In your home, there are dozens of design elements to sort out, from the color palette you use and types and placement of furnishings through to the style era you are inspired by, the functionality of each room and more. One thing that can provide a great focal point for every area of your home, yet which doesn’t typically get the attention it deserves, is the way windows are framed.
Whether you have old windows you want to hide, or you’re researching home window replacement options in Detroit, New York City, Los Angeles or another location and want to frame and show off the new glass, it’s important to choose window coverings that add the right look and feel to your home. To help you address this need in 2019, read on for some window treatment trends to consider.
Lots of Color
The interior design world is noticing a real return to color lately. In window treatments, after many years of concentration on basic whites and French grays, consumers are starting to opt for lots of color in their home, including in the way they frame their windows. Blue and ocean shades are one of the most requested palettes at the moment, with people interested in aquamarines, teals, soft greens and navy. Other colors having a revival include soft lavender, blush pink and other dusty hues, plus bright orange, gold, persimmon and other jeweled tones.
Contrasting color-blocked curtains are becoming a popular option, too, with a strong shade juxtaposed with a warm, neutral one for an interesting layered look. If you’d like to add more color to your window treatments but going all out makes you nervous, consider choosing a sheer fabric, so the shade is less saturated, or just add a bright trim to the edges of a more neutral drapery design.
Bold Prints
Another trend making its impact felt right now is bold print in window coverings. Patterns with punch are being seen on windows around the world, whether in roller blinds, curtains or other choices. They can be a key focal point for a room or complement other patterns in a space. Prints are coming out in everything from zig-zag and geometric options to tropical designs, florals and artwork-based creations. Bold stripes are also very popular.
Keep in mind that if there is a particular printed design you love that you have elsewhere in your home or have seen somewhere, you can now get it printed onto fabric for your own personalized creation. Modern technology has made this an easy (though not necessarily inexpensive) thing to do.
High-tech Options
Speaking of technology, with the growing trend in smart homes, it should come as no surprise that a top trend in window treatments happens to be high-tech products, such as smart blinds with motors controlled from any location via hubs that connect to smartphones and tablets. There are shades that will even integrate with other smart home appliances, such as Nest, Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Some will open and close on voice commands and even be programmed to open or close when a certain room temperature is reached.
Luxurious Fabrics and Special Details
Another trend to know about is the one for luxurious fabrics across windows. More and more people are opting for drapes made from fabrics such as silk, suede, velvet, leather and damask. Designers are also making more window coverings that add luxury and embellishment through hardware and trimmings; think beaded tassels or glittering crystals sewn on. In addition, dressmaker details like beading, lace, cording, ribbons and ruffles are becoming more the norm.
More Organic, Sustainable Materials
With people increasingly interested in buying organic, sustainable materials with a lighter footprint, it’s no wonder that in window treatments this is a trend now, too. In particular, natural woven blinds made from bamboo are currently popular. These go especially well with a laid-back, beach house style (and many other environments), and are nice and neutral to suit a variety of color schemes. Bamboo blinds block out plenty of light and add privacy but aren’t too heavy or imposing in a space.
Natural Textures and Looks
Similarly, the design trend for natural textures and looks is building momentum as people search for ways to give their home a grounded, earthy and even slightly rustic feel. Plantation shutters made from timber or the newer real wood venetian blinds are proving a hit with buyers. In addition, many people are opting for window coverings in earthy shades and tones, such as brown and taupe in dusty to dark hues, earthen-type grays and olive greens.