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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIn a May 2025 Apartment Therapy roundup, six design professionals pointed to eight window-treatment directions they expected to see more of: natural materials, expressive drapery, coordinated patterns, automation, selectively bare windows, layered treatments, warm-metal hardware, and curtains used beyond the window. These are designers’ observations and forecasts—not a measured survey of what homeowners bought or installed.
Window treatments affect more than a room’s appearance: the right choice can help address privacy, daylight, and how a space feels. The examples below reflect designer perspectives reported in 2025, rather than a ranking or technical assessment. The source article does not quantify market adoption, energy savings, sound reduction, or other performance claims.
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1. Natural materials and earthy colors
Warm, organic tones and wood-based treatments offer an alternative to the cooler look of some metal and plastic finishes. Christa Lynam, senior design manager of textiles and materials at Hunter Douglas, said, “Rich textures and warm, earthy hues enhance your space aesthetically and also promote a sense of calm and well-being.” That is her design perspective, not a measured finding about how occupants respond.
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Lynam pointed to Provenance Woven Wood Shades and Parkland Wood Blinds as examples. Parkland blinds can also be finished with decorative tapes. Consider these as illustrations of the direction, not as a claim that they are the only or best choices.
#1 Best Overall
- READY MADE: Set includes 2 BLACKOUT CURTAINS PANELS of 42" wide x 63" length with 6 grommets top each. Quality fabric without liner feels soft and heavy.
- SERVE WELL: Curtains impede 85%-99% light and UV rays(Dark color curtains work well). Noise-reducing, better TV viewing thanks to the innovative triple weave technology.
- ENERGY SMART: Triple weave blackout fabric balances room temperature by insulating against summer heat and winter chill. Protect your furniture, floors, and artwork from the ravages of the sun, the drapes will pay for themselves off over time.
- GOOD TO GO: Thread trimmed and wrinkle-free, ring (1.6-inch inner diameter) fits easily with standard curtain rods. All sets for you to put them up right away.
- EASY TO MAINTAIN: NICETOWN blackout curtains are made to last. Machine washable in cold water, tumble dry. Quick ironing or steam clean when needed. Visiting the NICETOWN store, find out your favorite curtains.
2. More expressive drapery
Trims, fringe, contrasting fabric, bold patterns, and varied fabric weights can make curtains a more prominent design feature. Louisville-based designer Amanda Jacobs expects continued experimentation: “I think we’ll continue to see more experimentation with patterns, textures, and bolder choices in fabric weight and design.”
For a practical starting point, decide whether the window treatment should be the room’s focal point or work alongside other strong elements. A dramatic fabric or trim can add character, but it also makes the treatment more visually dominant.
3. Shades and drapes coordinated with walls
Matching or coordinating window treatments with wallpaper can create a continuous, layered look. Los Angeles interior designer and Everhem founder Haley Weidenbaum said, “Designers are looking to create really cohesive, layered spaces, and matching or coordinating window treatments with wallpaper is such a great way to do that.” Jacobs likewise favors repeating a pattern across curtains and wallpaper.
Rank #2
- SET DETAILS: 2 charcoal gray curtains per package. Each panel measures 42 inch wide by 63 inch long with 6 silver metal grommets (1.6 inch inner diameter) on top, easy to install and slide.
- LIGHT BLOCKING: these bedroom curtains block out 98% sunlight and UV (darker color works better). Get you a good night sleep, afternoon nap and weekend lie-ins. Also protect furniture and carpet from the fading effects of the sun.
- QUALITY FABRIC: These thick living room curtains work well in noise reducing and privacy protection. Same solid color on both sides. The material feels soft with no chemical smell, safe for kids room and nursery room.
- ENERGY SAVING: these energy efficient curtains can reduce room heat and cold loss through window during winter and summer, help cut your energy bills.
- EASY CARE: these privacy drapes are machine washable below 86℉; Gentle cycle; Do not bleach; Tumble dry low; Warm iron.
