The Easy Way To Give Arched Windows The Millwork They Deserve

Arched windows instantly boost the look of any room and enhance curb appeal when they overlook the street. Although reminiscent of historical architecture in Rome, arched windows have been inching their way to the forefront of modern home design, pushing traditional rectangular windows to the side. There are plenty of creative ideas for hanging treatments on your arched windows, but to set your arches apart, you can frame them with flexible crown molding. You might think a decorative touch like this will require the work of a millwork professional, but you can easily DIY it with the right products.

Arched windows, also called eyebrow arches, are praised for their unique structure that allows more natural light to filter in. If you have these types of stately windows in your home and are looking for ways to dress them up, flexible crown molding can give them a custom-made look that closely resembles something installed by a professional without the pro expense. There are flex casing options on the market that start at just $3.40 per foot. If you'd rather see the options in person, check your local Lowe's or Home Depot stores to get a better idea of how the molding might look in your space.

Flexible millwork can create a polished look on windows, door frames, baseboards, walls, and anything else that needs a little extra oomph. While you might be able to find a local shop to make the arches for you, all it takes is bendy molding to do it yourself. The whole process isn't difficult, but it does require precise measuring to ensure the angles line up. There are a couple of ways to do this. 

The first is to make a cardboard template of your arched window. This will give you the chance to measure out your material and determine what cuts you need to make without having to dangle on a ladder throughout the process. The second option is to hang the molding around the window with nails and mark off the edges. Remove it and cut both angled edges (leave a little extra material since it's easier to take away than to add back) to finish it off. The best tool for a precise cut is a miter saw. Experts also recommend having a miter saw protractor to help cut the correct angles. 

If all this looks too complicated, you can try one more alternative — peel-and-stick trim. You can find options like this Duzzy Molding Trim on Amazon. This kind of self-adhesive trim usually isn't as wide as the regular flexible molding, but it's much more convenient, especially if you're a novice DIYer.