Tall windows, double-height spaces, and arched windows look incredible, but they also create a very specific problem: most “standard” window coverings are designed for standard window proportions. When glass goes floor-to to ceiling, or when a room has two stories of open height, you need a plan that balances light control, privacy, comfort, and usability, without making the space feel heavy or visually chopped up.
In this guide, we are going to walk through the best window treatments for tall windows, double-height spaces, and arched windows, using three real project examples:
- A tall window wall with layered sheer curtains and drapery panels (great for softness and flexible daylight).
- Arched windows with horizontal blinds (a clean, practical solution when you want a structured look and everyday control).
- A double-height living room where scale, mounting height, and operation method matter as much as style.
If you have ever felt that tall windows are “hard to finish,” you are not imagining it. These openings can amplify glare, create privacy issues at night, and even affect comfort near the glass. That is why many homeowners lean toward layering (sheers plus drapery), insulating options for comfort (especially in cold or hot seasons), and smart operation for anything out of reach.
Tall Windows And Corner Glass: Layered Drapery Works Best
Tall windows and corner glass look stunning, but they can be tricky to dress properly. One single product often cannot handle everything at once: you want daylight without harsh glare, privacy without making the space feel heavy, and a finished look that matches the scale of the room. That is exactly why a layered setup is the go-to solution for this type of architecture.
The Best Setup For This Type Of Space
The layered combination is simple, but each layer has a clear job:
- Sheers (inner layer): soften daylight, reduce glare, and keep the room feeling open rather than “blocked off.”
- Drapery side panels (outer layer): frame the windows, add visual height, and improve privacy depending on fabric choice and fullness.
- Optional upgrade: add a blackout liner if you want stronger light control or better temperature comfort while keeping the same front-facing style.
This is also why layering feels more “custom” than a single blind or a single curtain: you can keep the room bright during the day, then shift to a more private, cozier feel in the evening without changing the whole look.
Why Layering Works So Well On Tall Windows
If you are wondering why designers keep coming back to this approach, it is because it solves the most common tall-window problems at the same time. Here are the main benefits homeowners notice first:
- You keep natural light during the day without feeling exposed.
- Side panels create strong vertical lines, which makes the window wall look taller and more intentional.
- You can adjust the room by time of day: airy and bright in the afternoon, more private and comfortable at night.
Pro Tips For A Clean, High-End Result
The difference between “curtains on a tall window” and a truly finished look is usually the installation height and the hardware. If you want it to look architectural and expensive, these are the details to follow:
- Mount high: install the track or rod as close to the ceiling as possible. It visually stretches the wall and makes the window feel larger.
- Use a ceiling track when possible: especially in modern spaces, it keeps lines clean and avoids a bulky rod look.
- Choose a consistent header style: if you want perfectly even waves across wide glass, consider ripplefold drapery, which is designed to maintain uniform folds.
Smart Upgrades For Hard-To-Reach Windows
Tall windows are where upgrades stop being “nice to have” and start being practical. If you are dealing with height, daily usability matters just as much as the look. These are the upgrades that make the biggest difference:
- Motorization: helps with tall or awkward-to-reach glass and reduces wear from constant pulling on fabric. It is often discussed as a major convenience and safety improvement for large windows.
- Cordless solutions: cords are a known child safety risk, so cordless or motorized options are widely recommended for safer homes.
Arched Windows: Keep The Arch Open Or Go Custom
Arched windows bring a lot of character, but they also create a real design question: do you try to cover the whole shape, or do you treat the arch as an architectural feature and only shade the functional part of the window?
Why This “Open Arch” Approach Works So Well
This setup is popular for a few practical reasons. It gives you:
- Natural light from above (the arch becomes a soft light source during the day)
- Privacy on the lower half where neighbors usually have direct sightlines
- A simpler install and easier maintenance compared to fully custom arch coverage
- A cleaner look that does not fight the curve of the window
If the goal is “make it functional without hiding the architecture,” this is the sweet spot.
When You Should Consider Custom Coverage Instead
Sometimes leaving the arch open is not enough. If you have strong afternoon sun, heat buildup, or the window faces a busy street, the top section may need its own treatment. Below are the most common alternatives, depending on the look you want and how much control you need.
