The biggest curtain trends to follow in 2025 – 8 key looks to shop that will instantly elevate your rooms

After years where blinds have dominated the world of window treatments, curtains are finally back on trend. And with that comes a plethora of exciting new curtain trends that make for really easy updates to any room.

While they're undoubtedly a practical necessity, curtain trends allow for form to balance with function, and there are plenty of styles, materials, and hanging techniques to experiment with. In 2025, curtain ideas are so much more than just a functional element. They're a way to frame and amplify your window, to layer color and texture in your space, and, of course, a decorative portal to invite guests into your home (or keep them out).

Like every other element of our interiors, they're also subject to interior design trends, and there are plenty of new and innovative ways that designers are using them right now, including clever reworkings of old 'fuddy' forms that now feel fresh and modern.

If you want to breathe new life into your windows with 2025 curtain trends, you've come to the right place. From retro patterns and natural textiles to ornate hangings and cohesive color schemes, here are the chic curtains trends that are certified with interior designers' seal of approval.

1. Retro Patterns

In the past decade or so, patterned curtains have fallen out of favor. It's hardly surprising considering what a popular sight they were throughout the '70s, '80s, and '90s, but since trends are intrinsically cyclical in nature, retro patterns have seen a resurgence of late (in line with the '70s revival, especially).

'Retro patterned curtains are fantastic because they are absolutely timeless, feeling familiar and new at the same time,' explains interior designer Michelle Franzoia of Michelle Franzoia Interiors. 'They also work well with many different interior styles and can often be the catalyst for cross-pollinating styles, ultimately creating more eclectic spaces.'

Take the space above, for example. The clever use of layering the throws with the geometric nightstand and curtains makes for a visually interesting bedroom, while the earthy color palette keeps it calm and serene. 'It's always a treat when curtains get to take center stage in a room design because they often play more of a supporting role,' adds Michelle, who designed the space. 'We fell in love with the bold, retro vibe of this Turkish textile and ultimately designed the entire room around it.'

2. Austrian Blinds and Curtains

Romantic curtains are another key trend designers are embracing in 2025. Characterized by swooping swags, decorative tassels, and velour valances that look almost waterfall-like, this window treatment idea has neo-classical influences and looks beautifully ornate.

'We’re noticing a move towards softer and more whimsical window dressings,' explains designer Natalie Tillison of Folie Chambers. Austrian curtains in particular – traditional billowing blinds in rich textiles – have been given a contemporary update with more delicate fabrics and contemporary patterns. 'We have made quite a few of these blousy-type Austrian blinds, or relaxed romans in a range of raw silk materials in pastel colors,' adds Natalie.

3. Decorative Trimmings

Another decorative and whimsical way of playfully embracing curtains is with the trimmings trend. Borders and fringing – or passementerie, as the French call it – make for an exquisite finish. These fine details are a great way to customize a plain curtain panel, adding a pattern that draws from elsewhere in the room for a cohesive, bespoke look. And with pattern drenching proving to be one of the biggest trends of 2025, this is a simple, inexpensive way to add another layer into the mix without overwhelming your space.

'I love using our braids and decorative tapes in interiors – they really are a wonderful way of personalizing your curtains and soft furnishings,' says Tricia Guild, Founder and Creative Director at Designers Guild. 'They are all hand embroidered so have that inherent artisanal flair and add a sense of the crafted to even the simplest of curtains.'

Tricia's favorite way to use trim is by sewing a patterned border on a pure linen curtain. 'Rather than focusing on the leading edge, I rather like to use them around 10 inches in; it looks a little more contemporary and less obvious,' she says. 'Use them horizontally for a surprising twist and mix them together to create a truly individual look.'

4. Café Curtains

In 2025, designers are reaching for pretty and decorative window treatments, and another French influence we're noticing is the cafe curtain trend. With the unwavering cottage-core craze, these short 'half curtains' have proved a popular choice for bathroom window treatments and kitchen window treatment ideas, where they add a dainty touch, allowing a subtle veil of privacy so that light can filter through.

