Designers are pushing homeowners to rethink outdated curtain styles that can cheapen or unbalance a room’s aesthetic. The trends considered passé include grommet-style curtains, ornate valances, short drapery, exposed hardware, bland neutrals, and lack of trim or layering. These elements are seen as either mass-produced, dated, or simply insufficient in modern design.
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The Problem With Grommet-Style Curtains
Grommet-style curtains, featuring metal rings, are considered basic and lack refinement. Interior designer Cortney McClure suggests opting for tailored headers like pleats or ripple folds instead. These styles create a more luxurious feel, improving livability and softness. While functional, grommets offer little in the way of sophisticated style.
Ornate Valances Feel Heavy and Dated
Ornate valances, once common in traditional homes, now appear heavy and outdated. Designer Danielle Chiprut recommends pinch pleats or tailored panels in natural fabrics like linen or velvet to add elegance without the bulk. Layering curtains with woven shades or sheers can also add texture without the dated look of a traditional valance.
Short Curtains Create Imbalance
Short curtains that float above the floor create an unfinished and imbalanced aesthetic. Designer Candace Plotz stresses the importance of custom drapery to ensure exact measurements. Ready-made panels rarely fit perfectly, and precise tailoring elevates the design and craftsmanship beyond mass-produced options.
Exposed Hardware Distracts From Drapery
Exposed curtain hardware is best suited for industrial or urban spaces, but generally, designers prefer to hide or minimize it. McClure suggests rod-pocket drapes or pleated panels with adjustable back tabs to keep the focus on the curtains themselves.
Neutrals Lack Impact
Neutral-toned curtains, though safe, are seen as a missed opportunity. Designers urge homeowners to embrace bold patterns, textures, and trim to tie a room together. McClure believes that pops of color and print can be just as impactful as calm neutrals. Chiprut notes that curtains should enhance a room, not compete with it.
No Trim or Layers Makes Windows Flat
Curtains without trim or layering lack depth and customization. Designers say that custom trim, whether contrasting or subtle fringe, elevates design. Layering sheer panels with blackout curtains or adding woven shades underneath adds texture and dimension. The consensus among designers is to measure carefully before making any purchases.
Ultimately, modern window treatments prioritize tailored fit, refined materials, and intentional design choices. The goal is to create a finished, balanced look that enhances the room’s aesthetic instead of detracting from it.
