arched and elliptical window builder Virginia

by Gepetto Millworks | May 13, 2025 | Wooden Shutters

Arched windows and their many variations, including half-round overlights, Gothic arches, and elliptical forms, have been central to architectural aesthetics for centuries. In Virginia, from the early colonial period in the 17th century to modern architectural styles in the 21st century, these window forms have been adapted and reinterpreted to reflect changing tastes, technologies, and cultural influences. This document explores the appearances, styles, and contexts of rounded window forms as they appear in Virginian architecture from 1492 to 2025, offering comparative insight into how these forms evolved through history.

Early Colonial and Georgian Period (1607–1780s)

Though 1492 marks the start of European contact with the Americas, permanent architecture in Virginia began with the Jamestown settlement in 1607. Early structures were utilitarian, made of timber, and typically lacked ornate window treatments. As settlements grew and wealth increased, more elaborate styles emerged.

In the Georgian period (ca. 1700-1780), architectural influences from England dominated. Georgian architecture emphasized symmetry, proportion, and classical detail. Arched windows began to appear in high-status buildings, often in the form of fanlights—semi-circular or elliptical overlights—placed above central doors. These fanlights were not just decorative; they allowed natural light to enter entry halls. In Virginia, examples can be found in plantation homes such as the Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg and Carter’s Grove, where arched windows framed in brick or wood conveyed classical elegance. The arches tended to be segmental or elliptical rather than Gothic, reflecting Enlightenment-era ideals of rationality and order.

Federal Style (1780s–1820s)

The Federal period retained the Georgian emphasis on symmetry but refined it with greater delicacy and lightness. Fanlights remained a hallmark of this style, often accompanied by sidelights flanking the door. Arched windows became more sophisticated, with thinner muntins and more intricate tracery. Elliptical arches grew more prevalent, aligning with the neoclassical revival that idealized ancient Roman forms.

Thomas Jefferson, Virginia’s most famous architectural mind, integrated arched windows in his designs at Monticello and the University of Virginia. His interpretation of Palladian architecture included Venetian windows (a central arched window flanked by two rectangular ones) and thermal windows (large, semi-circular windows) that drew from Roman precedents. Jefferson’s use of arched windows was both aesthetic and symbolic—an architectural assertion of Enlightenment ideals and republican virtue.

Greek Revival and Gothic Revival (1820s–1860s)

The Greek Revival movement, popular in Virginia from the 1820s through the Civil War, emphasized strong, rectangular forms and classical columns. Arched windows became less common in this period, with architects favoring pedimented frames and simple, rectangular openings. However, elliptical fanlights continued to adorn doorways, subtly maintaining the arched motif.

In contrast, Gothic Revival architecture reintroduced the pointed Gothic arch to Virginian architecture. Churches, in particular, embraced this style, with pointed arch windows filled with stained glass. The use of Gothic arches conveyed verticality, spirituality, and historical continuity. Examples include St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Richmond and the Chapel at the University of Virginia, both of which feature lancet windows and tracery consistent with the Gothic Revival aesthetic. Unlike the classical round or elliptical arches, the Gothic arch is defined by its pointed apex, lending a different emotional and visual character—one more dramatic and evocative.

Victorian and Eclectic Styles (1870s–1910s)

In the late 19th century, the architectural landscape of Virginia diversified. Victorian styles, including Queen Anne, Romanesque Revival, and Second Empire, used a rich vocabulary of window forms. Arched windows were common but varied greatly in form and context.

Romanesque Revival buildings, such as the Old Post Office in Richmond, featured heavy stone arches with rounded tops and deeply recessed windows. These semi-circular arches conveyed strength and permanence. Meanwhile, Queen Anne homes might include arched windows in tower elements or as decorative gables, often with stained or leaded glass.

In this period, technological advancements in glass production and steel allowed for larger and more elaborate windows. The use of segmental, elliptical, and full-round arches became more decorative than structural, signaling the increasing role of aesthetics in residential and civic architecture.

Colonial Revival and Neoclassical Styles (1890s–1940s)

Colonial Revival architecture looked back to the Georgian and Federal periods for inspiration. As such, arched fanlights and Palladian windows reappeared in Virginia homes and public buildings. These forms were not mere copies but idealized reinterpretations, often with exaggerated proportions and decorative glass. For example, the Virginia Executive Mansion, remodeled in the early 20th century, includes numerous fanlight-style windows that evoke the state’s colonial heritage.

