11 Window Treatment Trends That Are Out In 2026

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Choosing the right type of window treatment, whether that's curtains, drapes, or shades, can completely transform the look of your home. That being said, the wrong choice can also do major damage to your desired aesthetic. It's easy to get swept up in trends as they pop up across social media feeds, but it's important to research whether a certain design choice is already on its way out.

From fabrics to specific curtain lengths, there are more than a few window treatment trends that are out of style in 2026. As trends shift more toward organic, laid-back looks, highly-styled and overly-coordinated window treatments are starting to feel dated. Instead, designers are leaning into simple, understated choices that feel intentional without looking too polished or predictable. It's a delicate balance between making a space look chic but not overdone. If you're searching for stylish window treatment ideas for your space, avoid these options to keep your home looking current.

Curtains with frilly features like ruffles are no longer in style. They make the room feel unnecessarily fussy when a cleaner, simpler treatment looks more refined. Unless you live in a palace, overly ornamented, heavy drapery will likely not match your aesthetics. This is especially true with elaborate features like big valances or tie-back tassels that are more suitable for stately mansions and period properties.

Alternatively, you can opt for curtains that have visible texture like pleating or subtle woven patterns, which is a more understated alternative to frills and ruffles. When it comes to valances, Jennifer Jones, founder of Niche Interiors, explained to Real Simple, "Instead of hiding the drapery rod, use coordinating rings for a more contemporary look." Curtains can also be secured out of the way with less ornate methods. For example, designs like this LOPGT Set of Vintage Curtain Holdbacks are made to be functional while adding subtle detail. Or, for a sleek option, use simple tiebacks like Rforeply RFORPLY Leather Curtain Ropes. 

Speaking of heavy drapery, super-thick window treatments can weigh down your interior. "Stiff drapery that resembles a quilt more than a curtain really kills the vibe of the lived-in, collected, and inviting space that everyone is going for today," Ellie Stein, founder of Stein Studio Interior Design, told Real Simple. So, curtains and shades should add texture in a light, delicate way. However, this doesn't mean they have to be sheer or flimsy.

If you want curtains that properly block light and have a decent weight to them, look for fabrics with a rich, dimensional finish rather than simply choosing the thickest material available. Cotton, wool blends, and opaque linen fabrics can give a window a luxurious sense of depth while still feeling modern and relaxed. Medium-weight options, like these Blackout Shield Linen Total Blackout Curtains, are functional without looking too heavy.

In 2026, it's time to get the length right. Curtains that hover just below the window frame look amateurish. They can also make the entire room look awkwardly unfinished. If you've spent the time to curate the rest of your interior, don't let short curtains ruin the visual balance of the space. Aim for a clean, intentional drape that ends just about the floor. This will create a polished look that's designer-approved.

There are a few expert ways to find the perfect curtain length for your space. The first step is deciding how high you want to hang them. Rather than mounting your rod just above your window, you can visually heighten your walls by hanging them about halfway between the top of your window frame and the ceiling From that point, measure the distance to just above the floor to determine what length of panels you should buy. Don't forget that your hanging mechanism, be it a rod pocket, pinch pleat, or ring top, will also affect the overall length.

Vertical blinds have been out for a while, and they are one of the clearest signs that a room needs updating. Heavy aluminum vertical blinds in particular can make a space feel more like a decades-old office than a home. Not only will they date a room, but they are also prone to breaking and getting jammed. Although individual panels can be replaced, it can be super frustrating if your blinds are not rotating correctly or if one broken blind is impeding the entire mechanism from sliding smoothly.

Luckily, there are plenty of modern alternatives to your outdated vertical blinds. Look for options like cordless pleated Roman shades that have similar functionality without the hassle. These are often 100% blackout, eliminating unwanted light while giving you the convenience of a cordless design. They're also more user-friendly and have a clean, streamlined appearance that won't make a large window feel dated or overly utilitarian. 

Many are still hanging curtains on built-in grommets. These metal features were once popular for their convenience and ease of installation, but now they have a mass-produced, out-of-date look."Design is trending more subtle and organic, and grommets are definitely the opposite of that," designer Allison Handler explained to Apartment Therapy.

Even if you can't get rid of your curtain rod and install a track, there are still more luxe options to replace grommet curtains. Rod pockets are one popular option, although they can be finicky when opening and closing. Drapery rings are one of the most versatile options, as they can be hooked onto pinch pleated or ripple folded curtains. You can also purchase subtle clips in a range of finishes. Although grommets usually come in silver, these clips can look more traditional or modern depending on the color and style. For example, a brass finish can give curtains a more traditional, timeless feel, while matte black tends to look more modern and streamlined. 

