Circle or arched windows are an easy way to think outside the box and break up the right angles and straight lines of your home. Their unexpected shapes have a softening effect, and they provide distinctive focal points. Keep reading to find out how these types of windows are being used in contemporary homes.

It’s not as if round or arched windows are new concepts. From portholes to the Colosseum in Rome, windows in these shapes have been around for centuries. What’s new is the way they’re being added to homes as casually as double-hung windows. The reason for this? We think it has a lot to do with the rise of a design ethos that’s rooted in nature. Trends like biophilia and even the latest iteration of boho — call it boho modern, boho chic or California casual — are putting a renewed focus on the outside world. 

Biophilia focuses on bringing elements of the natural world into the built environment through plants, views of nature and more. Boho puts an emphasis on layering natural materials and organic shapes to create a richly textured environment that’s complex and dynamic, like a scene from nature itself. Round windows fit both these approaches. Their shape represents a break from the straight lines of the manmade world, while their function serves to bring in natural light and views of the outdoors. Arched and round windows are the perfect way to create a contrast that invigorates our sense and looks beautiful. This is why we think these windows are such a hit in contemporary architecture. Next up: How to incorporate them into your home!