The Most Popular Types of Window Treatments—and How to Tell the Difference Between Each (2024)

Cellular Shades

Cellular shades have been popular for quite some time, which is largely in part to their versatility. "You can go all the way from sheer fabrics to full blackout for bedroom applications," says Rachel Hyslop, director of channel marketing at Springs Window Fashions. "They're something I think can go into just about any type of décor style—and we find that a lot of people layer with cellular shades."

They're particularly popular among homeowners in the Midwest and Northeast. "That honeycomb design naturally lends itself to insulating windows and keeping homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer," says Hyslop. "And it just has a nice kind of crisp, clean linear look."

Roller Shades

If you're looking for a unique option, the roller shade is essentially one continuous piece of fabric. "A lot of customers might see roller shades and think of the old vinyl roller shades that their grandparents had," says Hyslop. But this treatment style is far from a thing of the past. "The fabrics have become more designer-oriented—bolder prints, interesting texture (even velvety velour)—versus that kind of old-fashioned vinyl," she says.

Solar Shades

A more modern, eco-friendly version of the roller panel is the solar panel. The treatment is popular on the country's west and southern coasts, where there tends to be warmer temperatures and larger windows—which is often what follows when you have a coastal view. "People want to let the light into their home, but they also want to know that they're getting protection from UV rays and other things that could damage floors or furniture," says Hyslop.

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Natural Shades

The variety of textures and tones that natural shades offer is a major lure for homeowners, catering to those with casual, eclectic, refined, or colorful styles. "Natural shades give an incredible texture to the room, and I think that's part of why they've been trending," says Hyslop. "Some of the natural fabrics almost have a true fabric feel, and we've been innovating—bringing in yarn and softer materials to blend in with the grasses and the bamboos, but also metallic threads and patterns."

If you're considering natural shades for your home, consider pairing them with a liner for a blackout application in bedrooms. However, if it's in a more sun-soaked area, such as a living room or kitchen, ditch the liner for light filtering.

Drapes

Drapes are back in a big way, but they have been completely reinvented. "We see consumers gravitating towards cornices that are more linear or straight, and just looking at simple side panels," says Hyslop. While form may be rather minimalistic, homeowners are playing things up with patterns and even color-blocking.

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Pleated Shades

Pleated shades may seem outdated, but they've also experienced a renaissance. "Part of that is just the fabrics—coming up with textural, printed fabrics, things that feel more modern and up-to-date," says Hyslop. One of Graber's newest best sellers is a 2-inch pleated shade, called Debonair, which comes in a neutral, tweed-like texture and is proportioned for slightly larger windows, says Hyslop.

Wood and Faux Wood Blinds

Wood window treatments are a great way to complement a rustic farmhouse or mid-century modern look. On a budget? Faux wood is a solid alternative. "Ten years ago, it was simply just an extruded PVC slat, but there's been a lot of innovation around printing on that slat and wrapping the slat to make it look as much like real wood as possible—and I feel like we're at a point where some of the printed faux woods are just looking incredibly real," says Hyslop.

Shutters

You simply can't go wrong with a classic. "Shutters have a traditional look, but I think they're still strong," says Hyslop. While often spotted in coastal and colonial-style homes, they're also quite popular down south. "I'd say that particular product sells more in the Southeast, in homes with a more traditional style of décor," she says.

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Roman Shades

No matter the look you are trying to achieve, roman shades are a versatile option that work with a range of home décor styles. "A Roman shade, depending on the fabric or style that you choose—and whether it's looped or flat—can skew very traditional or it can also skew a little bit more modern and casual," says Hyslop.