Round Windows: 13 Ideas for Round and Half-Round Windows

In a world of rectangles, a round window stops you in your tracks. Whether it's a tiny porthole in a bathroom, a graceful half-round fanlight above a front door or a huge circular window framing the trees like a living painting, curves soften architecture and give a home instant personality.

In this guide I'll share 13 ideas for round and half-round windows, the main types of round windows and what they're called, how to dress them, what to know before you install one, and the mistakes to avoid.

The quick answer: round windows are circular or part-circular windows used as a feature in walls, gables, stairwells and bathrooms. The main types are full round (circle) windows, oculus windows, porthole windows, half-round windows (also called fanlights or demilunes), quarter-round windows, eyebrow windows and rose windows. Most are fixed rather than opening, they suit both period and modern homes, and they're often best left undressed so their shape can shine.

Types of Round Windows

13 Round Window Ideas

1. A statement round window in the living room. A large circular window framing a garden or a view of trees becomes the focal point of the room. Keep the furniture low and simple so nothing competes with it.

2. A porthole in the bathroom. A small round window above a bath or basin brings light and privacy at the same time, with a playful nautical feel. Portholes were a favourite detail of Streamline Moderne homes, one of the defining styles of 1930s architecture.

3. A fanlight above the front door. A half-round fanlight with radiating glazing bars brings daylight into the hallway and gives a front door classic Georgian elegance, perfect with a Georgian hallway.

4. An oculus in the gable. A round window set high in the gable end of a house lights the attic and adds charm to the facade. It's one of the simplest gable window ideas.

5. A round window on the stairs. Stairwells are perfect for round windows, because there's rarely furniture in the way and the light falls beautifully down the stairs.

6. A half-round window above tall windows. A semicircular window set above a pair of tall windows adds height and grandeur to a living room or dining room, a classic Palladian-inspired detail.

7. A reading nook. A deep, cushioned bench set into a large round window creates the cosiest reading spot in the house.

8. A moon window. In Chinese and Japanese gardens and houses, a large circular opening called a moon window or moon gate frames a carefully chosen view. It's a beautiful idea for a garden room, and it suits the calm style of Japanese house design.

9. A rose-style window with radiating bars. A round window with spokes radiating from the centre echoes the great rose windows of Gothic cathedrals. An open art history textbook from VIVA, the academic library consortium of Virginia, defines a rose window as "a stained glass circular window with a radiating design suggestive of a rose." On a smaller scale, it's a lovely detail for an attic bedroom, and it connects naturally with Gothic windows.

10. A sunburst over a doorway. A half-round window with a sunburst grille above an internal or external door brings borrowed light and a touch of Art Deco or Georgian charm.

11. A round window above the bed. A round window high above the headboard gives a bedroom a dreamy, cabin-like feel while keeping privacy.

12. Several round windows on a modern facade. A cluster of round windows in different sizes turns a plain modern wall into something playful and sculptural.

13. Arched-top casements. If a full circle feels too bold, casement windows with a half-round top give the softness of a curve with the practicality of an opening window, much like arched French casement windows.

What to Know Before Installing a Round Window

• Most are fixed. Round windows usually don't open, so they're for light and views rather than ventilation. Some porthole and pivot designs do open.
• They cost more. Curved frames and glass are made to order, so expect to pay more than for a standard rectangular window of the same size.
• Structure matters. Cutting a round opening in an existing wall needs a proper lintel or frame, so involve a builder or structural engineer.
• Planning and listed buildings. Changing windows on the front of a house, in a conservation area or on a listed building may need permission, so check with your local council first.
• Think about privacy and sun. A round window in a bathroom may need frosted or reeded glass, and a south-facing one can let in a lot of heat.

How to Dress Round Windows

Round windows are tricky to dress, which is part of their charm.

• Leave them bare. In most cases, a round window looks best with nothing at all. Its shape is the decoration.
• Use frosted or reeded glass. For bathrooms and street-facing rooms, obscured glass gives privacy without hiding the shape.
• Fit custom shades. Specialist cellular and pleated shades are made for arched and half-round windows and fold neatly out of the way.
• Hang curtains around them. For a half-round window above a larger window, hang curtains from a pole above the curved top, or simply dress the window below.
• Add custom shutters. Fan-shaped or sunburst shutters are a smart option for half-round windows.

Simple trim helps a round window stand out, and slim, painted window trim styles frame curves beautifully.

How I Use Round Windows

After more than 15 years of designing homes, pubs and restaurants, I think round windows are one of the most underrated ways to give a space character.

• Treat it like art. I plan the room around a round window as if it were a painting, keeping the wall around it clear.
• Frame a view. The best round windows look onto something worth seeing: a tree, the sky or a pretty corner of the garden.
• Repeat the curve. A round mirror, an arched doorway or a curved sofa elsewhere in the room ties the scheme together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a round window called?

A round window can be called a circle window, an oculus, a porthole window or, if it's large with radiating tracery, a rose window. A half-round window is often called a fanlight or a demilune.

What is a half-round window?

A half-round window is a semicircular window, often placed above a door or a larger window to bring in extra light and add an elegant curve.

Can round windows open?

Most round windows are fixed, but some porthole, pivot and casement designs can open for ventilation.

Are round windows expensive?

Yes, they usually cost more than standard windows of a similar size, because the curved frame and glass are custom-made.

How do you cover a round window?

Many round windows are best left bare. For privacy, use frosted glass, a custom cellular or pleated shade made for curved windows, or fan-shaped shutters.

What is an oculus window?

An oculus is a round window, often set high in a gable, dome or wall, that brings light into a space. The word comes from the Latin for eye.

Where should you put a round window?

Round windows work well in stairwells, gables, bathrooms, entrance halls, above beds and doors, and anywhere you want to frame a special view.

Curves That Change Everything

A round window is a small change that makes a big impression. Choose the right type and size for your wall, frame a view worth looking at, keep the dressing simple, and let the curve bring softness and personality to your home.

And if you'd like help planning windows and features for your home, you can book a one-hour online interior design consultation with me.