Everhem’s Carly Kuhn collection is one cited example: its patterns were based on Kuhn’s wallpaper designs. Coordination need not mean an exact match; related color, scale, or motif can tie the surfaces together without making them identical.
4. Smart, motorized shades
Automated treatments were another direction highlighted by the designers. Scott Stephenson, Hunter Douglas senior director of product, global motorization, said, “We continue to see broader adoption of automated window treatments.” He also described perceived benefits: “There’s increasing awareness of the benefits of automation, including convenience, safety and security, comfort, and energy efficiency.”
Those are company-side observations and benefit claims, not independent adoption figures or quantified energy results. When considering motorization, focus on how you want the treatment to operate and whether automation suits the window and room; the 2025 article does not compare systems or specify performance.
Rank #3
- SIZE & MATERIAL:Set includes 2 panels blackout curtains（52" Wide by 84" Long). Each panel has 8 grommets.The interior diameter of hole is 1.6 inch.It's easy to hang. Curtains are made by quality faux linen.
- BLACKOUT CURTAINS: Thermal insulated blackout curtains could block 100% light out to darken your room completely.Suitable for late sleepers, shift workers, seniors, parents, students and computer operators to enhance their quality of sleep well during the day.
- TRIPE WEAVE TECHNOLOGY:We adopt tripe weave technology to make material. With the help of this technology, curtains could insulate the room from the heat and cold all the year, so that it will save energy. Also,curtains could reduce the noise to keep your room quiet. Blackout curtains could provide you a comfortable environment with privacy.
- CLASSIC HOME DECOR:Quality linen curtains could decorate your room into a vintage, gorgeous and luxurious style. It is available in 8 sizes to accommodate your bedroom, living room, den,etc.
- EASY CARE: If there are wrinkles when opening the packaging. Warm iron or steam iron and tumble dry at low temperatures if necessary. Don't use sharp things scratching curtains.Due to different screen display, the color of actual item may vary slightly from images.
5. Bare windows where the view—and privacy—allow
Some designers leave windows uncovered when the view is a defining feature. New York City-based designer Meagan Camp said, “Minimalism is trending — many clients are opting for no window treatments at all, especially in homes with expansive views.” In a Catskills project, her team used tinted glass instead of drapery while maintaining privacy.
A bare window is not automatically a private one. Suitability depends on the room, the window’s position, sightlines, and the glass itself. Film or tint may be worth considering, but check the privacy and daylight conditions for the specific window. The source article notes that bedrooms and bathrooms almost always benefit from some treatment.
6. Layering two treatments
Pairing a soft treatment with a shade or blind gives a window more than one visual and functional layer. Camp describes combining drapery with Roman shades or sheers to provide flexibility in privacy and light control. In her own home, she uses a decorative Roman shade over a roller shade.
Rank #4
- Pair Sold: Each package includes 2 panels of blackout curtains. Each panel measures 40"W x 63"L, with a pair measuring 80"W x 63"L. Each panel has 6 anti-rust silver grommets(1.6 inch inner diameter) which would fit most standard curtain rods
- Light Blocking: Our blackout curtains block 95% to 60% of light and UV, with darker colors up to 95% and medium shades at 80%. Even white color reduces light by 60%. Whether you need darkness for deep sleep in the bedroom or reduced glare for movie nights in the living room, these curtains deliver light blockage while enhancing your space's comfort and aesthetics
- High-Quality Material: Crafted from high-quality 225GSM polyester fabric, these curtains offer enhanced durability and elegant drape. The soft blackout material features triple-layer weaving technology, with a middle layer of black yarn for superior light blocking and privacy. Both sides feature the same refined color, ensuring a seamless look that elevates your home’s aesthetic with understated sophistication
- Energy Saving: The thermal-insulated fabric keeps heat out in summer and retains warmth in winter, reducing your reliance on AC/heating and lowering energy costs by up to 15%. They are perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, patios, villas and offices
- Easy Care: Machine washable in cold water. Tumble dry. Gentle cycle. Do not bleach. Quick ironing or steam cleaning at low temperature if needed
Camp also says fabric treatments can provide insulation and reduce noise, particularly in a city. The article offers no ratings or measurements for those effects, so treat them as possible benefits rather than guaranteed performance. For a layered setup, consider which element will handle privacy, which will manage daylight, and how the two will look together.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.7. Warm-metal hardware and sculptural details
Matte or brushed metals with warmer tones, including gold hues, are among the hardware finishes noted by designer Lori Weitzner, who consults for Hunter Douglas. Camp says brass remains strong in interiors. Weitzner also noted that white hardware can work with patterned drapes.
