Digital Decorating 101: Decorating in Different Window Shapes, Part 2 (Round & Curved Windows)

AtmosFX Projection Materials can cover just about any type of window you want to decorate.

For instance, AtmosFX Premium Window Projection Material is perfect for customizing your display to different sizes or shapes of windows. The material can be cut to fit perfectly and then stays in place using static cling, so there’s no messy adhesive or hanging hardware to deal with. Premium Window Projection Material is sold in 3 foot by 8 foot rolls, but if your window is larger you can easily combine multiple rolls.

There’re many types of curved windows out there, and some types are easier than others when cutting and installing your material. For example, you may have a full-size arched window, or a smaller window like a porthole or fanlight. If the window is one continuous piece of glass, cutting and installing Premium Window Projection Material is easy. If you have a curved window with lots of intricate panes it may take more effort to cut and install the individual pieces, but the results can be stunning.

In our example, we’re demonstrating how to decorate in a continuous, arched window. You can also use this technique for measuring and drawing curves on any window with a perfectly circular edge. With a little creativity and effort, you can also adapt this technique for decorating other shaped windows as well.

Measuring Your Window

Before you start making cuts, it’s very important to take precise measurements. For a window like the one below, you’ll need to measure the following dimensions:

• Height - The full length of the window from top to bottom (including the curved portion)
• Width - The full length of the window from left to right
• Radius - The height of the curved section of window (should be exactly half the width of the window)

Note: Many windows may have slight variance between their bottom and top widths, potentially a difference of around 1/16th to 1/8th of an inch. While this doesn’t seem like much, you may need to make additional trims your material for a perfect fit.

Drawing a Window Template

Once you’ve taken your measurements, you’re ready to start tracing the shape of your window onto your projection material. The saying “measure twice, cut once” is a good rule in this case. You want to be sure the lines you are drawing are clean and accurate before making any cuts.

Before tracing, consider the following advice:

• Use a straight edge to guide your tracing
• Make sure your corners are a perfect 90° angle — If necessary, use a book to trace
• Use a soft pencil or erasable marker to fix any mistakes
• Do not apply heavy pressure while drawing, or you may rip your material

Begin by tracing a rectangular outline of your window using the height and width measurements. Once you have a perfect rectangular window shape, you’ll need to create a central pivot point for your compass, which you’ll use to trace the curved portion.

First, measure the exact center along the top edge of the rectangle, and then make a small mark on that point. Make another mark directly below that point that is exactly the distance of your radius measurement. This second mark will be the central pivot point for your compass.

Drawing Your Curve

Making precise curves can be tough without a compass and even if you have one, it may not be large enough. Luckily, you can make an easy DIY compass for large curves using two pencils and a piece of corrugated cardboard.

1. Cut a narrow strip of cardboard just a few inches longer than your radius
2. Use a pencil to poke a hole at one end of the cardboard
3. Using your radius measurement, poke another hole at the opposite end of your strip
4. Place one pencil at the mark you made for your center point
5. Rotate the outer pencil lightly around the inner pencil like in the photograph below, drawing a half circle

If you made your measurements correctly, the result should be shaped exactly like your window.

Cutting Your Material

Once you’ve finished drawing the shape of your window into your projection material, it will be time to cut it to size. Take this opportunity to re-check your measurements against your window just to be sure you haven’t made a mistake. You can always trim an edge later, but you can’t un-cut the material. You may use scissors or a utility knife to cut the material, but always use caution and proper supervision with sharp objects!

Hanging Your Material

For the best results, here are a few important steps you’ll need to follow when hanging Premium Window Projection Material. You may want some help holding the material up to make sure it is applied just right.

1. Clean your window thoroughly as dirt or debris can create friction and tear your material when it is spread out
2. Peel away the clear, protective backing from the shiny side of the material
3. Fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of dish soap, then mist your window evenly
4. Place the shiny side of the material against the glass, starting from a corner and moving outwards
5. Using the included tool, smooth out all of the bubbles outward from the center toward the edges
6. If needed, you can carefully trim any excess from the edges of your material using a utility knife (as always, use blades with caution!)

Enjoy!

Premium Window Projection Material provides dazzling effects because it creates a seamless illusion in your window. You can also leave it up year-round to give your windows an elegant, frosted look.

When it’s time to remove your material, gently peel it off, roll it up with the matte side facing inward, and store it in a clean place. Your original shipping tube is a great way to store your material and keep it clean and crisp year after year.

Do you have a curved window that you want to decorate? Do you have DIY tips and tricks of your own for creating displays in unusual ways? Send us a picture or video at community@AtmosFX.com, and we’ll share it with our decorating community! You might even win a prize and a earn place in our AtmosFans Hall of Fame. Happy decorating!

Read more:

Digital Decorating 101: Decorating in Different Window Shapes, Part 1 (Split Windows)

Digital Decorating 101: Decorating in Different Window Shapes, Part 3 (Corner & Bay Windows)