Window Covering Trends We’ll Be Watching Closely In 2020
When it comes to transforming your living space, a great place to start is your window coverings. To bring our customers the latest and greatest window treatments for their homes, our team at Ruffell & Brown in Victoria, BC, is constantly staying on top of new technology and trends in the window covering industry.
Here is a quick glance at the fabrics, colours, technology, and child safety features we’re on the lookout for in 2020. The following information is based on consumer trends, industry reports, technology advancements, new government regulations, and especially customer feedback and popular requests.
1. Fabrics
Colourful fabrics are making a comeback for 2020, replacing the cool greys and plain beiges that have been common for the last 10 or 15 years. We are also seeing a rise in neutral drapes that have brightly coloured edges, which are a great way to get a pop of colour to your space without fully committing or having to choose an overly busy pattern.
Sheer drapes are also back in style for rooms where blackout treatments aren’t required. We love sheer drapes because they are an easy, stylish way to add texture to your rooms without overwhelming the space. They are also versatile, coming in a variety of subtle patterns and working with flat panel, grommet, and rod pocket styles.
2. Colour Trends
Replacing the cool greys that are on their way out are warmer neutrals and coastal inspired colour palettes. Picture white sandy beaches, sea greens, dried seaweed, and driftwood, and you get the idea. Amongst the coastal inspired hues, blue will be taking centre stage, specifically Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2020, Classic Blue – a “timeless and enduring blue hue” chosen for its ability to instill “calm, confidence, and connection.”
3. Smart Blinds
The home automation trend is not about to slow down anytime soon, and this trend has certainly carried over into the window covering industry. Technology isn’t something that used to factor into window coverings all that much, but today’s smart homes have changed all that. Motorized window coverings with voice activation features have been steadily increasing in popularity year over year, leading us to believe that this trend is here to stay.
Our customers love having the convenient ability to open and close their blinds, shades, or shutters from their smartphones, whether they are at home on the couch, waiting at the airport for a flight, or stuck at the office. Even better, smart blinds come without cords, creating a cleaner look that is much safer for small children and pets. Motorized blinds also provide more energy efficiency and security measures for your home.
4. Eco-Friendly Products
There has been a massive shift towards products that are environmentally friendly and bring a sense of our natural environment indoors. So, it’s no surprise to us that more and more of our customers are asking about green products for their home. We expect this trend to continue for 2020.
What do we mean by eco-friendly products? There are many to choose from, including sustainably farmed organic bamboo and cotton fabrics, or wooden or bamboo matchstick blinds and window coverings. Products that are made locally through a waste-free manufacturing processes are in high demand as well.
Overall, by choosing high quality window coverings that are made to last, you are already opting for a greener product because a high quality window covering doesn’t have to be replaced often – if ever. High quality window covers are also green products because they increase a home’s energy efficiency, as well as protect the furniture inside from deteriorating too quickly and requiring replacement. We anticipate seeing more and more manufacturers respond to the consumers’ appetite for more energy efficient homes and more eco-friendly products for their homes this year.
Child-safe products continue to be a focus in the window treatment industry, with Health Canada having recently published new Corded Window Covering Regulations that come into effect May 2021. To prepare for the new regulations, parents and caregivers are “strongly encouraged to replace existing corded window coverings with cordless options that are now available on the market, starting with children’s rooms and places where children play,” says a Health Canada press release from April 2019.
No matter what’s trending, when you’re choosing your new window treatments, it’s always important to consider how you want the window treatment to function and meet your needs and goals for each room. Think about things like your required level of privacy, light control, and insulation before narrowing down your colour or fabric choices.
At Ruffell & Brown, we believe that when it comes to transforming a space, there is no better place to start than the windows. A new set of custom window blinds or drapes in your dining room, bedroom, and bathroom can give the entire house a new aesthetic, as well as serve practical functions, such as protecting your privacy and keeping unwanted sunlight from entering.
If you are in the market for new custom draperies, be sure to schedule an at-home appointment today with Ruffell & Brown. We will help you design a product that fits into your existing décor, or is meant to transform your living space and make your guests say wow!
