Problem windows (angled windows and ceiling)

by Cheryl S.
(Utah, USA)

I have a set of 4 windows in an area that used to be the attic that I can't figure out how to dress. The left and right windows do not open, but they are angled at the top. Because of the A-shaped angle of the ceiling, I can't mount anything horizontally across the top that will be the full width of the windows.

The center two windows are casement windows, so the crank handles will be a problem for anything mounted inside the window frame.

I could live with the window coverings on the two outside windows being something fixed if necessary, as long as I can open and close whatever covers the center windows.

Please excuse the red paint on the window frame - it will be repainted!


Hi Cheryl

You have a tough one there don't you :-)

I not sure what you are using the room for. If for a bedroom then I would do the following.

Fit 2 curtain rods an inch or two from the sloping ceiling. By this I mean fix the brackets to the wall but just down from the ceiling.

They want to start right at the corners of the room. Then meet at the apex in the middle.

The next thing I would do is the gather a pair of curtains as normal and hang them on the rods. You need to put the curtain hook at the outside edges and at the center apex into the end stops.

You will now have sloping curtains covering your entire window. I forgot earlier to say you will need curtains that are long enough so at the center they reach the floor. Obviously they will drape onto the floor everywhere else.

Next job is draw is to put lots of dress making pins along where the curtain meets the floor. This will be where your new curtain hem is to be.

Then take down the curtains and lay out on the floor Draw a line on the back of the curtains following the pins. Then add another 5 inches and draw another line. This will be the line you cut. This will remove the surplus fabric.

The next job is a bit tedious, you need to take all the pins out of the curtains. Then fold over the bottom of the curtains on the first draw line and press down with a hot iron this will mark the bottom of your new hem.

Then tuck under an inch or two to create the top of your hem. Then either tack down with a needle and thread or press down with a hot iron using fusible webbing tape. This is the stuff you use to hem skirts or trousers without sewing.

Then rehang your new curtains so they cover the entire window again. The final step is to fit 2 tie back hooks into the top outside corners of the room. You then need to use a pair of large rope or tassel tie backs.

The curtains are not going to slide up and down the curtain rods. They will remain fixed together in the middle. You will open them by simple pulling them back and wrapping them back into the large rope tie backs and using the tie back hooks to either side to hold them.


This will give you curtains that cover the entire window when closed. Then during the day you get a dramatic draped look that frames the window. They will drape a certain amount over the sloping side windows, but not too much.

It may seem like a lot of work but you could easily do it all in a day.

I hope you like my idea.




Best Regards

Lee