Curtain Hanging and Styling Guide For Different Window Shapes
Whether dressing a curved archway, expansive bay or tight corner, your window coverings should enhance architecture, not fight against it.
If you’re looking to draw the most from your space, understanding how to marry style with practicality is key to getting it right.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the most suitable curtains for different window types, from common missteps to expert tricks that make all the difference.
You’ll find ideas to enhance natural light, improve privacy, and complement your existing palette without compromising visual harmony.
Curtain choices shouldn’t be guesswork.
Read on for help with measuring techniques, heading styles, mounting options, and material selections that truly elevate your space.
The Power of Curtain Styling
They define how a room feels, looks, and functions. When tailored to suit specific window shapes, they can enhance architectural features, regulate natural light, and offer much-needed insulation or privacy.
On the Sunshine Coast, where open-plan living and coastal light are design hallmarks, the right curtain choice makes all the difference.
Here are some key design insights:
Curved, angled, and oversized windows present unique styling opportunities. Arched windows, for instance, create a sense of grandeur but can be tricky when it comes to fitting standard treatments.
Curtains made to follow the curve preserve the shape while offering softness and flow.
Bay windows, common in heritage or Hamptons-style homes, benefit from individually hung panels or curved tracking that accentuates their form while maintaining visual openness.
Corner windows, often featured in modern builds, require precise solutions that maximise connection to the outdoors without creating awkward gaps.
Beyond aesthetics, the right curtain selection can improve energy efficiency. In climates like the Sunshine Coast, where summer sun can heat interiors quickly, layered sheers with blockout lining help moderate temperatures and reduce glare.
Certain fabrics, such as triple-weave polyesters or natural fibres like linen, offer excellent UV resistance without losing their drape or elegance.
These window coverings also contribute to acoustic comfort. Heavier materials soften noise, which is especially useful in open-plan homes where hard surfaces can create an echo.
Choosing the appropriate heading — from wave to pleat — affects how fabric gathers and hangs, subtly influencing both the visual impact and the coverage performance of the window.
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Sustainability and Compliance in Curtain Selection
Window furnishings can have a surprisingly strong environmental footprint — especially when mass-produced or made with synthetic, non-recyclable fibres.
However, today’s curtain options have evolved to meet the growing demand for sustainable living. Many textiles now feature low-impact dyes, organic fibres, or are crafted by artisans using ethical production methods.
If you’re seeking an eco-conscious solution, try exploring curtains made from natural materials like linen, organic cotton, or wool blends. These not only provide excellent thermal regulation but also break down naturally over time.
Additionally, some brands offer recycled or upcycled fabrics, minimising waste and reducing reliance on virgin resources.
Opting for local or Australian-made textiles also slashes the emissions associated with overseas shipping, a practical way to reduce your home's carbon footprint.
Matching Curtains to Your Home Needs
Understanding Your Lifestyle and Living Space
They should suit how a space is used, not just how it looks. A media room demands total blackout and acoustic absorption. A living room may call for light diffusion with a soft sheer.
Bedrooms often benefit from dual-layer setups, offering privacy without blocking all natural light during the day.
Start by asking what the room needs — insulation, privacy, softness, or light control — and let those priorities guide fabric and design choices.
Additionally, consider your family and lifestyle. Homes with children or pets might prefer low-maintenance, stain-resistant options with no trailing cords or fussy pleats.
Holiday homes or part-time residences could lean toward automated curtains or tracks that reduce upkeep and add security when away.
Taking Accurate Measurements
Precision in measurement makes or breaks the final result. For unusual shapes like arches or angles, multiple height and width points should be captured.
Standard rules of thumb — such as measuring at three horizontal points for width or allowing a floor-to-ceiling drop — don’t always apply for bay or corner windows. For curved tracking or stepped layering, templates or tracings may be required.
Visualisation and Planning Resources
Planning how these window treatments will look before committing helps avoid costly mistakes. Mood boards, sample swatches, and fabric samples are invaluable.
Online rendering tools or showroom design consultations can bring ideas to life, especially for those unsure about layering, fabric pooling, or wave vs. pinch pleat styling.
Where possible, visiting a physical showroom gives the clearest sense of fabric weight, texture, and light filtration.
Curtain Components, Brands, and Sourcing Tips
Tracks and Mounting Systems
Every great curtain starts with the right support. For non-standard windows, flexible tracking or custom-bent rods are essential. Bay windows benefit from curved or segmented tracks that align with window angles.
Arched or circular windows may require bendable aluminium tracks that can be heat-shaped to curve without losing strength.
Recommended Systems
Rollease Acmeda: Excellent motorised and manual track options, especially for high or hard-to-reach installations.
Silent Gliss: Known for their premium wave track systems — ideal for wide openings and soft pleating styles.
Custom-bent aluminium rods: Often locally fabricated, these offer versatility for curved or bespoke layouts.
Fabrics and Linings
Fabrics set the mood, but linings determine function. For coastal homes, UV-resistant, moisture-tolerant materials prevent fading and warping.
Lightweight linens or cotton blends offer softness, while polyesters provide structure with lower maintenance. Dual-layer setups — sheer plus blockout — provide flexibility throughout the day.
Suggested Brands
Elliott Clarke and Warwick Fabrics: Well-established in the Australian market with a wide selection suited for both sheer and blockout options.
