6 Outdated Window Treatments You Should Retire

Beautiful window treatments add subtle elegance to your home as if they’re part of the architecture. However, the wrong treatment—whether it’s a faded jacquard valance above the kitchen sink or mismatched, pleated drapes—can make your space feel cluttered or outdated.

Whether you’re starting small with a fresh fabric or rethinking the entire look of a room, knowing which styles to retire is the first step toward a more natural, contemporary space. Here, we turned to interior designers for their take on the treatments that date a room and what to use instead.

Heavy Drapery

Few elements can date a room faster than heavy, ornate drapery paired with oversized valances.

“[It] overwhelms a room and blocks the natural light that so many homeowners are craving,” says Jasmin Reese, principal designer of Jasmin Reese Interiors. “The key is execution. Using the same fabric for both cornice and drapery, playing with multiple tassels, or experimenting with a sculptural cornice silhouette can transform the look from old-fashioned to an artful statement.”

Matching Roman Shades

For most spaces, however, Reese recommends a lighter hand. “I use a lot of colorful, sheer panels in my projects—just make sure they go from the floor to the ceiling no matter the height of the window,” she says. “This elongates the space.”

Roman shades that perfectly match upholstery, bedding, or other fabrics may have once been the hallmark of a coordinated room, but designers now see them as outdated.

“That kind of overly staged look feels flat and predictable,” says Jeanine Bogart, principal designer at Epic Interiors. “Today’s clients want a mix that feels curated rather than cookie-cutter.”

For a cleaner, more contemporary approach, Bogart recommends materials and colors that allow the window to shine. “Our design aesthetic tends to be more clean-lined, so we often recommend mesh roller shades in a contrasting neutral or white—something that’s modern and lets natural light in and maximizes the view,” she says.

Cheaply Made Fabric

Nothing dates a window quite like curtains that feel insubstantial or that look cheaply made.

“When the material reads as flimsy, it makes the interior seem less elevated,” says Brittny Button, founder of Button Atelier. “Don’t use anything that’s straight polyester without it being a blend.”

Button also highlights the importance of lining. “Always make sure they have a lining. This is a failsafe so that the curtains have a presence, and it protects them from the sun.”

Drapes That Are Too Short

The placement and length of your curtains have a bigger impact on a room’s feel than many homeowners realize. Drapes hung too low can make ceilings seem squat and rooms feel compressed, while curtains that end well above the floor look unfinished and careless.

“Curtains should reach the floor and ideally have a lining. This gives them presence and lets the panels drape properly,” says Button.

Button emphasizes that hanging drapery from ceiling height instantly changes the room’s proportions. “It lifts the feel of the room and draws your eye upward,” she explains. Panels that lightly skim or pool on the floor create a sense of drama and refinement, while also connecting visually with the space.

Curtains That Don’t Function

It’s surprising how often curtains are installed purely for decoration, leaving homeowners with “illusion drapes” that don’t actually block light or provide any privacy. While they may look pretty, panels that can’t fully close fail to serve the primary purpose of window coverings. In today’s interiors, functionality is just as important as style.

Button recommends a relaxed Roman shade as a practical and stylish option. “[It] fills the need without requiring a complete drapery overhaul,” she says. This approach perfectly balances aesthetics and usability.

Traditional Blinds

Traditional vertical and horizontal blinds were once the practical choice for just about every home. These days, though, they can make a room feel dated and a little too busy. “They often disrupt the flow of natural light and create harsh lines that don’t complement today’s softer, more architectural interiors,” says Bogart.

For something that feels both clean and functional, think beyond the traditional slats. “We often recommend upgrading to automated Lutron shades,” she says. “They offer a clean, modern look with the added benefit of convenience and smart-home integration.” The result is a more seamless, elevated window treatment that works with the room, rather than against it.

If your heart is set on something more traditional, especially in a historic home, then Bogart says blinds can still have their place. “They tend to darken a room, which is great if that’s the mood you’re going for,” she adds. “We love them for libraries, studies, or moody dens where that cozy, intimate feel makes sense.”