So what are the current trends in window treatments? The key words are simplicity and minimalism with an emphasis on crisp, clean lines. Gone are the days of heavy draped effects using jabots and swags; tab curtains or gathered valances. If you are wondering if any type of valances are still in style this post will answer the question.
Not a lot has changed since I wrote this post in early 2012. Because it is so popular with my readers I thought I would add updates that reflect 2015 choices. You might also like to check out Choosing Drapery Hardware.
Layering
rather than contrasting ones work best when you want to layer
treatments. Any type of blind can be used under drapes for a layered look.
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| Layering drapes and Roman shade in bay window |
This is an interesting look with drapes and two romans with the outer printed one stationary I suspect. I am not a lover of the partial rod because it creates a chopped look and I never choose dark rods with light drapes because the rod becomes the dominant feature as it is above. You can purchase rods with elbows that allow you to span the width of a bay window. This is a much more finished look.
Pattern is hot
When
you look through new fabrics you are bound to notice that
textures and patterns abound. You can’t go wrong with geometric patterns,
trellis designs, large scale florals, bold colours, whimsical motifs
etc.
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| Geometric designs are always popular |
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| Stripes never go out of style |
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| Floral patterns on light backgrounds are very popular |
Banding
Vertical or horizontal banding is very popular and adds beautiful detailing and interest to any plain drape. You can add banding to good advantage if you want to add visual height or width to a space.
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| Vertical banding to match duvet |
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| Horizontal banding |
Lisa Ferguson via Houzz
Wider drapes
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| Visual width added by mounting drapes beyond the window frame |
Overall, drapes are getting longer and wider to accommodate the trend
to make windows appear larger in scale which is a trending look right now. Lush materials like velvet and silk add to this look.
Tone on tone
The
window treatments in the room below are simple, harmonious with the
walls, and allow the view and the room to shine. When deciding the colour of your drapes you should first consider the look/feel you want in your space. If you want restful, choose solid colour with texture and keep to the colour tones in the room.
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| Tone on tone draperies for a restful look |
Longer, looser pleats (5-6 inches)
While on a recent trip to Europe I noticed
that pleats are getting softer and longer to provide a more contemporary and less formal feel in a room. There are many different headings to choose from to get the look you want .
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| Longer pinch pleat |
retain their shape, maintaining a consistent appearance opened or
closed and hang beautifully.
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| Long looser pencil pleat |
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| Long inverted (back) pleat |
The inverted box pleat (back pleat), my personal favourite,
is a soft but tailored look for modern decor. It has been replacing
pinch pleat styles when a more clean contemporary feel is required. Lighter
colours and tone on tone add softness to home decor.
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| Inverted back pleat is contemporary and tidy |
Grommets have been around for a number of years and are definitely still in vogue. While some grommet drapes can look very informal, it is possible to have a more styled look too. The banded grommets below are a great example.
For grommets to look “lush” you need at least 7 or 8 folds at the top. That means purchasing two sets of ready made panels or have custom fully closing ones. .If you plan to open and close grommet panels daily be warned that you will spend a lot of time fiddling to adjust them so they hang nicely.
Updated Sheers
Yes, sheers are still popular, but they
are a world away from the fussy, frilly and lacy ones that the word
sheer brings to mind. The “new” sheers have subtle
iridescence and are interwoven with unexpected materials, or have
embossed or printed patterns or contemporary headings as in the room below.
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| Contemporary look in sheers |
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| Layered drapes over sheers with contemporary headings are still popular |
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| Printed/textured sheers add interesting light play |
Roman shades continue as a favourite for contemporary
homes. Who can resist their clean lines and the
options for amazing patterns? Because they are a flat construction the fabric needed is much less than full drapes. This allows you to upscale your fabric choice and make a real statement. I can’t say enough about Roman shades
because they are my personal favourite.
Their flat surfaces are almost picture like and work especially well in
kitchens, eating areas and bathrooms.
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| Roman shade with valance |
House Beautiful
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| A bold patterned Roman on patio doors |
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| A more traditional Roman with banding |
source
Metal Blinds Return
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| Metal blinds for lofts and contemporary spaces |
Woven Wood Shades
The trend to more eco-friendly materials has prodded this design aesthetic along. most are made from sustainable materials including: grasses, sisal, reeds or bamboo.
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| Woven wood blinds come in many colours |
Red River Interiors
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| Cellular shades offer great versatility |
RollerShades
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| Hunter Douglas patterned |
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| Modern and room darkening |
Roller blinds/shades are sleek, simple and very functional and economical as well. I can think of no other window treatment that solves as many problems as the roller blind:
- they fit into tight quarters;
- can be used as an inside or outside mount;
- look great layered in a more traditional style or stand alone;
- are available in a range of opacities from room darkening to almost sheer, and a range of colours;
- choose from plain, patterned or textured;
- are available in materials that are wipeable making them perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
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