'The cafe curtain remains a firm favorite, especially when paired with frilly pelmets,' says Natalie. 'They're begging to adorn not just countryside cottage windows but homes and apartments in cities.' For a classic look reminiscent of European bistros, use sheer fabrics in a vintage ticking stripe.

5. Sheer Materials

Sheer and voile curtains have proved popular in the past year or so, and they're only set to rise to greater heights in 2025, say designers. Minimalists are especially are strong advocates for this look, which can be made more practical by layering with heavier drapes.

'Personally, I love to let the light in,' says Christine Gachot, Co-Founder and Principal of GACHOT studios. 'While privacy is essential – especially in an urban “fishbowl” environment – I have been turning to sheer fabrics. They filter natural light beautifully while providing just enough of a visual barrier, offering a soft lens between the home and the outside world.'

For a living room curtain idea that marries style and functionality, consider doubling up your window treatments. 'Layering of sheers with heavier fabrics provides a way to filter light with the sheer while having a heavier fabric used for an open curtain that is more present in the decor,' suggests Sarah Henry, Managing and Creative Director of La Manufacture Cogolin.

6. Structured Valanced and Pelmets

Classic pelmets and window valance ideas are being used in fresh, innovative ways in 2025. Take the frilly pelmet above, for example, with its ditsy trim – a soft and inviting vintage aesthetic that feels charming and characterful, modernized with the simple blue trim.

Natalie at Folie Chambers remarks that curtains appear to be getting more structured, employing these heavier, boxy outlines more frequently. 'Gone are the linens that puddle on the floor, which now appear dated,' she says. 'We have instead seen the return of window sill curtains, pelmets, and heavily lined drapes in a range of thick heavy cottons, bold floral prints and structured fabric pelmets.'

7. Natural Linen

In 2025, curtain trends are all about using natural materials, especially linen, for an organic touch. There's a big move toward spaces that feel effortlessly simple, elegant, and timeless, and this fabric offers just that, adding a rustic touch to interiors when left undyed.

The close weave of linen also filters light in such a unique way, offering a gentle dappled effect that feels so warm and welcoming. It has an almost artisanal quality, something Sarah at La Manufacture Cogolin loves about the material. 'Based in France, we really favor linen as it's locally grown, spun into yarn, woven, dyed, and washed in a small geographic area in northern France and Belgium,' she explains. 'The quality is excellent, it's easy to maintain and clean, plus the carbon footprint is very limited.'

Christine loves using linen curtains in her designs, too. 'My go-tos are linen in Off White by Lenox Hill and combed wool in sheer Whisper Vanilla by Rose Tarlow,' she says. 'Both are warm and textural, adding depth to any space. Whether left to pool for a touch of drama or tailored for a crisp, structured effect, linen drapery has the power to transform a room.' For a rustic look, don't hem your curtain panel and leave the edges frayed instead.

8. Color Drenching

Color drenching has been one of the biggest paint trends of the past few years, and it's found its way into the world of textiles, too. As a paint application, it involves saturating your walls, ceiling, and any trim in the same shade for a rich, enveloping effect. For a true cocooning feel, extend the color to your curtains, too, for a fully immersive color experience.

'Monochromatic interiors remain a design favorite in 2025, with curtains playing a key role,' says Victoria Robinson at Hillarys. 'By matching curtains to walls and furnishings, homeowners can create an immersive, cohesive look that’s both dramatic and sophisticated.' Commit to your color, then choose a rich, textural fabric like velvet or linen to add some depth and dimension to your space.

Curtain trends are ever-changing, but one thing's for sure – this window treatment is certainly back in style. And what's such a plus about curtains is they are a relatively low-commitment way to embrace trends without having to remodel your home or spend a lot of money on something that you might want to switch out in a year. You might not want to invest in a retro patterned sofa, but retro patterned curtains? Yes please.