Neoclassical styles of the early 20th century, especially those used in banks, courthouses, and universities, often incorporated large, symmetrical arched windows to convey grandeur and civic virtue. The domed rotunda of the University of Virginia continued to inspire buildings across the state.

Modernism and Minimalism (1940s–1970s)

With the rise of Modernist architecture, arched windows became rare. Modernism emphasized function, simplicity, and new materials, favoring large rectangular panes and curtain walls. However, exceptions existed—especially in ecclesiastical architecture—where arched windows retained symbolic and aesthetic value.

Some mid-century modern homes and buildings incorporated abstracted versions of arched windows, often in the form of curved rooflines or minimalist, half-round clerestory windows. These nods to historical forms were subtle and reinterpreted within the modern vocabulary.

Postmodernism and New Urbanism (1980s–2000s)

Postmodern architecture allowed for the reintroduction of historical elements with a sense of irony or playfulness. Arched windows returned in exaggerated or stylized forms, often detached from their traditional contexts. In Virginia, suburban developments and public buildings adopted elements like oversized Palladian windows or rounded porticoes, mixing styles in eclectic combinations.

New Urbanism, which gained traction in the 1990s and 2000s, sought to revive traditional urban forms. In places like Reston and parts of Alexandria, arched windows appeared in buildings that mirrored early 20th-century styles, aiming to create walkable, historically resonant neighborhoods.

Contemporary and Sustainable Architecture (2010s–2025)

In the 21st century, architecture in Virginia reflects a blend of tradition and innovation. Rounded windows are used selectively to add softness to otherwise rectilinear forms. In luxury homes, arched transoms and elliptical overlights are often included to enhance natural lighting and evoke classical elegance.

In commercial and institutional architecture, designers sometimes employ large elliptical or circular windows as focal points, drawing on both classical and modern precedents. Sustainable design principles have also led to new interpretations of arched windows that maximize passive solar gain and energy efficiency.

Contemporary churches and cultural centers in Virginia occasionally revisit the Gothic arch, integrating pointed windows in a sleek, minimalist style that blends spirituality with modern sensibilities.

Arched windows across Virginian architecture serve as a visual and symbolic link across centuries of changing styles. The classical round and elliptical forms of the Georgian, Federal, and Colonial Revival periods communicate balance, order, and refinement. The Gothic arch, by contrast, is dynamic and emotive, typically associated with spiritual and ecclesiastical structures.

While early uses of arched windows were often structural as well as decorative, later periods employed them more for stylistic effect. Materials have shifted from hand-blown glass and wood to steel, aluminum, and high-performance glazing.

The variations—fanlights, Venetian windows, thermal windows, lancet arches, elliptical transoms—all tell stories of cultural aspiration, technological advancement, and aesthetic evolution. Whether in a rural plantation house, a downtown courthouse, or a sustainable modern home, these windows reflect Virginia’s layered architectural identity.

From the early colonial settlements to contemporary designs, arched and rounded windows have remained a consistent yet evolving element in Virginia’s architectural tapestry. Their forms—be they half-round overlights, Gothic arches, or elliptical windows—embody both continuity and change. In comparing these styles over more than five centuries, we observe not just architectural trends but broader cultural values, from Enlightenment rationalism to modern ecological consciousness. The story of Virginia’s arched windows is, ultimately, a story of adaptation, innovation, and enduring beauty.

@gepetto.millworks
Gepetto craftsmen remade the exterior arc & historically accurate replacement windows on the Black History Museum in Jackson Ward. Originally fabricated in a time where construction was done by many hands sharing the work creative solutions like making a window to fit the arc of the exterior wall was a common practice 'in the trades'. Today, you'll need to turn to me and my team of trained craftsmen to make new windows that last another 200 years. If you are seeing complex overlight arcs or exterior bowed windows and wondering how to match give me a call at 804.938.2094 to chat about #historicrestoration #historicpreservation #Woodenwindows #historicvirginia
♬ original sound - Gepettomillworks

Virginia Window Restorers

Historic Replica Windows Made to Order

Southeast US Window Rehabilitation

Wooden Window Fabrication

Bowed Windows Made in Virginia

by Gepetto Millworks | May 13, 2025 | Architectural Millwork, Wooden Windows

Round, Arc, Gothic Arch, and Bowed Windows Handcrafted in Virginia:

When it comes to bespoke architectural woodwork, Gepetto Millworks stands at the pinnacle of craftsmanship in Virginia. Specializing in historically accurate, handcrafted windows, our artisans are trusted by preservationists, architects, and homeowners alike. Among our most requested products are our round, arc, Gothic arch, and bowed windows—each style offering a unique aesthetic and functional value. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of a fully round window, the graceful curvature of an arc or bowed window, or the soaring lines of a Gothic arch, Gepetto Millworks captures the essence of historic Virginia architecture.

