We sometimes include affiliate links and curated AI content to highlight top design styles.
Window treatments play a significant role in the overall look and feel of a room, but certain choices can easily date your space. From outdated vertical blinds to heavy, clunky curtains, some window treatments have lost their appeal over time. With the right updates, you can breathe new life into your decor without major renovations. Let’s take a look at the common window treatment mistakes to avoid and explore modern alternatives that will keep your home looking fresh and stylish.
Stuck in the ’80s with Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds, a popular choice in the ’80s, often give a room a dated, stiff look that can feel heavy and overly formal. The long, static slats can make the room feel more closed off rather than open and inviting. Instead, opt for sleek horizontal blinds, elegant drapes, or roller shades to give your windows a modern, fresh appearance.
Ruffled Valances That Age Your Space
Ruffled valances have a distinctly old-fashioned feel, often making the room look overly ornate and tired. These treatments can add unnecessary bulk and clutter, dating your space instantly. Swap them out for clean-lined, tailored valances or simple, minimalistic drapery to achieve a more contemporary, polished look.
Net Curtains That Obscure Style
Net curtains, while offering privacy, often block natural light and obscure the architectural beauty of the windows. Their delicate, outdated appearance can make the room feel more closed off than welcoming. Instead, try using light-filtering shades or sheer curtains that allow light to flow through while still maintaining privacy.
Overloading Windows with Too Many Layers
Having too many layers of window treatments can weigh down the space and make it feel cluttered and overly busy. The excess fabric can also block out natural light, creating a gloomy atmosphere. Simplify the look by using a single, elegant treatment such as streamlined curtains or a modern blind system that keeps the room airy and light.
Hanging Curtains Too Low
When curtains are hung too low, it can make the room feel smaller and disrupt the balance of the space. This mistake often results in a chopped-up look, especially if the curtains are too short. Hang curtains closer to the ceiling to give the room a sense of height, making the space appear larger and more spacious.
Tassel Tiebacks Tethered to the Past
Tassel tiebacks can give off an old-fashioned vibe, making a room feel stiff and overly formal. The ornate detailing can often feel too busy for modern spaces, dating the decor. Instead, consider simple, sleek tiebacks or let the curtains hang freely for a more minimalist approach that complements a contemporary look.
Oversized Swag Curtains Weighing Down Your Decor
Oversized swag curtains, with their voluminous and draping style, can make a room feel heavy and dated. They draw attention away from the window’s architectural features and can be overwhelming in a modern setting. Instead, opt for clean, tailored window treatments that add elegance without competing with the rest of the room’s decor.
Stuck with Out-of-Style Colors
Pale pinks and similar soft pastel hues can quickly make a space look outdated, especially when used for window treatments. The soft tones may clash with current color trends and make the space feel overly dated. Choose neutral or richer tones, such as gray, navy, or earthy shades, for a more versatile and modern approach.
Cheap Plastic Blinds That Cheapen Your Room
Plastic blinds can make a room look cheap and impersonal, giving off a utilitarian, budget-friendly vibe. Their rigid, clunky design does not fit in with a refined or modern aesthetic. Instead, opt for wood, faux wood, or metal blinds that provide a more sophisticated look and a polished finish to your space.
Covering Up Architectural Features of Windows
Covering up unique architectural window features, such as arched frames or detailed moldings, can hide the character and beauty of a room. This not only takes away from the design but also makes the room feel less customized. Let these features shine by using treatments that frame the windows without blocking the architectural elements, such as simple curtains or sheers.
Overusing Sheer Curtains Everywhere
Sheer curtains are light and airy, but when used too frequently throughout a room, they can lack the depth and dimension needed to create a balanced look. They may also offer little privacy or light control, which can make spaces feel incomplete. Use sheer curtains strategically to add softness without overwhelming the space, pairing them with heavier curtains or blinds when needed for function.
Clashing Patterns at the Window
Mixing too many different patterns for your room, especially bold prints and florals, can overwhelm the room and create a chaotic feel. The conflicting designs can clash with the rest of the decor, making the space feel disorganized. Stick to a cohesive pattern or solid color scheme for the window treatments, or choose a subtle pattern that complements the rest of the room.
Neglecting to Update Old Hardware
Old, mismatched curtain rods or hooks can make a space look neglected and dated, even if the rest of the room is updated. The hardware can detract from the style of the curtains or blinds, disrupting the overall design. Replace outdated hardware with sleek, modern options that complement your window treatments and create a cohesive, polished look.
Fabrics that Fade Easily
Fabrics that fade quickly under the sun can leave your window treatments looking worn and faded, taking away from the overall aesthetic. This can also make your space appear less cared for and outdated. Choose high-quality fabrics or UV-resistant materials that stand up to the elements and maintain their vibrancy over time.
Clunky Cornice Boards Crowding Windows
Cornice boards, especially bulky, outdated ones, can make windows feel smaller and boxed in, taking away from the openness of the room. Their heavy design often adds visual clutter, making the space feel cramped. Opt for a more streamlined, modern approach with simple valances, blinds, or shades that open up the space without crowding the windows.
