Are Your Window Treatments Secretly Dating Your Home?

Hello Decor Friends—

Let’s talk window treatments. They’re one of those finishing touches that quietly shape how a room feels, but when they’re outdated, they can instantly date an otherwise beautiful space. The good news? Updating your window treatments doesn’t have to mean a full overhaul. A few smart swaps can make your home feel lighter, fresher, and more current. Here are three window treatments that feel past their prime—and what to replace them with instead.

1. Heavy, Dark Drapes

Once upon a time, thick, floor-to-ceiling drapes in deep colors were the gold standard for “formal” rooms. Today, they often feel too heavy and can block precious natural light. If your room feels dark or weighed down, these could be the culprit.

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Designer Tip

Try lighter, more relaxed panels in linen or linen-blend fabrics. Soft neutrals, warm whites, or subtle textures instantly brighten a space while still providing privacy. Hang them high and wide to make your windows feel larger and your ceilings taller. The overall effect is effortless, airy, and timeless—exactly the mood many of us are craving.

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2. Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds had their moment, especially in the ’90s and early 2000s, but now they tend to feel noisy (visually and literally) and a bit impersonal. They can also make a home feel more office-like than cozy.

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Designer Tip

Woven wood shades or modern roller shades are a wonderful upgrade. Woven shades add warmth and texture—think natural fibers that bring in a touch of organic charm. Roller shades, on the other hand, are sleek and minimal, perfect for a more modern or transitional home. Both options are clean, functional, and far more inviting than their vertical predecessors.

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3. Overly Fussy Valances

Swags, jabots, and heavily patterned valances can overpower a window and steal attention from the rest of the room. They often feel busy and can lock you into a very specific (and dated) style.

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Designer Tip

Consider skipping a valance altogether and letting the window breathe. If you love a finished look, opt for a tailored cornice or a simple fabric band in a solid or subtle pattern. Even a clean Roman shade can provide structure without the fuss. The goal is polish, not perfection—something that complements your space rather than competing with it.

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Window treatments may not be the first thing you think to update, but they truly make a difference. Swapping out dated styles for lighter, simpler, and more intentional options can transform how your home feels—often with less effort than you’d expect. 

Until next time, happy decorating, friends.

~Tatum