Jacobs points to sculptural finials as a way to refresh existing window dressings without replacing all the hardware. The observations are designer commentary, not a universal finish rule: choose hardware that makes sense with the fabric, surrounding finishes, and the look you want.
Best Value
- READY MADE: 2 Linen Curtain Panels per package.Each panel measures 52 inches wide by 84 inches long. Top design of Back tab & loop pocket provide 3 hanging options. hanging from the back patch to create an elegant pleated look, from the 3 inch rod pocket for a classic look Hanging with clip rings for easy, slide open and closed (clip rings are not included)
- LINEN BLEND FABRIC: Crafted from rich flax linen fabric blended with polyester featuring a neutral linen shade, those panels are more textured than normal sheers and showcase an casual and natural look. Soft touch feeling on these elegant linen blend draperies add an rustic classic and refreshing charm to your window
- LIGHT FILTERING & PRIVACY: These curtains crafted from open weave flax linen fabric can filter harsh sunlight but let enough natural diffused light in to create a cozy ambiance. Even in summer, the curtains can have great light filtering performance and keep your room fresh and breathable. Unlike normal sheer curtains, lightweight linen curtains provide a certain degree of privacy by obscuring the view from outside.
- IDEAL HOME DECOR: These lightweight and airy linen weave curtains with classic and timeless look add a touch of romance and tranquility to the space, make your room full of natural and fresh feeling. Perfect for a shabby chic, modern farmhouse, country chic, rustic, homes with coastal beach aesthetic or classic traditional room style
- Easy Care: Machine washable in cold water, do not bleach, tumble dry low, iron on lowest setting if needed. Easy use of easy care.
8. Drapery used beyond the window
Curtains can also divide a room or act as a fabric backdrop behind a bed or in a living area. In the examples described, art is sometimes hung in front of the fabric. Camp’s living area illustrates how drapery can become part of a room’s composition rather than simply framing a window.
If you want fabric to serve this broader role, think about where it will sit in the room and how it relates to furniture and wall finishes. The 2025 article presents this as a design use, not as a tested solution for acoustic separation or room division.
How to choose among the ideas
Start with the needs of the actual window, then choose a style. Compare the options on these points:
- Material and texture: Decide whether you prefer a natural look, such as woven wood, or a more engineered shade or blind.
- Visual impact: Choose between a restrained treatment and decorative fabric, trim, or pattern.
- Wall and fabric coordination: Consider whether the treatment should match, echo, or contrast with wallpaper and other textiles.
- Operation: Decide whether manual or motorized control better fits how you use the window.
- Privacy and view: Assess sightlines and room use before choosing an uncovered window or a minimal treatment.
- Daylight and light control: Consider whether one treatment is sufficient or a layered arrangement would be more useful.
- Hardware and placement: Decide whether a finish or finial update is enough, or whether fabric should also divide a space or act as a backdrop.
The 2025 roundup names examples including Hunter Douglas woven wood shades and wood blinds, Everhem’s Carly Kuhn collection, Roman and roller shades, privacy film, and warm-metal hardware. It does not rank products or establish a universal solution; dimensions, mounting, room conditions, and desired light control still matter for an individual project.
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