Winter Trends in Window Fashions
If you're looking to get with the times with new window treatments this winter, you may have to go back a couple of decades. Over the past ten years, we've seen a real movement towards minimalist decorating schemes; simple and affordable roman blinds, wooden shutters and neutral drapery were the most sought after looks. But the minimalists are now being outdone by the bold '80s that are back in a big way, bringing with them looks that feature elaborately fringed and tasseled draperies and rich, opulent valances that will take centre stage in your home.
When thinking back to the style of the '80s, one of the first fabrics that come to mind is velvet. Thick, richly-coloured and interesting to the touch, velvet is one of the top fabrics in this winter's window treatment trends. One of the best things about velvet is the way that it catches light; a thickly-gathered drape of velvet will appear to have darker and lighter tones depending on how the light touches each pleat. This illusion will give your space depth and interest in ways that cotton drapes just can't. To get the best look, buy enough fabric to cover three times the length of your window and evenly gather it on to your rod.
If you are looking to maximize light, you are likely looking for sheers to complete your window treatment. Just because they're light doesn't mean that they can't be dramatic, and this season's top sheers are all about drama and texture. Bold colors such as cocoa and smoke are emerging on top, and top designers are often creating unique two-tone sheer palettes for their window treatments. Sheers are also evolving and moving far from the overly frilly or boring polyester ones that you have known in the past; look for gossamer sheers for subtle iridescence or even subtle texture in the form of interwoven materials and printed patterns.
An interesting way to make your window treatment bolder is to introduce a fun pattern. Whimsical and animalistic patterns (think feathers or zebra strips) are leading the way this season and can be introduced in to nearly any home décor scheme. When searching for a bold pattern for your treatments, don't be afraid to mix colors and patterns that already have a place in your home. The best home decorating works together as a whole as opposed to having everything match. To learn about mixing patterns, check out fabric stores for books full of designer-inspired palates that mix patterns, colors and textures expertly and take note of what you like.
If you're someone who isn't ready to commit to thick and bold window treatments, feel free to explore this season's '80s theme with your hardware. On drapes, choose grommeted tops over tabbed to have your décor give a nod to the decade inspiring the hottest trends without leaving your comfort zone. The best hardware this winter is creative and bold. Rods and tie-backs are made from materials such as metal, wood and glass and have a jewellery-like essence to them.
When planning your new window treatments this winter, keep the words bold and opulent in mind and you can't go wrong.