4 Outdated Window Treatments That Are Secretly Aging Your Home, Designers Say
It's time to close the curtains on these styles.
If you haven't thought about the state of your window treatments in, well, over a decade, it might be time to give them a once-over (...and possibly a refresh). Many once-popular styles are now perceived as quite dated—and are likely making your home dated as well. Here, three designers reveal four window treatment styles that could be aging the look of your interiors.
Meet Our Expert
- Jennifer Jones, founder of Niche Interiors
- Jody Jones, founder of Blue Indigo Designs
- Ellie Stein, founder of Stein Studio Interior Design
Anything Too Ornate
Designers agree that window treatments with ultra-ornate features can look too dated quickly. "Heavy swags, either on a cornice or a roman shade, can instantly date a window treatment back to the '80s," says Ellie Stein, the founder of Stein Studio Interior Design. "And speaking of the '80s, I also always opt out of tie-back tassels and other heavy excess of ornamentation."
Finally, skip the oversized valences, too, which are "the worst offender of all," says Jennifer Jones, founder of Niche Interiors. "Instead of hiding the drapery rod, use coordinating rings for a more contemporary look."
Heavy and Stiff Drapery
Opting for drapery fabric that is too heavy or stiff is another way to quickly date your window treatments, according to the pros. "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," Stein says.
Stein notes that the preferred contemporary aesthetic places an emphasis on material that is airy and breathable. Try something linen or a lightweight cotton, and call it a day.
Mini Blinds
If your home still features mini blinds from the 1980s or '90s, often made from aluminum, it's time to get rid of them, Jones advises. "Mini blinds not only look dated, but they also cheapen the look of your home," she says. Part ways with them and opt for something more current instead, like natural woven shades.
Anything Hung Improperly
Getting the length of your window treatments just right is also critical to ensure that they look current, designer Jody Jones shares, explaining that anything too short will immediately appear dated (unless you're going for the cafe curtain look). Her preferred setup is window treatments that just touch the floor.
Be sure to pay attention to width when installing your drapery, too, the founder of Blue Indigo Designs adds. She recommends installing curtain rods six inches above the window frame and then allowing the rod to extend out eight to 12 inches past the window trim on either side.
