The Perfect Window Template - By Anita Boetsma

Bowed and arched windows are not only beautiful; they allow the designer a prime opportunity to create something wonderful. As a rule, templates are required to fit the treatment correctly. Templates can seem daunting, but in reality making an accurate template is not difficult. Using the correct materials and techniques takes no more time or effort but it pays off in an accurate piece of hardware.

Let’s address bowed windows first. If the window curves away from the room interior, the curve is characterized as Concave.  If the window curves toward the room interior it is Convex. As you can see, the length of the rod is slightly affected by the type of bowed window to be treated.

The materials and supplies necessary for a good template are listed below.  A template kit is an essential addition to any designer’s bag of tricks.

ü  Heavy Craft or Packing Paper (at least 18” wide)

ü  Packing Tape

ü  Masking Tape

ü  Black Marker

ü  Pencil

ü  Scissors

ü  Ruler or Straight Edge

There are three important tips to remember for creating and utilizing templates. Never use “painter’s tape” or other removable tape to hold sections of a template together. It does not adhere permanently and templates tend to come apart. Always roll templates and put in a labeled tube for protection and for mailing. Folded templates are less accurate because the creases are impossible to smooth completely flat. Draw a bird’s eye view or take a digital photo and communicate everything to your fabricator – they can’t get too much information.

To create the perfect bowed window template, follow these steps.

Step 1.  Cut strips of paper and use packing tape to tape pieces securely together in a piece large enough to cover (or fill) area.

Step 2.  Lay paper into bowed area and use masking tape if needed to hold paper in place along straight edge of bow.

Step 3.  Starting in the center, smooth and crease the paper along the base of the wall.

Step 4.  Use pencil to define crease and provide cutting line.

Step 5.  Cut template along penciled line and let fall back into bow to double check accuracy.

Step 6. Using the marker, detail the information shown in the diagram below.

Since the rod will be installed on the wall and the template is usually made at floor level, the depth of the wood must be taken into consideration. Otherwise the returns on the draperies could be too small.

When the allowance is made for the clearance, the rod will actually be somewhat shorter than the edge of the template. This slight difference in rod length is not enough to adjust the finished width of your drapery. You must note exactly where you want the rod to end on the wall.  

To create the perfect arched window template follow these steps.

Step 1.  Cut strips of paper and use packing tape to tape pieces securely together in a piece large enough to cover (or fill) area.

Step 2.  Use masking tape to adhere paper to wall around area to be templated.

Step 3.  Use pencil to trace edge of arch OR if you are comfortable with it, use a wallpaper knife to cut gently around arch

Step 4.  Remove paper and leave template whole for arched rod so you can note important information. For an inside mount treatment it is best to supply a template that is cut out along the lines (if not using knife).

Step 5.  (Inside mount only) Push the cut template into the opening and trim or adjust until fit is exactly what you want. Be aware that the normal deduction for inside mount is 1/8”. If you do not want this deducted you must say so.

Step 6. Using the marker, detail the information shown in the diagram below.

Most arched window treatments will require rings to be welded in place for the treatment to be installed on. Always specify on the template where these rings are to be placed. To assure accuracy of your arched treatment, it is best to supply a duplicate template to the workroom. Another excellent option is to have the hardware delivered to the workroom so the treatment can be constructed to the hardware.

Creating templates using these instructions will assure you a perfect treatment fit the first time and every time. Happy templating!

Anita Boetsma has been involved in the interior design and window treatment business for over 26 years. Her expertise stems from hands-on experience in all levels of the industry. With Helser Brothers since 2005, she has headed their award winning customer service department, focused on sales, marketing, product development and industry education.

Photography credit:

Mark and Cathy Schultz

Silk Mountain Creations

Indianapolis, IN