Only '80s Kids Will Remember This Window Covering Style

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If you grew up in the 1980s, there are likely a few different home design styles that instantly transport you back to that period. From bright, primary colors to wicker furniture and glass block detailing, certain interior design choices come loaded with 1980s nostalgia. And one great example is the jabot curtain. This drapery trend is defined by two vertical curtains (or one folded piece of fabric) that frame either side of the window. They are for purely decorative use because they can't actually be drawn across the glass. After the grounded natural materials of the 1970s, jabot curtains became popular in the '80s because of their bold, frilled design, originally named after a flouncy neckwear from the 1800s. 

Since these curtains don't block the whole window, they were mainly used in the '80s as a statement piece, allowing the homeowner to decorate with curtains in a dramatic, eye-catching way. As such, many examples of jabot curtains from the 1980s feature the striking, floral chintz patterns that were popular in that era. To add to the drama of this '80s home decor trend, the folded nature of jabots allows both the front and back of the fabric to be visible. This was often used to add extra drama by placing contrasting fabrics on either side. For example, a 1980s jabot curtain style might feature a bright, floral pattern on the front and a solid-colored one on the back, allowing the natural pleats to really stand out. If you are an '80s kid who remembers this window covering style, you may be pining after the nostalgia it evokes. If so, let's explore how jabot curtains might be reintroduced into modern design schemes.

One of the biggest giveaways that a specific design choice is from the 1980s is the pattern. Large patterns with bright colors and over-the-top themes are a clear sign that something has been lifted straight out of that decade gone by. So, if you're interested in modernizing the jabot curtain style in your own home, the first thing you probably want to explore is choosing a more up-to-date fabric. For example, you could opt for a neutral color in a sleek satin fabric. This will allow the jabot to blend in with the rest of the space as a delicate detail that draws attention to the window, rather than an oppressive statement piece that dominates the whole space. Alternatively, you could go for a fabric in a color that is particularly on trend — such as light blue, natural green, or a sweet pink peach shade – to help blend the retro feel of the jabot style with a fresh, modern color palette.

Another way you may be able to bring this '80s curtain look into the present day is by tying it to an interior design style that is particularly popular these days. For example, you could enhance a cottagecore aesthetic with some lacy, sheer jabot curtains that lean into the coastal grandmother decor trend. Or, you could channel the "Japandi" style by opting for jabot curtains in natural materials such as linen and a simpler fold than the classic 1980s frill.