Arched Window Exterior Trim Styles

Arched windows can add a touch of elegance and visual interest to any home's exterior. Choosing the right trim style to complement the arch architectural detail is an important design decision. The trim frames the window, accentuates the curves, and brings everything together into a cohesive look.

When selecting exterior trim for arched windows, there are a few key factors to consider - the style of your home, material options, ease of installation, and ongoing maintenance requirements. Read on as we explore popular trim possibilities for arched window exteriors.

Choosing the Right Arched Window Trim Style

The style of trim you select for your arched window can either enhance the existing architectural details of your home or create appealing contrast. Here are some of the most popular options:

Complementary Trim Styles

For a seamless, integrated look, choose an arched window trim style that echoes other details of your home. For example, homes with lots of ornate Victorian-inspired millwork would suit equally intricate, curved trim full of profiled edges and dimensional moldings. Modern, clean-lined homes may look best with simple, straight-edged trim in an unadorned style.

Contrasting Trim

Sometimes playing up the difference between architectural elements creates visual dynamism. Pairing a plain, shaker-style straight trim with an ornate arched window draws attention to the window's shape. Or setting off a basic rectangular window with high-relief rounded trim lends added dimension.

Correctly Sized Trim

Whichever trim type you select, ensure it is properly sized for your window dimensions. Oversized heavy trims can seem imposing and overwhelm the window itself. Conversely, trim that is too narrow can get lost, making ornate window shapes appear unframed.

Common Arched Window Trim Materials

Once you decide on the right trim style, explore suitable materials that meet your home aesthetic, durability needs and budget. Arched window trim exteriors are commonly made from wood, PVC, fiberglass or composites.

Wood Trim Styles

Wood molding offers a classic, elegant appearance well-suited for traditional home styles. Best of all, wood trim comes in virtually endless profile possibilities. Craft intricate decorative details or keep it simple - the styling potential is vast. Just be mindful that wood requires thorough sealing and consistent repainting or restaining when used outside.

PVC Trim Options

For low maintenance durability, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a smart choice. PVC trim resists moisture, dents and scratches while holding paint exceptionally well. Sleek PVC molding adds crisp detail around arched windows. And unlike wood, it remains reliably straight, without bowing or warping from weather.

Fiberglass Window Trim

Offering strength and resilience, molded fiberglass arched window trim repels rot, insects and moisture. Once installed, it requires very little exterior upkeep beyond occasional repainting. Fiberglass is available factory-formed into intricate decorative shapes, or as plainer stock trim to cut onsite.

Composite Materials

Composite blends of polyurethane, inorganic materials and wood fibers create trim that combines workability with durability. Composites shape easily for custom curved forms. They require no risky caustic chemicals to manufacture. With surfaces that accept paints and stains, composites replicate wood's welcoming appearance.

Arched Window Casing and Molding Ideas

Build on your exterior trim style by incorporating additional moldings and accents:

• Attractive casing frames the arched window, surrounding it with trim set back an inch or so from the frame.
• Elaborate crown molding profiling boosts dimension and stylistic interest.
• Decorative quoins placed at the corners enhance old-world curved window charm.
• Pilasters lend formal elegance while enlarging window height.

Moldings layered over basic trim draw the eye upwards to maximize the arched shape. Take care not to overdo the detailing - simple lines sometimes pack more impact.

Paint Color Combinations for Arched Exteriors

Color choices make a big difference in the overall effect of your arched window trim. White or neutral toned moldings recede, making an elegant window stand out. For more contrast, paint trim in deeper accent shades that coordinate with home siding or stonework. Blues and greens play up craftsman styling. Reddish earth tones enhance brick and shingle schemes.

You can also use trim color creatively to highlight specific details. Try working any natural wood grain, or pick out the individual components like casings, base molding, pediment tops etc. in different colors. Just keep the palette cohesive.

Decorative Arched Window Trim Accents

Pediments, shutters and sunburst overlays provide eye-catching enhancements over basic trim frames. Tailor these embellishments to your architectural style.

Pediments

The triangle peak of a classical pediment aligned above the arched center draws the eye upward. Pediment trim styles might feature gracefully scrolled edges or squared-off beams with dental molding along the bottom. Keep peak heights low, in scale with the window itself.

Shutters

Add a bit of Parisian charm by including louvered shutters sized to your arched windows. Choose durable materials like moisture-resistant composite or PVC that hold their shape when exposed to the elements. For extra authenticity, pair shutters with window boxes overflowing with flowers below the sill.

Sunbursts

Radial sunburst overlays amplify the arched concept with a decorative circular fan-shaped flourish. Position the sunburst's center point aligned precisely over the window top for best results. Carved, molded and millwork sunbursts work beautifully on federal and Victorian window shapes.

Installing and Caulking Arched Exterior Trim

During installation, properly prep and secure trim pieces to resist temperature fluctuations and moisture over time. Ensure surfaces are smooth and clean before applying trim, and use rust-resistant galvanized nails secured into solid backing at close intervals. Countersunk trim nails prevent cracked wood fibers.

Craft tight outside corners with wood filler epoxy, taking care not to leave messy excess. Apply paintable, exterior-grade caulk between the trim and arch window frame. Tool the caulk bead attractively smooth. Finally, seal everything to protect your trim investment.

Maintaining Arched Window Trims

A little seasonal upkeep helps arched window trim retain its curb appeal and function. Semi-annually, inspect trim for signs of weathering or damage. Look for cracks, peeling sections, popped nails or warped boards. Replace compromised pieces right away before bigger issues arise.

Recaulk any new gaps annually, and repaint trim on a needed basis, usually every 2-4 years. Lightly sand rough areas beforehand, then apply primer and quality 100% acrylic latex paint. Composite trim may also require paint refreshing periodically.

Arched window trim project costs vary based on factors like:

• Type of material (PVC is most affordable, wood is generally priciest)
• Amount of ornamental detail
• Whether you tackle install yourself or hire a carpenter
• If window alterations are also required
• Your regional labor rates

For perspective, simple DIY jobs adding basic PVC trim to existing arched windows may cost $10-20 per linear foot. Hiring a professional carpenter to install intricate, custom-milled wood trim with layered molding accents generally ranges $50-200 per linear foot.