Windows
There are a few different types of window treatments that work for angled windows including shutters, cellular shades, and roman shades - particularly woven wood or natural grass style roman shades - which is by far the most elegant, sleekest option in our opinion. The horizontal rigidtity that woven wood style roman shades provide, yet neat and clean stacking when in the open position make them not only an excellent functional choice, but also a stylish visual compliment to any room. And in the case of Field Work Design Craft, with over 100 woven wood patterns to choose from, there is an option and aesthetic for any look.
Unlike shutters, which also work for angle top windows, woven wood roman shades can be both outside mounted or inside mounted, with either a straight or angle bottom valance, depending on how contemporary or traditional of an aesthetic you are trying to achieve. Shutters on the other hand, while nice in certain applications, can add a lot of bulk and heft to a room, which may not be ideal when going for a simple, modern, or transitional design.
In the case of this client, who lives in a true mid-century rancho in Long Beach, we needed something that felt simple and clean, not too beachy or boho, would not close down or overpower his rooms. And had just enough of a traditional feel to go alongside some dark woods and more masculine features. Upon installation, we both agreed that we nailed it.
Considerations for Angle Top Roman Shades
Blackout - As with any roman shades we make, angle top roman shades can be blackout lined (or privacy lined for light filtration, or unlined for less privacy and more transparency). In the case of this client we opted to inside mount all the shades, including the blackout ones in the bedroom, for a cleaner finish. The tradeoff here is that you will get light gaps on the edges of the shade, as with any inside mount application.
Valances - all angle top roman shades will be made with a valance, straight-bottomed in this case. The alternative is an angle-bottomed valance that follows the same parallel line as the headrail of the shade. This has a pretty contemporary feel, and is not something we wanted here.
Controls - Angle top roman shades definitely fall in the “specialty” category of window coverings, and with that comes certain limitations. Cordless and motorization are not options in the case of angled roman shades. The only lift operation available is with a standard pulley system, utilizing a cord cleat to secure the shade when in the open position.
A quick look at angle top roman shades installed in this home office in the Park Estates neighborhood in Long Beach