Zepel and Mokum: High-performance fabrics engineered for Australian conditions. Excellent for energy efficiency and long-term durability.
Anna Spiro Textiles: For bold design lovers — beautiful, hand-printed patterns on quality Belgian linen.
Headings and Styles
Heading type determines how fabric falls and moves. Wave headings suit modern homes with a clean, uniform ripple. Pinch pleats offer classic volume. Eyelet styles are minimal and easy to install.
Consider functionality — frequently drawn curtains should glide easily and sit neatly when open.
Ideal Pairings
Wave Heading + Ripple Track: Suits large sliding doors or panoramic windows.
S-Fold with Sheers: Creates soft flow — perfect for bedrooms or living spaces.
Triple Pinch Pleat + Heavy Linen: Adds a traditional touch to heritage homes or formal rooms.
Finishing Touches
Accessories enhance both form and function. Finials, tiebacks, and pelmets add polish and help control drape. Motorised curtain tracks can be integrated into smart home systems, adding convenience and a touch of luxury.
Trusted Local Suppliers
Coverings Sunshine Coast Showroom (Noosa): Showcases Australian-made and designer textiles, often with exclusive access to global brands like Alhambra and Cassandra Harper.
Sunshine Coast-based workrooms: Many offer custom sewing and fabrication services — supporting local makers ensures quicker lead times and tailored results.
When sourcing components, ask for swatches, samples, and supplier credentials. Always clarify lead times — custom curtains can take several weeks, depending on fabric origin and complexity.
Step-by-Step Curtain Installation for Tricky Windows
Step 1: Preparation and Planning
Begin by confirming measurements — double-check width, drop, and projection for each section of the window. If working with uniquely shaped frames (arched, bay, or angled), prepare templates or trace profiles onto paper.
Decide on mounting position (ceiling or wall-fixed) and allow for clearance, particularly around skirtings, pelmets, or furniture.
Step 2: Installing Tracks or Rods
Mount brackets securely using appropriate fixings. Plaster walls may require anchors; masonry needs plugs and screws. For ceiling mounts, ensure you hit joists or reinforce with timber battening.
Best Practices
Use a spirit level for accurate alignment.
Avoid overtightening screws which may warp brackets.
Check the track or rod movement before final tightening.
Step 3: Attaching the Curtain
Hang the curtain onto the track or rod according to the heading type. For wave or S-fold styles, follow the spacing guide provided by the manufacturer to maintain even pleats. Double-check the glide before releasing full weight.
Hanging Tips
Handle fabrics with clean hands to avoid stains.
Ensure linings fall straight behind the main layer — adjust hooks or press folds to shape.
Let fabric “settle” for 24 hours — gravity will smooth creases naturally.
Step 4: Adjustments and Styling
Once hung, step back and assess the visual balance. Adjust puddling on the floor or re-clip folds if needed. Tiebacks or magnetic holders can help control movement or frame the window attractively.
Finishing Advice
For arched or bay installations, steamed or hand-folded drapes will sit better than freshly unpacked fabric.
Avoid over-styling — let texture and fall shine without clutter.
When to Call in the Experts
Motorised or recessed tracks: Requires electrical integration and cavity work — a qualified installer is essential.
Bay windows with multiple angles: Accurate track bending and bracket spacing are critical to avoid sag.
Heavy blockout curtains or layered treatments: Risk of brackets failing if not correctly anchored.
Heritage homes: May involve heritage compliance or fragile mouldings.
Attempting DIY on complex window shapes without prior experience risks damaging both walls and fabric.
How Much Do New Curtains Cost?
| Curtain Component | Estimated Price Range (Supply Only) |
| Sheer fabrics | $15 – $100 per lineal metre |
| Blockout fabrics | $30 – $200 per lineal metre |
| Designer textiles (e.g., Anna Spiro, Mokum) | $150 – $300+ per lineal metre |
| Roman blinds | From $250 per blind |
| Curtain tracks (standard) | $40 – $100 per metre |
| Motorised tracks | $500 – $2,000+ |
| Installation (professional) | $200 – $500+ per room |
Note: Costs vary based on complexity, window size, and installation height. Custom or curved tracks incur additional charges.
Final Recap: Bringing Style, Function, and Confidence Together
Choosing curtains for non-standard window shapes doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right knowledge and planning, it becomes a creative opportunity to enhance your home’s personality and performance.
Key Takeaways:
Curtains serve both aesthetic and practical purposes, especially important for arched, bay, or corner windows.
Environmentally friendly fabrics and local sourcing reduce impact and support sustainability.
Accurate measurements, custom tracks, and quality fabric selection are vital for professional-looking results.
Not all installations require permits, but motorisation or heritage homes may need expert input.
Clear budgeting, careful component selection, and leveraging local showrooms can help keep costs manageable.
Ready to Transform Your Windows?
Unusual window shapes deserve thoughtful solutions, not one-size-fits-all fixes.
Whether you're looking to soften a space with sheer drapery or seeking a precise fit for a curved or corner window, expert guidance makes all the difference.
Reach out to Coverings Sunshine Coast for a free measure and personalised quote. Our team will help you explore options, match fabrics to your style, and ensure everything is tailored to your home's unique character.
Contact Coverings Sunshine Coast online to schedule a free in-home measure or get a fast and FREE quote on (07) 5315 8160 now.