Although curtains are a design feature, they also need to be functional. Light, breezy curtains might look pretty, but if they don't block any light, they can leave the impression that they're there just for show. Currently, stylish interiors are all about striking an organic balance of style and function. Elements that look purely ornamental are no longer appealing to many designers.

If you love the look of sheer curtains, there are some options that won't sacrifice function. First, consider layering sheer curtains with a more substantial choice. Double curtain rods allow you to create different looks and natural light levels throughout the day. This combination also gives your windows a fuller, more finished appearance than a single layer of fabric. For example, this Hradecti Heavy Duty Double Curtain Rod is adjustable and comes in multiple finishes depending on your style.

Honeycomb shades look as if they were chosen purely for practicality. Also known as cellular shades, the cells trap air and help regulate indoor temperature. Although they offer good insulation, they also lack the visual interest of more stylish window treatments. Madelaine Mayer, founder and principal designer of AD:ROIT, told The Spruce, "Visually, they appear busy without being interesting, lending a 'dorm room' rather than 'dining room' aesthetic." 

So, the trick is striking a balance between practicality and personality. Luckily, honeycomb shades aren't the only functional option — there's a sleeker, insulated alternative. Certain roller blinds don't have the retro honeycomb appearance, but still offer thermal insulation and blackout options. The result is a window treatment that keeps the room comfortable without making the windows look overly utilitarian. For example, these TWODRAPES Cordless Blackout Roller Shades are meant to mimic the look of natural linen shades, with added weight for practicality.  

Puddle drapery can be dramatic, but it definitely has its drawbacks. "Once a symbol of luxury, drapery panels that excessively puddle on the floor are now outdated. They attract dirt and dust and can be tripping hazards," Mayer explained to The Spruce. While puddling curtains might be preferable to curtains that are too short, there's a happy medium between a dramatic puddle and a perfectly hemmed curtain.

You may wonder if your curtains should touch the floor at all now. For a soft and casual look, opt for a break puddle that prevents excessive fabric from dragging across the ground. This subtle approach adds just an inch or so of extra length, creating a slight break. Or, for more contemporary spaces, float the bottoms of curtains about ¼ of an inch above the floor. 

Curtains tied with little ribbons or bows might look charming at first glance, but designers are starting to warn against overly cutesy window treatments. Emily LaMarque, founder and principal designer of Emily LaMarque Design Studio, explained to The Spruce, "These frumpy styles are definitely outdated. Overly decorative or ornate draperies feel pointless and excessive with all of the current drapery options available."

However, there are a few ways to add fun accessories to your window treatments without sacrificing a modern look. "You can also add trim and tapes to dress up the drapery if you need something with a bit more detail and oomph," LaMarque noted. This ribbon-like accent can be added as a border to the inside (or both) edges of your panels to customize their look. Use a soft, on-trend option like Little Lane Lace's Embroidery Trim to add texture to neutral curtains. Or, go with an upholstery trim that contrasts with your panel for a bolder look. 

It's crucial to consider how the fabric of your curtains can affect the overall quality of a space. If you've invested in quality furniture and decor, your curtains should complement that investment rather than cheapen the overall effect. When it comes to these high-sheen options, Eve Jean, the founder of Style My Space Design, told The Spruce, "They distract from the space and can feel cheap rather than luxe." As part of the greater lean into quiet luxury, shiny, polyester fabrics are being traded for more natural textiles like cotton or linen that create a softer look. 

Luckily, there are tons of options and price points available when it comes to natural window treatments. For example, these well-reviewed Jowels Natural Linen Curtains cost well under $50 and come in a variety of sizes. If room darkening is a concern, there are budget-friendly options like these MIULEE 100% Blackout Linen Curtains that are praised by buyers for their price and quality. 

Controlling light is one of the main functions of window treatments. However, you shouldn't sacrifice your room's aesthetics to do so. Mini blinds have a stark, harsh feel that's the complete opposite of the soft, textural options that are on-trend. Interior designer Emily LaMarque told The Spruce, "While blinds were once a very functional light-filtering option, there are so many other options that look tailored, elegant, and beautiful or even almost disappear when you want them to."

To combine form and function, use a combination of treatments. For example, a blackout shade combined with medium-weight curtains allows you to tone down the daylight when you want and completely darken the space when you need to. If you love the look of woven bamboo shades, flank the window with blackout curtains that you can pull shut when you need total darkness.