New Ideas for Window Treatments

Bamboo and Organic Materials

Organic materials, such as bamboo, wood, and even woven grass, are making a reappearance as texture-rich blinds and shades. They cast a warm, dabbled light effect across the room during the daytime. As an added bonus, such materials are also very affordable.

Luxury Fabrics

Another popular trend in window treatments is the use of luxury fabrics such as rich velvets, damasks, and brocades. These lush fabrics are often imported from European countries and accented with fringe, tassels, or beads. From long velvet panels to gathered shades, luxury fabrics will add a rich feel to any room.

Decorative Window Hardware

Remember those plain aluminum drapery rods? They've been banished to the garage and the basement. The current trend in window treatments is to use stylish rods made of metal or wood with decorative finials for added adornment. Drapery rings have also come into their own, with wooden and metal versions available to match all the newest finishes.

Silk Panels

According to Pottery Barn's design team, sleek silk panels in a variety of vibrant and rich colors, such as scarlet, eggplant, and emerald, are a major new trend in window treatments. Commonly paired with sheers in a neutral color, the soft, flowing fabric adds class and style to any window. Silk panels can be used either as stationery side panels or as traversing draperies.

Bold Prints

Another new idea for window treatments is the use of bold patterns and prints. According to window treatment retailer Smith+Noble, colorful flowers and stripes are fashionable fabrics for shades, valances, and drapes. These exciting patterns will give any room a cheerful, youthful look.

Green Design

Designers and consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the impact of harvesting various design materials on the environment. Green design is a popular new trend which can also be applied to window treatments. For example, renewable materials like bamboo and grassy reeds are often used to create wonderful window shades. Another green idea is to use energy-saving window treatments which help to control the amount of heat exchange through the windows.

Other New Ideas for Window Treatments

Other trends for windows include: the modern, sleek lines of Roman shades; velvet and grosgrain ribbons to update traditional Venetian blinds; and high-tech drapes and blinds that operate via remote control.