Trends in Window Treatments

Window treatments provide privacy, let the sun in (or not), and help keep cold weather out. And they do all of this while dressing up your windows and making your rooms look formal and elegant, modern or romantic, or while making a whimsical or daring design statement. So what is popular in the world of window treatments? Freshome asked several interior designers and window treatment experts to share some of the trends in this area.

Roman and roller shades

These elegant Roman shades add texture to the space. Image: KhongkitWiriyachan / Getty Images

“Clean and simple is one of the biggest trends in window treatments, like combining treatments for coverage with simple side panels just to add that pop of color and texture to make a statement in the room,” says David Pulliam in Gotcha covered. “Traditional items like shutters and Roman shades are popular in many areas.” Pulliam says that roller and solar shades are some of the fastest growing products because they are now available in a variety of colors and transparencies.

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As for colors, Pulliam says that brown is still a staple color for treatments. “Blues, soft greens, lavenders, berries, and grays are popular, as are jewel tones in orange and gold,” he adds.

“Roman shades are classic and have the clean lines of modern interiors,” explains Carol Marcotte, lead designer for Form and function in Raleigh, North Carolina. And that is why they are also recommended by Carolina V. Gentry of Pulp Design Studies in Dallas, TX. “Top-down and bottom-down Roman shades are great for letting in light because they create privacy but let light in.” Gentry also likes the look of custom window treatments. “For a simple, clean look, use decorative trim on the edge of curtain panels or Roman shades,” advises Gentry.

“Roller shades are seeing a tremendous increase in popularity in our region,” says Jeff King, blind and blind specialist at The blind king in Fort Worth, TX. This sentiment is shared by Lyndsey Dianne, owner and operator of DianneDecor.com in Houston, TX. “The option of using curtains instead of blinds as the main window treatment is really popular right now, especially curtains made from woven natural fibers, like bamboo,” says Dianne. “The natural and neutral color of the tones combined with a white curtain is a lovely combination, especially if you like the modern style of decorating a farmhouse.”

Blinds and Blinds

Shutters can increase the energy efficiency of your home. Image: Robert Daly / Getty Images

Plantation shutters add character and elegance, and are very easy to operate. In addition to wood and synthetic wood shutters, you can choose options that are moisture resistant, light control and even insulated. However, the use of wooden shutters in high humidity areas is not recommended, while composite shutters can resist moisture damage, warping and staining.

Blinds are also available in a variety of materials and styles, including wood, faux wood with raised colors that look like real wood, and vinyl. Blinds can also be horizontal or vertical and wired, wireless or motorized.

Synthetic wood blinds may be a better option in the bathroom. Image: Pinopic / Getty Images

Hardware

The right hardware can tie the whole look together. Image: phototropic / Getty Images

While the window treatments themselves are important, the hardware can add another level of flair to the design. “The acrylic accents on the cuffs, ties and temples are huge right now,” says Gentry. Metal hardware is another popular trend, according to Pulliam. “It adds a simpler, more streamlined look to treatments,” he explains.

Technology

Motorized window treatments are convenient. Image: XiXinXing / Getty Images automated

Imagine being able to open and close the blinds while sitting on the couch, in another room, or even before entering the house. “Technology is now something to consider with your window treatments,” says Pulliam. “High-tech touches with home automation and motorization are on the rise due to their convenience and security.”

Motorized window treatments are also safer than cables. Image: Onzon / Shutterstock

And that’s why King says smart home automation and motorization isn’t the future, it’s happening now. “Wireless shades and shades are quickly becoming the standard because the cables are not safe for children and pets,” he explains. In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, between 1990 and 2015, there were 16,827 injuries related to window blinds among children under the age of six.

Dos and Don’ts of Choosing Window Treatments

Functionality is an important consideration. Image: Robert Kneschke / Shutterstock

Pulliam recommends choosing something that you like, rather than selecting something that is trending at the moment. “You’ll be the one watching it every day, so make sure it’s something you’ll enjoy,” he says. “Also, consider not just what the treatment looks like, but how it will work and meet your needs for the room.” Pulliam says this means you need to consider factors like privacy, light control, and isolation.

Combine window treatments to achieve the perfect look. Image: Irena Misevic / Shutterstock

“When choosing blinds, opt for a wider slat. Without mini blinds. Look for 2.5 ″ slats in your blinds to maximize view, light and ease of cleaning, ”King recommends. “Stay away from heavy curtains. They are not like at the moment and they are also difficult to automate and motorize ”.

This room is fresh and clean. Image: scovad / Getty Images

Marcotte advises consumers to consider organic and textural items like a woven or match blind. “These are lovely alone with or without lining (depending on privacy needs), but could also have a layer of drapes on top.” Add that neutral linen curtains are timeless. “They are classics and can be decorated over the years and have a more relaxing effect.” Another option are the curtains. “They come in a variety of subtle patterns now and they are not ‘your grandmother’s curtains.’ They can be stylish and still let in light where privacy and blackout are not necessary, ”says Marcotte.