10 Top Window Treatment Trends

Window treatments often turn into a design challenge or major investment, but let's face it: If you neglect your windows in favor of a different design focus, you'll be left with a bare view. Whether you find yourself in need of fresh window treatments, or are starting from scratch, we've gathered 10 trends to help you turn any window into your new favorite focal point.

One of the most popular window treatments at manufacturer Smith+Noble is the natural woven shades in bamboo and matchstick. Cindy O'Reilly, product development manager for Smith+Noble, has them in her home. "They let in diffused light, so I can see what's going on outside, but it's not just an open window, so I have some privacy," she says, "I think it works in so many different environments."

We've seen white paired with black or navy. O'Reilly says blue is becoming the new "red" in the window treatment industry, with a variety of ocean hues in teal, aquamarine and soft green. Soft lavender and gray, dusty hues round out the soothing part of this palette. Persimmon, orange and gold will be popular jewel tones, while brown continues to dominate. "[Brown] has been, and continues to be, the new basic," says O'Reilly.

Luxury fabrics key in this category are silks, velvets, damasks, fur, leather and suede, according to Grace McNamara Inc. While the overall design trend leans toward simplicity, this trend will remain popular with those who desire embellishment and luxury. Linda Henry, editor-in-chief of Window Fashions magazine, says this trend includes "sparkling crystal, beaded tassels and lavish embellishments on every element of the window — hardware, trimmings and fabric."