Round and Circle Windows: Costs, Types, and How to Find a Contractor

Round Windows for Homes

While round windows, also called circle or circular windows, originated in Gothic cathedrals, they’ve been popular with homeowners for years. While they’re not typically as ornate as their ancient counterparts, they can add visual appeal to any room. These windows often serve as a focal point, letting air and light into a room while improving aesthetics.

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Are Round Windows Expensive?

The average cost to install a round window in your home is $250 to $840 per window, plus labor costs. Labor costs can average around $38 per hour depending on standard contractor installation prices in your area. Keep in mind that larger or higher end circle windows can cost more than the average price, with some costing up to $1,470.

If you want a local estimate for replacement costs for windows, use the below cost calculator to help you negotiate your total installation cost.

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Types of Circle Windows

There are many types of circle windows available on the market today, and not all of them are shaped in a perfect circle. Lumped into the “round window” category are:

• Quarter circle windows
• Half round windows
• Elliptical windows
• Chord windows
• Oval windows

Many types of circle windows can be combined with new transom windows or doors to create an arch effect.

Although circle windows complement many styles of houses, they look particularly at home on a Victorian coastal rambler. Many homeowners install them at the highest point of their homes, just below the roof’s peak, giving these spaces a quaint, antique feel.

Round windows can come with grilles, decorative frames, or even stained glass, since these pint-sized portholes offer a wonderful opportunity to add a design statement piece to your home. It may be helpful to find a local window installer to help you decide on the best window styles for your home’s layout.

Half Circle Windows

Half round are frequently seen installed over doors or existing windows to create an arched look. Or you might see them overlooking the home’s exterior from the attic. Homeowners can choose to install fan-shaped window shades over half round segments for a little added privacy.

Quarter Round Windows

Quarter round windows are typically grouped in pairs to achieve a half round effect, but they may also be installed as a single unit above a glass door for a more asymmetric appearance. Purchasing two quarter circle windows and installing them together often saves a little bit of money, as opposed to a custom-fit half round window.

Elliptical Windows

Elliptical windows are very similar to quarter and half round windows, but they have an oblong shape that makes them slightly wider and squatter than their rounded cousins. They also come in quarter and half segments.

Chord Windows

Some window manufacturers also offer chord windows, which you can think of as a midpoint between round and elliptical shapes. They are not as tall as round windows, and not as short and long as elliptical windows.

Oval Windows

As their name suggests, oval windows come in the shape of an oval, meaning they are taller or wider than circle windows. They are very similar, and can also be installed with decorative frames as a design focal point.

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Other Facts to Know About Round Windows

Opening and Closing

Almost all round, elliptical, chord, and oval windows are classified as window segments. This means that they are fixed, rather than operable. However, some manufacturers do offer pivoting windows, which rotate 90 degrees outwards from the center point.

Combining Windows

Quarter and half segments are frequently combined with transom or picture windows or glass doors to achieve an arched configuration. This method offers slightly more structural integrity and durability than a single arched window, and generally costs less as well.

However, keep in mind that all circle windows are considered specialty shapes, so they will generally be more pricey than standard windows. Additionally, if you choose to add decorative frames, grilles, or stained glass to the window, it will likely drive up the price, as well.

Matching Windows to Your Home

Round windows add a note of historical authenticity to your home, but they are not exactly considered on trend currently. For homes in contemporary styles, large picture windows or corner windows are a better design choice.

Choosing Decorative Elements

Most homeowners choose to install round windows as a decorative accent in their homes. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see them with ornate grills, frames, and casing.

Additionally, round louvers, decorative glass panels, and custom shades are all part of the options homeowners use to add visual interest to these windows. These items typically drive up the cost of the window.

Configure a Round Window Size

As a specialty window, you will typically have a lot of flexibility on the part of your window manufacturer to achieve the measurements you need in your home. However, the manufacturer may offer some limitations on dimensions — particularly for elliptical and chord windows. Generally, these standard window sizes are listed in the technical documents accompanying the windows. Or you can consult with your windows dealer to help pick the right window for you.

Finding a Local Window Installer

A round window requires a lot more expertise than your average DIYer can handle. They typically necessitate cutting a new rough opening in the exterior wall — and a circular shape is much more difficult to cut out than your standard rectangle.

Additionally, they may be a lot heavier or larger than a typical window, depending on the size you choose. For this reason, it is best to seek out an experienced local window installer near you who can do the job. They can make sure you have an airtight seal between the window and the wall, to prevent air leaks and water infiltration.

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