10 Trends Coming to a Window Near You

It's time your windows were introduced to the 21st century. Here are the latest trends in window treatments that will ensure your windows will be the best-dressed on the block.

Window treatments — often seen as a design challenge or major investment — will undoubtedly be part of your environs for some time to come (at least until the next major trend comes around). Let's face it: If you neglect your windows in favor of a different design focus, you'll be left with a bare view.

Today's grander homes feature larger windows in varying shapes and sizes. These supersized windows are the primary source of natural light in a room, an important design consideration. Window treatment designers who have minimal communication with window manufacturers have risen to this design challenge with panache.

Whether you find yourself in need of fresh window fashion, or just need to dress the windows in your first home, we've gathered 10 trends that will help you find the perfect style to turn any window into your new favorite focal point.

And when it comes time to measure and install these trends, try these helpful videos and how-tos from window treatment manufacturer Smith+Noble.

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Organic Materials
Next: Color
A resurgence in organic materials is literally bringing nature indoors. Exposed wood grain in blinds and natural woven shades are joining the ranks of bamboo as popular choices. Wood is making a comeback in decorative hardware, according to Deb Barrett, trend specialist for Grace McNamara Inc., while bamboo, birch and maple are the materials of choice for the newest finials and pulls.

One of the most popular window treatments at manufacturer Smith+Noble is the natural woven shades in bamboo and matchstick. These woven shades come in different colors of wood, and some include grassy woven accents. 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."

Photo provided by: Smith+Noble