Round Windows: Architectural Focal Points Throughout the Centuries

Round windows have served as distinctive focal points in architecture throughout Virginia’s history. At Gepetto Millworks, our craftsmen meticulously re-create round windows to match the historic build style and quality ranging from small porthole-style accents to large oculi that dominate gable ends and facades in many prominant buildings. Fully round windows were especially popular during the Georgian and Federal periods as symbols of harmony and balance. The round, arc and elipsis windows appear above entryways or in pediments as focal features. In Victorian homes, especially in Queen Anne and Romanesque Revival styles, round windows added a touch of whimsy and light to stairwells, turrets, and attics.

If your historic Victorian home has a turret, the windows were likely crafted to fit, the exact outward arc to match the circumfrense of the turret. Gepetto’s craftsmen are specifically trained to reproduce the quality construction that has lasted a hundred years by using the highest quality sapele utilizing traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery true to the period. If you’re not familiar with Sapele it’s a similar wood to mahogony which comes from Africa, instead of South America. Sapele lumber is a hardwood sourced from the Entandrophragma cylindricum tree, native to Africa. It’s often used as a substitute for mahogany, especially South American mahogany, due to its similar appearance and properties. Sapele is known for its rich reddish-brown color, which can darken with age, and its natural luster. The grain can be interlocked, creating beautiful figures like ribbon, quilted, and pommele. Most important for windows, Sapele and Mahogany are used as they machine very straight, and have a high resistance to rot from absorbed water. The new choice for stabilized and rot resistant wood stock is called Accoya – read about the treatment of Acetylation for wood.

Arc Windows: Graceful Curves for Historic Spaces

Arc windows feature a curved top with straight sides. Often featured in church buildings, estate homes, and public structures across Virginia, arc windows bring an understated elegance like a flower at the top of a stem. In historic Virginia architecture, arc windows made their appearance during the late Federal and early Victorian periods as craftsmen were called on to fabricate the more elaborate designs of architects. Especially prevalent in Southern plantation homes, often installed above doors, you’re subtly familiar with their placement but as you start to google for a contractor to repair or replace them, you’ll find that it’s nearly a lost art! Not to worry, Gepetto’s staff are trained and experienced in the mathematical proportions, and the tooling needed to producing these complex shapes to exactly match your historic window. At Gepetto Millworks, our arc windows are handcrafted to match. We replicate traditional molding profiles, sash styles, and muntin patterns while integrating modern glazing technology.

Gothic Arch Windows: A Testament to Virginia’s Ecclesiastical and Romantic Heritage

Gothic arch windows are instantly recognizable by their pointed arches and narrow vertical proportions. Found in churches, academic buildings, and large estates, these windows are emblematic of the Gothic Revival movement. The Gothic Revival architectural movement in the United States swept into Virginia, occurred in the building furvor from approximately 1840 to 1880. Crafting a Gothic arch window requires immense skill and precision. Gepetto Millworks artisans sculpt each piece from premium hardwood, ensuring the pointed apex is structurally sound and visually perfect. These windows often feature intricate tracery and divided lights, requiring a high degree of technical craftsmanship that the shop at Gepetto keeps alive. Our Gothic arch windows grace both restorations of Virginia’s historic churches and modern homes that seek to incorporate classical drama. Whether you are restoring a cathedral in Richmond or adding a Gothic-inspired touch to a custom estate in Charlottesville, Gepetto’s windows are your go-to source.

Bowed Windows: The Victorian Love Affair with Curves

Bowed windows curve outward from a building’s facade, often found in Victorian homes, especially those with turrets and bay extensions. In Virginia, these outwardly bowed windows became especially fashionable during the mid to late 1800s as urban and rural homeowners sought to display their wealth and architectural savvy through the new homes they were building with the most intricate or ornate results. Bowed windows require a mastery of compound curves and precision framing. Gepetto Millworks brings over three decades of experience crafting bowed windows that seamlessly fit into historic turret structures in wood or stone. Our team works closely with architects and homeowners to ensure the curvature and mullion spacing complements the building’s scale and period for an exact match.

