Everyone Had Them In The '90s: The Curtain Trend Making A 2026 Comeback

There's something to admire about the coziness of 1990s interiors. Neutral color schemes made spaces feel comfortable, layered fabrics added warmth and texture to a space, and oversized furniture all collided together to make a home truly feel lived in. And as nostalgia decor gains more popularity in recent years and "cozymaxxing" continues to reign inside homes, it makes sense that you'll start seeing more '90s inspiration on vision boards and designer trend forecasts for 2026. Such is the case with a once-popular window treatment: pelmets. For many designers, this is the darling detail that's on their radar for this year. "I think of pelmets as the icing on the cake, amplifying the mood of a room's decor, whether it's a full look with swags and tails," Interior designer James Mackie explains in an interview with Homes & Gardens.

Pelmets are decorative structures that are installed above windows to conceal curtain rods and other hardware.There are different types of pelmets, including soft and solid box pelmets. Soft pelmets often featured upholstered fabric details that hang above the curtain track, while solid pelmets feature a simple boxed structure. In traditional homes, you might recognize these borders paired with opulent, cascading curtains with matching patterns. The trend for sweet and playful pelmets makes a lot of sense, given the shift away from overly tonal, polished, and minimalistic spaces. Instead, designers have caught on to spaces that are layered with texture and rooms that feel lived-in and collected. Pelmet window treatments are the perfect balance of elegance and whimsy, and — with a few modern updates — can elevate any space with comfort and character today.

Pelmets add softness, texture, and visual intrigue to a space, elevating its character. But how you style them is important, too. How do you choose the right type and style of pelmet curtains — and how do you discern if it'll work for the space and avoid dating it? For starters, pelmets can work in all types of rooms: whether adorning a foyer, lining living room windows, or used as a charming detail in bathrooms. As for deciding on the type of pelmet, consider the overall aesthetic landscape of the space. Meaning, choosing whether you want a soft pelmet, which is more traditional and feminine, found in an English country-style aesthetic, or a box pelmet, which blends seamlessly into a contemporary space for a more polished, simple look. Layering can instantly elevate a pelmet window treatment, so consider employing different textures, patterns, and fabrics for an intentional and collected feel.

As for the types of patterns to consider, think about incorporating era-specific designs to maximize coziness in a space. Chintz, for example, is a glaze-textured cotton fabric from India that was used heavily during the 1990s, often in floral motifs. Regardless of fabric type, incorporating floral patterns in a pelmet is a tasteful nod to the cozy era. That's especially the case when you mix modern and traditional elements, like incorporating fun, bright colors in your living room, small-scale wallpaper that complements your pelmet design, and a matching set of sculptural, urn-style lamps.