6 Window Treatment Trends That Are Going Out of Style (and What to Do Instead)

The right window treatments do far more than add privacy and shield your home from the harsh afternoon sun—but are yours outdated?

The right window treatments do far more than add privacy and shield your home from sun. They bring style, texture, and interest to your space, steeping your home in cozy comfort all with a personalized feel. “I like to think of window treatments as ‘dressings’ because that’s exactly what they are,” says Samantha Stathis Lynch, interior designer and founder of Samantha Ware Designs. “They dress up your windows, which can often feel like empty black holes, especially at night, and turn them into something show-stopping.”

But there is a right and wrong way to dress your windows. Avoiding window treatment trends that have gone out of fashion is certainly part of the equation, but starting off on the right foot is just as imperative. Knowing when and how to update your window coverings is key.

“Window treatments are a part of the home that is often considered last, and that can be a mistake as they can play a huge factor in a design scheme,” says Adam Skalman, VP of brand experiences at The Shade Store. If you’re making updates to your home’s interiors, just moved into a new space, or simply need more light filtering, Skalman suggests updating your window coverings.

While window treatment trends come and go, that doesn’t mean you should view this investment as a fleeting one. “Window treatments are important, but they completely transform the space, so don’t underestimate their power—it’s worth the cost,” Lynch says. To help you determine the best curtains or blinds for your space, Lynch and Skalman share the window covering trends that are going out of style—and what to choose instead.

Related: The 14 Best Places to Buy Curtains of 2024 for Every Room in Your Home

1. Trade Tulip Shades for Flowy Curtains and Subtle Patterns

Lynch says this beautiful but over-the-top look is on the way out. The overly ornate quality of the draping, Roman-style shade doesn’t fit the bill in 2024 and beyond—and Skalman agrees.

“Box pleats and French pleats can offer a luxurious and tailored look, but they can also carry a perception of being stiff and stuffy,” he says. “Today, for window treatments that convey a sense of luxury, homeowners are more often opting for diaphanous, billowy fabrics and rich, soft materials with a lot of give.” Lynch says more pared-down details like simple pinch pleats can be a good match for subtle patterns like soft plaids and dainty florals.

Related: 3 Common Curtain-Hanging Mistakes and How to Fix Them

2. Swap Shutters for Sleek Roman Shades

“There’s a time and place for shutters, but they have their limitations in regards to letting in light and furniture placement,” Lynch says. For window coverings that block out light but can be pulled up or away to let in plenty of sunlight when preferred, look to traditional fabric window covering styles with blackout liners. “Single or double pinch-pleat drapes and Roman shades are timeless classics that never go out of style,” Lynch says.

3. Ditch Drapes That Aren’t the Right Length

Instead of prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach to your window coverings, take them on a case-by-case basis, swapping styles and lengths depending on the location and type of window. Say no to drapes that go from the top of a window to a counter. For applications like this, Lynch says a shade or a cafe curtain is a must. Keep the look cohesive by maintaining consistent window treatment fabrics and hardware throughout the space.

Related: This Shower Curtain Trick Will Make Your Bathroom Feel Bigger in Just Minutes

4. Replace Flimsy Blinds with Wood Ones

“I love that people are moving away from thin, flimsy blinds,” Skalman says. “You know, the kind that come with the home from the previous owner or that can be found in a rental.” Updating these generic window coverings can be as simple as opting for “tasteful rollers,” as Skalman describes them, or simply a thicker wood options that come in a range of finishes. (If you’re looking for a thicker wood option, he recommends a two inch width.)

Related: The 10 Best Smart Blinds and Shades of 2024 That Are Stylish and Functional

5. Trade Woven Shades for Bamboo Blinds

“This might be controversial but we’re seeing a break from woven shades and an uptick in chik blinds,” Lynch says. To create a fresh look, the designer says not to be afraid to mix and match patterns and colors. Layering a bamboo chik blind and drapes in coordinating textiles can result in a beautifully appointed window.

Related: How to Clean Blinds to Remove Dust and Debris

6. Switch Out Decorative Valences for Layered Modern Drapery

While Skalman says window treatment layering continues to be in fashion, the approach has changed over the past few decades. “Before, you might see decorating elements like cornices and valences anchoring layers of sheer drapery and opaque drapery in a sturdy material,” he explains. But, as Lynch prescribes above, layering these days is taking a decidedly more minimalistic approach. Skalman says this can work particularly well when you opt for a drapery to soften the modern and sleek look of solar or blackout shades.