Why Updating Your Window Treatments Is Important

“Window treatments are a part of the home that is often considered last, and that can be a mistake as they can play a huge factor in a design scheme,” says Adam Skalman, VP of brand experiences at The Shade Store. If you're making updates to your home's interiors, just moved into a new space, or simply need more light filtering, Skalman suggests updating your window coverings.

“I like to think of window treatments as ‘dressings’ because that’s exactly what they are,” says Samantha Stathis Lynch, interior designer and founder of Samantha Ware Designs. “They dress up your windows, which can often feel like empty black holes, especially at night, and turn them into something show-stopping.”

While window treatment trends come and go, that doesn’t mean you should view this investment as a fleeting one. “Window treatments are important, but they completely transform the space, so don’t underestimate their power—it’s worth the cost,” Lynch says.

Josh Grubbs

1. Trade Tulip Shades for Flowy Curtains and Subtle Patterns

Weidenbaum says flat drapery is out, and full drapery is in, as people are leaning toward richer looks with more dimension and movement. "Full, dramatic curtains with puddled hems and decorative pleats are very popular, adding a sense of luxury and softness," she says. Looks with more refined finishes and subtle, custom touches are growing in popularity.

“Box pleats and French pleats can offer a luxurious and tailored look, but they can also carry a perception of being stiff and stuffy,” Skalman says. “Today, for window treatments that convey a sense of luxury, homeowners are more often opting for diaphanous, billowy fabrics and rich, soft materials with a lot of give.” Lynch says more pared-down details like simple pinch pleats can be a good match for subtle patterns like soft plaids and dainty florals.

Victoria Pearson

2. Swap Shutters for Sleek Roman Shades

“There’s a time and place for shutters, but they have their limitations in regards to letting in light and furniture placement,” Lynch says. For window coverings that block out light but can be pulled up or away to let in plenty of sunlight when preferred, look to traditional fabric window covering styles with blackout liners. “Single or double pinch-pleat drapes and Roman shades are timeless classics that never go out of style,” Lynch says.

Tria Giovan

3. Ditch Drapes That Aren’t the Right Length

Instead of prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach to your window coverings, take them on a case-by-case basis, swapping styles and lengths depending on the location and type of window. Say no to drapes that go from the top of a window to a counter. For applications like this, Lynch says a shade or a café curtain is a must.

"Café curtains are back to stay, and in the best way possible," Weidenbaum says. "They bring warmth and a dose of elevated design while still feeling timeless." She says these curtains brings charm and character to the room, whether they're in a kitchen, bathroom, or sitting area. Keep the look cohesive by maintaining consistent window treatment fabrics and hardware throughout the space.

Marc Mauldin

4. Replace Flimsy Blinds with Wood Ones

“I love that people are moving away from thin, flimsy blinds,” Skalman says. “You know, the kind that come with the home from the previous owner or that can be found in a rental.” Updating these generic window coverings can be as simple as opting for “tasteful rollers,” as Skalman describes them, or simply a thicker wood options that come in a range of finishes. (If you're looking for a thicker wood option, he recommends a two inch width.)

Julie Soefer

5. Trade Woven Shades for Bamboo Blinds

“This might be controversial but we’re seeing a break from woven shades and an uptick in chik blinds,” Lynch says. Weidenbaum agrees, saying thin bamboo shades offer a more elevated and uniform look than traditional woven woods.

To create a fresh look, Lynch says not to be afraid to mix and match patterns and colors. Layering a bamboo chik blind and drapes in coordinating textiles can result in a beautifully appointed window. 

John Bessler

6. Switch Out Decorative Valences for Layered Modern Drapery

While Skalman says window treatment layering continues to be in fashion, the approach has changed over the past few decades. “Before, you might see decorating elements like cornices and valences anchoring layers of sheer drapery and opaque drapery in a sturdy material,” he explains. Weidenbaum adds to this, saying layering is currently popular for functionality, not just aesthetics.

But, as Lynch prescribes above, layering these days is taking a decidedly more minimalistic approach. "People want versatility," Weidenbaum says. "[They want] the ability to let light in during the day and achieve full privacy or blackout conditions at nighttime." Skalman says this can work particularly well when you opt for a drapery to soften the modern and sleek look of solar or blackout shades.