Each bowed window is assembled by hand using traditional joinery methods and features high-performance glazing for durability and energy efficiency. Our craftsmen have recreated bowed windows for homes in Alexandria, Norfolk, and Staunton—preserving the distinctive Victorian charm of their turrets and facades.

Federal Period Elipsis Overlights: A Distinctive Accent of Historic Virginia

Elliptical overlights—also known as fanlights—were a hallmark of the Federal period, providing natural light and architectural refinement above entry doors. In Virginia, these elipsis-shaped windows were often adorned with intricate muntin patterns and flanked by sidelights. Gepetto Millworks specializes in accurately recreating these elliptical overlights using historical blueprints, archival photos, or surviving fragments. Our reproductions have graced the doorways of plantation homes in Williamsburg, townhouses in Fredericksburg, and government buildings in Richmond. Using custom bending forms and precision-cut jigs, our artisans handcraft each elliptical frame, fitting it with period-correct glazing and mullion patterns. We also offer restoration services for damaged or incomplete overlights, ensuring these iconic features endure for future generations.

What sets Gepetto Millworks apart in Virginia’s landscape of historic window craftsmen is our relentless attention to detail and commitment to authenticity. Every round, arc, Gothic arch, and bowed window is a testament to our passion for historical accuracy and our dedication to artisanal woodworking. We collaborate with historical societies, preservation commissions, and homeowners who want their architectural features to reflect the period styles of Virginia’s diverse architectural heritage. From the coastal Georgian mansions of the Tidewater region to the highland estates of the Shenandoah Valley, Gepetto Millworks is proud to be the trusted name for period-specific window design and fabrication.

Our craftsmen utilize time-honored techniques:

Mortise-and-tenon joinery
Hand-carved moldings
Custom-milled sash profiles
Historically accurate glass lites and muntins
Fine finishing using natural oils and historically accurate paint
Each window is more than a product; it is a legacy piece that honors the architectural lineage of Virginia.

Monticello Region: In Charlottesville, a late-Federal style estate required a full set of elliptical overlights and arc windows. Gepetto Millworks used historic blueprints and archival photos to reconstruct each window, earning praise from the local historical society.

Downtown Richmond: A restored Gothic Revival church needed over a dozen custom Gothic arch windows, including tracery patterns unique to the building. Our craftsmen worked on-site to ensure a seamless fit and aesthetic harmony.

Norfolk Victorian Mansion: This turreted Victorian home received a full bowed window rebuild, fabricated in our workshop and installed with precision to preserve its dramatic street-facing curve.

Fredericksburg Federal Home: Damaged elliptical overlights were restored to their former glory, complete with fan muntins and clear restoration glass.

Architectural Continuity and Innovation

While our windows reflect historic aesthetics, they also meet modern performance standards. All Gepetto Millworks products are available with insulated glazing units, low-E glass, and weather-sealing. We believe that preserving Virginia’s architectural history should not come at the cost of energy efficiency. Our design team works in AutoCAD and Revit for precision planning, and we offer full shop drawings for complete sizing, fit, and approval for client visualization. Blending of old-world craft and modern technology makes Gepetto Millworks a leader in both restoration and new construction projects. From conceptual design through installation, Gepetto Millworks offers a collaborative and professional approach. Our window specialists consult on site-specific challenges, whether it’s ensuring a bowed window maintains the correct radius or replicating a Gothic arch to meet preservation board standards.

We welcome:

Homeowners restoring historic properties
Architects designing period-sensitive new builds
Contractors managing adaptive reuse projects
Preservationists requiring documentation and authenticity

Craftsmanship Rooted in Virginia History

Round, arc, Gothic arch, and bowed windows have each played a defining role in Virginia’s architectural evolution. At Gepetto Millworks, we honor that legacy with handcrafted windows built to exacting standards. Whether you’re restoring a Federal period home with elliptical overlights, adding a bowed window to a turreted Victorian, or installing a fully round window as a dramatic focal point, our team are Virginia natives that live in and pass by the history that has made us each day. Call Matt direct at 804.938.2097 to schedule your project into the pipeline. Reach out today to bring historical accuracy and artisanal detail to your project.

bowed victorian turret historic window supplier VA

custom made to fit bowed turret windows VA