Colour and design trends (including window trends) go on and off the world over faster than ever, and some of them are not even accepted by all segments of the population. However, seeing what is in and out provides us with a greater variety to create windows that reflect our personal style.
For that reason, there is never ONE universally applied style. What is crucial is for you to balance between the trends and your core staples to ensure an enduring style and longevity.
To stay up to date with window treatment trends it is advisable to work with trendy and reputable window treatments stores or designers that will be able to update you on what is popular and what is a thing of the past.
This is why our interior decorators at Prestige Decor go through continuous training and stay up to date with the window treatment industry on a continuous basis.
For several seasons, bohemian chic prevailed and inspired décor with influences from India and the Mediterranean.
Now, there is a shift towards Asia while animal prints, alongside Afro-centric tribal looks, are still going strong.
In addition, the 2015 window treatment trends have a dash of drama and a pinch of ambiance. Without further ado, here are the 10 trendy window treatment ideas for you to experiment on!
Drapery returns and is packed with great benefits, from character and personality to warmth and insulation. Moving from stationery panels to top treatments and functioning draperies, they make a room look fresh, so you’ll see plenty of drapery treatments in the top 10 list!
1. Shades (Roman style)
This thorough and simple traditional look gives you the flexibility to decide on the amount of light in your house. In addition, you also get the much-wanted luxury of privacy. Roman shades have the unique ability to render a classic design with a looped or teardrop style.
For those who prefer to add a trendier and more contemporary flair to their room, flat Roman shades are ideal. They are very functional, you can have them done in hundreds of thousands of fabrics, and they are affordable.
2. Dramatic Curtains
Dramatic sweeping drapes create a magnificent waterfall effect as they hang loosely from curtain rods.
They are particularly impressive on floor-to-ceiling windows and breathe a generous, inviting atmosphere into your home. They make an excellent centrepiece for your guests to focus on and be overwhelmed with awe.
With today’s availability of stunning drapery hardware pieces and the popularity of fabric stores you can make your windows into a piece of art and really make your home stand out. There are also many drapery styles to choose from which enable you to bring out your favourite style in your windows.
3. Sheer Drapes
Sheer curtains soften the room with their free-spirited and gentle figure. They are usually made of semi-transparent, thin materials and are full of mixed colours and rainbow hues that blend with the natural light so beautifully, enhancing practically every living space.
The great thing about sheer curtains is that they are fully functional, they are less expensive than drapes, and they keep the sunlight out of your home. Consequently, this eliminates sun damage to flooring, furniture and other accessories in your home.
Sheer curtains are becoming more and more popular in condos as they are a great alternative to vertical blinds.
4. Bamboo, Natural Woven Shades, & Matchstick Blinds
The dominant window treatments in the past were streamlined and had sharp appearances. However, there is a return for more rustic and organic looks, with bamboo, natural woven shades (e.g. marble looks), and matchstick blinds being the most popular options. Who can blame them? They are not only eco-friendly but also have sustainable designs that amaze.
It’s hardly unlikely you could say no to them this year (and probably many years to come!)
5. Valances
Valances are charismatic and charming on their own as a standalone, covering the uppermost part of the window with magnificent fabrics. They usually come in stunning styles of Ascot, Balloon, and Swag.
Whether you choose the triangular shapes (ascot), rounded edge (balloon style), or swag, when you complement your variances with large pieces of window treatment options, curtains, and shutters, the outcome is just divine.
6. Luxurious Fabrics
This year, you have every right to want to feel royal. Decorate your windows with lush fabrics, such as damasks, silks, suede, leather, velvet or even fur.
Make sure you add some lavish embellishments, sparkling beaded tassels, and glowing crystals on the trimmings, hardware, and fabric of your window(s) and enjoy a palace-like environment.
7. Silk Curtains
Although we step into a more costly window treatment trend, silk is definitely one of the most luxurious and sought-after window fabrics of the 21st century.
Due to its natural shine, incredible soft touch, and gentle texture, having silk panels in your home will instantly illuminate the space. Silk drapery panels do not wrinkle and look great in all types of styles.
We personally love the puddle look when it comes to silk drapery panels, as it really shows the curves the silk fabric naturally makes. However, keeping your panels a 1/4 inch off the floor is also very popular and helps keep the silk curtains cleaner compared to the puddle look where the silk curtains hand on the floor about 6-8 inches.
We do not suggest making your silk curtains just touch the floor because this breaks the natural flow of the silk and doesn’t look as good as keeping the curtains off the floor or having the puddle on the floor.
8. Large Patterns
In the past, the window treatment sector was ruled by delicate, small patterns. Recently, there has been an intense need for larger patterns.
The big winners of this year’s window treatment trends are large-scale patterns with bold geometric prints and bright (contemporary abstractions or subtly water-coloured) florals (minus the stems), reminiscence of older times.
Those with more traditional tastes absolutely love more generous patterns for the effect they have and the fact that they offer a focal point that is dramatic and youthful at the same time that no one can stop looking at!
9. Grosgrain Drapes
Grosgrain is a ribbed fabric made of rayon or silk that is closely woven and you can find it used as a ribbon detailing on drapes and blinds. Grosgrain has the amazing capacity to transform a simple drape completely, making it a real piece of art.
Grosgrain ribbons will certainly enhance your drapes’ design as they embrace them with dressmaker details and couture fabrications.
The great thing about grosgrain curtains is that they really help achieve that modern look and work well with contemporary interior decor as well. We wouldn’t suggest grosgrain drapery if you are going after a traditional look.
10. Jewel Tones & Ocean Hues for Colour
A room with ocean hues is the ideal environment for people who want to relax after a busy and tiring day.
With soothing and calming effects, ocean hues, alongside jewel tones, instil sophistication, just the right amount of drama and the luxury you want from a room. No wonder they are referred to as “the new red.”
Additional Tips to Make Your Windows Look Astonishing
Hardware, trims, and fabrics all help show the looks of windows. However, you may also want to give your windows an extra boost with
- Layered textures
- Simple, thematic treatments (e.g. Indian, hunting, fishing)
- Handcrafted designs
- Mixed styles, cultures, and times
- Nature-inspired treatments
- Lace
- Quilts, blankets, and tapestries as window treatments
YES, under-decorated minimalistic spaces are long gone, and layering is back (though more organic now), bringing along fabrics, colours, and textures that make a room feel lived in.
Moreover, we’re breaking free from the traditional stationary panels and decorative rods, embracing functional drapes in various widths instead. For that soft, whimsical look, blend colours and opacities, experiment with overlays, and achieve perfection with ease!
Now that you have taken a sneak peek at the top 10 window treatment trends that dominated 2015, you can take the bits and pieces that best represent who you are and what you want your house to give out.
Feel free to create your very own personalized style, and if you stumble over obstacles on the way, don’t worry…we are always there with the best and most creative ideas to make your house your earthy paradise!