Window treatments don’t always need to be challenging or costly, but if you overlook the style of your windows entirely, you miss an opportunity to add a unique flair to your home. The view will be bare, and that area of the house might feel somewhat empty.
Technology has advanced to the point that homeowners have access to an extensive selection of modern window treatments, like blinds, curtains, and panels. Whether you’re new to window treatments or you’re looking for a unique concept that complements your home, this article will introduce five trending ideas that can make any window a focal point of the room.
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1. Organic Materials
Organic materials have made their way into everything from food, to fashion. These materials also work well with a number of interior design concepts.
Bamboo, for example, is excellent for decorative window hardware. Blinds that feature wood grains and naturally woven shades are popular, as well. Deb Barrett, trend researcher for Grace McNamara, Inc., states that maple and birch are popular materials for pulls and finials.
Natural, woven shades come in several colors. Matchstick and bamboo are the two most popular materials for organic woven shades. They allow diffused light to enter the home, and you can see what’s happening outside without there being an open window. It’s a practical option for people who want a view but value privacy.
2. Silk Paneling
Some of the nation’s biggest names in home décor are sporting silk products in their stores: Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn and Smith+Noble—to name a few. Soft to the touch and pleasing to the eye, silk can immediately transform a bland room into one of luxury.
Silk is a bit more expensive than other panel options, but it’s the appearance that you’re paying for. Silk might not be right for every home, but in certain family- and bedrooms, there’s no better option. Silk panels come in several designs, including mono-color, embroidered and plaid.
3. Bold Prints
Bold prints are in. Bright patterns can wake up a dull room, and there are endless prints to choose among. Popular options include floral patterns, stripes and graphic geometry.
4. Green Design
Green designs can help people deal with allergies, and they repel cold and heat better than other materials. Honeycomb shades, for example, are the perfect combination of technology and nature. They are made of spun polyester and shaped like a bee’s honeycomb. This design helps block wind without obstructing much view.
Other fabrics are going “green” with anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. Some materials are mold- and mildew-resistant, all without hurting the environment or the home inhabitants.
5. Tech Meets Luxury
Luxury spending on home-tech goods is growing in the United States. Although baby boomers spend the most on luxury home items, younger generations are starting to buy in, too. With more money in the industry, there are more options for people who want to upgrade their home’s technology.
Today, home automation has made it possible for you to truly become the master of your domicile. With the push of a few buttons, you can control light switches, central air and doors. Many homeowners are taking advantage of automated window blinds. From any room or from the comfort of your couch, you can open, shut and slide your blinds to your liking.
Don’t Forget About Installing Quality Windows
Window treatments can do a lot for your home’s interior, but a low-quality window might still look unattractive. Consider installing fiberglass windows, or if it’s in the budget, install bay or bow windows for a wider view.
There are plenty of options out there, and what works for one room might not work for another.
Author Bio:
Paul Kazlov is a “green” home modeling enthusiast that understands the importance of going green. Paul writes for the Global Home Blog and strives to educate people about “green” products such as metal roofing and solar. Follow him on Twitter @PaulKazlov.
