Trends in Window Treatments For 2009

With a new year, new trends and "fashions" in home decor will move to the forefront. Windows are one of the more common elements in a room that people use to show their style preferences and should not be over looked. Not only will a good window treatment add appeal to the overall look of the room, but they can also help address common concerns like energy efficiency, fading, and privacy.
Most everyone in today's society is concerned about their environmental impact and all big trends in the marketplace are moving with a "green" push. In window treatments, woven wood shades are becoming more and more popular because of their ability to add texture to the room. They're also made from natural, renewable materials and are available in colors and styles that will fit in all kinds of interiors.
If you're looking for a luxurious look, fabrics like silk, velvet, suede, and wool are sure to be big this year. The old days of complicated drapery designs appear to be over for the time being, but a designer look can still be had by using any of these materials. Trims, beads, and shiny hardware add to the appeal of these fabrics and can be adjusted for every style preference and room.
Linen and silk will continue to be popular choices due to their simplicity, but 2009 should see some shifts in patterns and colors that are new and refreshing. Pantone designated the yellowish "mimosa" hue as the "color of the year." Mimosa is a great choice for textiles this year as it has the ability to match with almost any other colors while providing a sunny colored frame for your windows. If you're looking to set the tone of the room with your window treatments, expect to see an uprising of large scale floral prints. Sound like too much? Patterns that are too overwhelming can be brought down a few notches by hiding them in pleats while still getting the statement that you desire.
If privacy and light control are you two main criteria, you can't go wrong with sheer window treatments. Today's sheers are a big step up from the ones you may be used to and are available in a number of textures and colors with varying degrees of shimmer. Sheers offer a great option for those looking for a simple, almost minimalist, chic effect.
And what would an article about 2009's trends in window treatments be without mentioning all the great new technology that is becoming more available and, more importantly, more affordable. Hunter Douglas is leading the industry in motorizing nearly all styles of window shades on the market. Remote controls, light switches, and even the Internet can now be used to open or close blinds and shades. Imagine being able to close the blinds in your bedroom with your Blackberry while you're hundreds of miles away!