10 Window Treatment Trends to Try Out in 2019

Window treatments may not take center stage when it comes to home décor, but look closely at your favorite interior design photos and you’ll find curtains and blinds are more essential than you even realized. Sheer styles add movement to an otherwise minimalist room. Velvet panels add texture and depth. Even blinds are making a stylish comeback in bamboo and other natural materials.

Window treatments, however, are not one-size-fits-all. Depending on the size, style, and atmosphere of your room, you’ll find some work better than others. The good news? We’re here to help. Read on for a list of window treatment basics and a closer look at our favorite trends for 2019.

Types of Window Treatments

Window treatments are broken down into four categories: drapes or curtains, blinds, shades, and valances. While all window treatments serve the purpose of privacy or blocking out sunlight, their aesthetics and installment vary, so it’s important to understand the differences before you shop.

Drapes

Drapes (or curtains, if you prefer) are most commonly made of fabric and designed to run the full length of your window or wall. Unlike blinds or shades that fit inside your window frame, drapes hang from a single rod installed above your window and come in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns, too.

white blinds

Blinds

Blinds fit inside your window frame and are distinguished by horizontal or vertical slats that open and close to let in a preferred amount of light. Inexpensive blinds are often made of plastic or vinyl, but modern designs feature eco-friendly, organic materials, such as woven wood or bamboo.

White window shade

Shades

Similar to blinds, window shades fit inside the window frame, but are made of a solid fabric sheet. While shades range from classic roller to roman styles, their functionality remains the same – they roll up to let in light.

Gray valance

Valances

Valances are decorative panels of fabric mounted above your window to conceal curtain rods, blind mechanisms, and other hanging hardware.

Window Treatment Materials

Window treatments come in a variety of materials and colors from organic wood to luxurious silk, making them an easy way to add texture to your space. In addition, they’re incredibly dynamic – accentuating styles from farmhouse to glam.

Woven wood blinds

Woven Wood

Woven wood window treatments are made from bamboo reeds, jute grass, or a combination of other natural materials. Gaining popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to fabric and plastic, woven wood also works well with a variety of styles from California cool to farmhouse chic.

Maroon silk curtains

Silk

The smooth, glossy finish of silk window treatments makes them a designer favorite for luxe, contemporary spaces. Typically lightweight, silk is fairly fluid and adds some movement to the room.

Purple velvet curtains

Velvet

From accent pillows to the runway, velvet is trending in home décor and beyond. Soft and somewhat glam, velvet window treatments add texture to a room without being over-the-top.

White linen curtains

Linen

Linen window treatments are eco-friendly and long-lasting, making them well-worth the investment. In addition to being lightweight, linen drapes easily and adds a crisp, clean feel to your space.

Patterned curtains

Patterned

Regardless of material, patterned curtains are a playful way to add depth to a room. Embroidered patterns add texture as well and are totally granny-chic. One word of advice? Pay attention to the size of your room when shopping patterned curtains to ensure they don’t overpower the rest of your décor.

Window Treatment Trends

If you’re looking for window treatment ideas that are here-and-now, read on. Curtains, blinds, and shades are incredibly versatile – think outside the box when adding them to your home décor. Here are some current trends and how to bring them into your favorite spaces.

Southwest chic bedroom with blackout curtains

Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains

Floor-to-ceiling curtain panels make a space feel larger by elongating the wall, and the look is oh-so-modern. Think about your curtains like a piece of wall art. Small curtains can look like an afterthought, while oversized curtains make a statement. Plus they’re ideal for sliding glass doors.

Sheer Styles

Why trade natural light for privacy when you can have both? Sheer curtains and shades let the sun shine in, even when closed. Plus they’re lightweight and can add a subtle pop of color to your room.

Serene blue bedroom with blinds and curtains

Layer Blinds & Curtains

You heard right: Layer your blinds and curtains for a look that is totally on-trend. We love woven wood shades with white drapes – it’s a super chic look for your bedroom, living room, or both. The contrast of color and texture is eye-catching, too.

Pastels

As with accent furniture and other home décor, pastels are trending for window treatments as well. We love soft blues and cheerful yellows. Go all-in pastel or mix-and-match with moody colors and metals – pastels are more dynamic than you might think.

Farmhouse kitchen with woven wood blinds

Woven Wood Shades

Woven wood shades are popping up in kitchens, dining rooms, and beyond as a fan-favorite in window treatments. The look features sleek lines and is natural, versatile, and works with home décor styles from farmhouse to scandinavian.

Jewel Tones & Metallic

Jewel tones, such as sapphire blue, amethyst purple, and turquoise, as well as metallic shades, are gaining popularity in the window treatment world. These colors work well with Bohemian style décor, but also up the sophistication of glam and transitional styles.

Curtains as a Focal Point

A well-positioned window in your bedroom or living area creates a dramatic focal point when framed with curtains. Use two panels to frame your headboard or the back of a sofa for a statement-making look.

Trim

Trimmed curtains, shades, and valances are stylish, playful, and add a whole lot of texture to your favorite room. We particularly love tasseled drapes throughout the house – use them to section off rooms or add some extra privacy to your favorite relaxation nook.

Maximalist office nook with window shade

Bold Prints

Patterned window treatments are nothing new (hello 1970s), but we like to think the prints of today are a bit more sophisticated. Try a bold print in an otherwise minimalist room or layer with other prints in a maximalist space.

Modern living room with charcoal curtains

Dark Neutrals

If you prefer neutrals but have grown tired of white, cream, and beige, try dark neutrals. Charcoal or slate window treatments are dramatic, modern, and super chic.

Window treatments have been around for centuries (and aren’t going anywhere soon), so give them a try in your own home. With multiple types, styles, and colors to choose from, you’re sure to find something that’s perfect for your space.

Shop window coverings for sale at Hayneedle

Next Steps

Get tips for how to pick window treatments
Explore more popular home design trends
Shop home decor for every room and style

10 Window Treatment Trends to Update Your Space