We Asked Designers Which Window Treatments Are Out in 2026—These Made the List

If lighting is the jewelry of a home, window treatments are the dress—whether it’s velvet curtains evoking luxury or sheer curtains creating airiness. However, they are just as susceptible to the ebb and flow of design trends as any other décor.

While fleeting trends don’t need to dictate your style, they can offer inspiration — especially if you’re looking to refresh your home in the new year. So as the year comes to a close, which window treatments will shine and which will fade from the spotlight?

Ahead, designers share five window treatments they want to leave in 2025 (vinyl blinds, you’re out!)—along with what they hope to see more of instead.

Vinyl Blinds

Vinyl blinds—whether mini, vertical, or built in between glass window panes—can become an eyesore with their plasticky white appearance.

“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,” says interior designer Emily LaMarque.

Instead, LaMarque prefers a more layered approach for 2026, using shades and drapes in tandem.

“[It’s] an excellent way to elevate a room aesthetically and make your window treatments multifunctional,” she says. “Shades and drapes hung together frame a window, emphasize (or hide) the view outside, and they create softness and visual layers within the space.”

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Honeycomb Shades

While honeycomb shades—also known as cellular shades—offer privacy, they block more light than sheer shades or drapes. Plus, they aren’t the most design-forward.

“Visually, they appear busy without being interesting, lending a ‘dorm room’ rather than ‘dining room’ aesthetic,” says Madelaine Mayer, founder and principal of AD:ROIT.

Her favorite alternatives?

“For sheer functionality, I prefer a simple roller shade; for textural richness, a woven wood shade; and for blackout functionality, a stylish patterned Roman shade,” Mayer says.

Cafe Curtains

With the rise of cottagecore aesthetics, cafe curtains have gained popularity in recent years. However, LaMarque finds that it’s tricky to make them appear fresh.

“Short curtains often look dated and dowdy rather than feeling elegant, chic or intentional, especially if they are done in fussy fabrics like lace or statement florals,” LaMarque explains.

Instead, she prefers options like Roman shades for 2026, which can evoke the same romantic look.

“Whether the room calls for a simple linen shade, a vibrant printed fabric shade with decorative tapes and trims, or a shade crafted from natural woven material, there is literally a fabric and style for nearly every space,” LaMarque says.

Puddle Drapery

Extra long curtains that puddle onto the floor are often used to create an elegant, opulent look. However, they aren’t always the most practical.

“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 says. “A more contemporary aesthetic stops drapery panels one-fourth of an inch above the floor.”

Tie or Ribbon Tops

Curtains with tie or ribbon tops can be a fun detail in the right space—but often, they end up feeling out of place.

“These frumpy styles are definitely outdated,” LaMarque says. “Overly decorative or ornate draperies feel pointless and excessive with all of the current drapery options available.”

If you still like interesting details on your window treatments, LaMarque suggests tailored draperies with European pinch pleats.

“You can also add trim and tapes to dress up the drapery if you need something with a bit more detail and oomph,” she notes.