Custom Arch Shades
Custom arch shades are built to match the curve, so the window looks finished from top to bottom. They are a great option when:
- the arch is getting direct sun and glare
- you want more privacy
- you want a clean, minimal look without extra layers
Shutters For A More Architectural Finish
If you like a structured, built-in feel, shutters can look very “part of the house,” especially on arched windows. They are often chosen when:
- you want a classic or upscale look
- you care about symmetry and trim details
- you prefer something rigid rather than fabric-based
A Smart Middle Ground
If you do not want to fully cover the arch, but still want a little more control, there is a balanced approach that works in many rooms:
- Bottom: blinds or shades for privacy and daily control
- Top arch: left open for light, or softened with a subtle decorative film if glare is an issue
This way, the window stays bright and beautiful, but the room still feels comfortable when the sun is strong.
Double Height Spaces: Sheers And Motorization, And Why It Matters
Double height windows are a showpiece, but they come with a different set of practical problems than standard rooms. You get more daylight, stronger glare, and bigger temperature swings near the glass. On top of that, anything mounted high is harder to clean, harder to adjust, and easy to ignore once the novelty wears off. That is why the best solutions for two storey windows focus on both the look and everyday usability.
The Best Look For Double Height Windows
If you want that “wow” effect without making the room feel dark, full height sheers are usually the cleanest starting point. They soften the light, reduce harsh contrast, and keep the architecture feeling open. In other words, you get the drama of tall glass without the “spotlight” effect that can happen in the afternoon.
Where Double Height Windows Get Tricky
Before you pick a product, it helps to be honest about what is difficult in a two storey space. Most homeowners run into some combination of the issues below:
- Strong daylight that creates glare on floors, screens, and seating areas
- Privacy concerns at night, especially with large glass facing neighbours
- Hard to reach operation, so manual controls become annoying quickly
- Maintenance challenges, because height changes how often you realistically adjust things
Make It Practical With A Second Layer Or Motorization
Sheers are great, but they are not always enough on their own. To make the space work from morning to night, you usually add one of these upgrades, depending on how the room is used.
If you want better light control in the evening, add a second layer. Common options include:
- Room darkening or blackout lining behind the decorative fabric
- A secondary shade (roller or cellular) for stronger glare and privacy control
If the biggest issue is height and daily access, motorization is the upgrade that changes everything. Motorization is often the difference between a treatment you actually use and one you leave in one position all year. It is also cleaner visually because you avoid long pull chains or awkward extension poles.
A Practical Setup That Works In Real Life
When the layout allows it, we often plan control in zones instead of treating the entire wall as one giant window. That can look like:
- Separate control for upper and lower sections
- Simple routines like “morning open” and “evening privacy”
- A layout that keeps sheers for daytime softness while a second layer handles night privacy
It keeps the space bright when you want it, and comfortable when you need it.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even the best fabrics and the nicest hardware will not look right if the proportions are off. With tall windows, double height glass, and arched shapes, small planning mistakes become very noticeable. Below are the three issues we see most often, and why they matter.
Hanging The Rod Too Low Or Too Narrow
A short rod that sits right at the top of the window frame can make tall windows look chopped up. It also makes the room feel shorter than it is. In most spaces, a cleaner look comes from mounting higher and allowing extra width so panels have room to stack without blocking the glass.
Skipping The “How Will I Use This Daily?” Question
Tall windows are easy to style and hard to live with if operation is an afterthought. If the treatment is out of reach, it needs a realistic plan. That could be motorization, a safe control option, or a layout that separates upper and lower sections so you can actually adjust light and privacy when you need to.
Choosing Fabric Without Knowing How It Will Look In Real Light
Many homeowners choose fabric based on colour and texture, then get surprised by how it performs once it is on the window. The same “white” sheer can feel private in the daytime and completely see-through at night with interior lights on. A room darkening fabric can still let in a glow, while blackout can change the mood of the space. It is worth comparing samples in your own lighting before you commit.
Ready To Plan Your Window Treatments?
If you are exploring options for tall windows, arched shapes, or a double height space, a quick plan upfront can save you a lot of guesswork later. The right choice depends on the details that are easy to miss online, like how the light changes throughout the day, what level of privacy you need at night, and what kind of mounting and operation will actually be practical in your home.
If you would like a second opinion, we can help. Request a free quote and tell us what you are hoping to achieve, whether that is softer daylight with sheers, a more finished look with custom drapery, or a clean, functional solution with blinds or shades. We will answer your questions, walk you through suitable options, and confirm the key details to consider before anything is ordered.