It is now autumn 2024 and time to reflect on what the trend has been in blinds for the year and whether these are changing.
Designers and decor influencers predicted that 2024 would bring a look to interiors of calm colours, soft and snuggly fabrics and the emphasis on eco-friendly materials.
From what we have observed and sold this is reasonably true but in the window treatment world there are colours, types and styles that never seem to go out of fashion.
Venetian blinds made of genuine wood - or those of man-made materials to look like wood - have been at the top of the list this year and show no signs of abating. Around 90% sold are white / off-white and about 45% opt for matching tapes. We think they are so poplular because they look a bit like plantation shutters but are cheaper to install. They also work well in bay windows and are very useful at light control. When they are in lighter colours they blend in with white window frames, giving a neat effect with clean lines. Teamed with curtains in bedrooms and livingrooms gives all the coverage needed for privacy, light control and a certain amount of insulation. The natural wood colours are more noticeable at the window and bring a warm, luxurious feel to the room. Upgrade the pulls from standard plastic to chrome or brass for a classy effect.
Above: Fauxwood light grey grain on white slats with pale grey tapes.
Below: Real wood slats with beige tapes.
Roller Blinds are still a popular choice. They are usually the cheapest option and come in many colours. Whilst the majority we have installed are white, off-white or grey, there have been some brave clients who have embraced beautiful colourful designs. The green theme is still as popular as it was last year and shows no sign of slowing. Motorised or electric blinds have surged in popularity this year as more people become aware of them. They are definitely here to stay and we are expecting them to become the norm in years to come.
Believe it or not, verticals are still in great demand. Whilst some people consider them 'office blinds' they are still popular with homeowners. Colours we have sold remain in the neutral zone i.e. white, off-white, cream and pale grey. They work so well they havent changed much in design over the decades. Wands have replaced cords to open and close them, these are safer and user friendly. Bottom chains are no longer compulsory with the modern weights.
Pleated blinds are trending. Because of their slim top profile, light weight and narrow depth they can be used in many types of windows, including triangular ones. The cellular type help tremendously with insulation and keep warmth in, more in demand now that heatng costs are high. The surge in interest is driven by bifold and patio doors. Bifolds are not suited to most window coverings so pleated blinds in a frame are used most often. We have installed mostly off-white and grey pleated blinds because they match window frames so well. The patterned fabrics haven't taken off but we expect that in future.
Vision or Day Night blinds are actually a type of roller blind. Also mostly ordered in white, off-white and grey this year. New-builds are driving demand because they look so contemporary and suit modern buildings. Other colours are being asked about but not ordered much, we think this will change in time as they look so good.
Roman blinds never seem to go out of fashion either. They are increasingly teamed with curtains to finish a room while still remaining practical. Motorised versions are ever more popular as the technology improves and prices come down. What used to cost nearly £500 for a motor and remote now costs less than £200 per blind. They can be prgrammed into your Alexa or Home Hub for voice activation. You can't get more convenient than that.
The biggest increase in interest we have experienced is for shutters. Not the cheap plastic kind but the robust wooden ones. They are the ultimate choice for so many windows, especially bay windows. If budget allows, people will choose shutters over blinds in most cases, Which is when we direct them to our partner company Country Home Shutters (https:/countryhomeshutters.co.uk) as they have so much experience in designing and installing them.
So to sum up from our perspective, there is a definite pull towards motorised blinds and wood venetians. Metal venetians have become less popular unless they are in perfect-fit frames. Vision blinds have become a 'thing' in new-build homes. Colours have remained in the neutral zone but there seems to be less demand for grey. There is less interest in bold prints and strong colours. Bifold doors and high energy prices are driving the demand for pleated blinds.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this. Let us know if you want to see us cover any window-covering related topics. www,harrogateblinds,co,uk
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