Nobody wants an outdated home, but surprisingly, your choice of window treatments can play a significant role in making your house look less stylish. Southern designers are sharing seven window treatments that they believe are no longer in fashion. Avoid these outdated looks as you spruce up your living space this year!
Valances
Michael Mitchell, founder of Michael Mitchell Design in Charleston, South Carolina, is over valances. “Valances, in general, feel outdated to me, especially if they involve ruching,” he shares. Balloon valances, in particular, are a big no-no according to Mitchell. “No matter how you try to update them, they will always remind me of the 80s and look dated,” he explains.
Swags
Similar in style to valances, swags are also considered “done and dusted” by Mitchell. He notes that like valances, swags are heavy at the top and can block light due to the way they hang down into the windows. Honey Collins, founder of Honey Collins Interiors, offers an alternative perspective for those still attached to swags and valances. “When made with updated fabrics—steering clear of bold florals in favor of more modern, subtle patterns or textures—they can look fresh and chic,” she suggests. “Fabrics reflecting current trends and complementing other materials and colors in a room can give even the most traditional styles a timeless appearance.”
Grommet Tops
Shauna Glenn, founder of Shauna Glenn Design in Fort Worth, Texas, advises moving on from grommet top curtains. She believes they can look bulky and tend to stick easily when opening and closing.
Wood Shutters
Rachel Cannon, founder of Rachel Cannon Limited in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, comments on the rise of wood shutters’ popularity in the early 2000s. She asserts that they have become emblematic of that era’s cookie-cutter home aesthetics and do not contribute much to a room in terms of lighting. “They darken and weigh down the interior of your home,” she explains.
Slim Black Hardware
Avery Cox, founder of Avery Cox Design in Austin, Texas, points out a dated look: slim black hardware with ball finials and utilitarian black metal brackets for drapery. She notes that this trend emerged when window hardware became more accessible through retail outlets in the early 2000s. She recommends opting for more substantial drapery hardware, such as wood or unlacquered brass, for a natural or lived-in look.
Heavy Fabrics
Cynthia Masters, founder of Panageries in Greenville, South Carolina, warns that heavy fabrics automatically give a home a dated appearance. She specifically mentions brocade, damask, and tapestry fabrics as culprits. “Due to their weight, these fabrics add an unwanted sense of heaviness to a space,” she cautions. “For a more modern look, I recommend a nice linen blend, cotton, or chint
Please adhere to the spelling rules and avoid any spelling errors.
