8 Trendy Alternatives to Window Curtains

Published 7/17/2024

Curtains have always been an important part of interior design—they’re practical and stylish. But these days, there are so many other options for covering your windows. Modern innovations have given us all kinds of choices that fit different tastes and needs.

Whether you’re drawn to the timeless appeal of shutters, the versatility of blinds, or the sleek elegance of shades, this guide will delve into eight distinct options. 

Each trending alternative brings unique benefits, allowing you to tailor your choice to fit the aesthetic and functionality requirements of your space.

Why Consider Alternatives to Curtains for Windows?

While curtains offer a certain classic look, alternatives such as blinds, shades, and shutters provide a spectrum of styles, materials, and functionalities that can better suit modern interiors or specific design themes. 

Exploring diverse window treatment options allows you to personalize your living or working space in a way that reflects your style and vision.

Practically speaking, opting for alternatives to curtains can also enhance the functionality of window treatments. For instance, blinds offer precise control over light and privacy, while shades provide options like light filtering or blackout capabilities, catering to varying needs throughout the course of the day. 

Many alternatives are also easier to maintain or more durable than traditional curtains, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or households with pets and children.

Shutters: Timeless Window Elegance

Shutters emerge as a compelling alternative to traditional curtains for windows, offering a blend of timeless elegance and practical functionality. 

1. Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters are renowned for their timeless appeal and ability to complement various architectural styles, from classic to contemporary. Elegant Woodlore® Shutters provide excellent control over light and privacy, allowing for precise adjustment of the louvers to regulate the amount of sunlight entering a room.

Woodlore® Plus Shutters provide excellent insulation, helping to regulate indoor temperatures by keeping heat out during summers and warmth in during winters, which can potentially reduce energy costs over time. Durable Brightwood™ Shutters, crafted from EcoSmart wood composite materials, provide longevity and minimal maintenance. This makes them an affordable alternative to curtains, which may require regular cleaning or replacement. 

For the ultimate experience in luxury, swap tired curtains for Normandy® Shutters. Prescription treated hardwood enhances the durability and natural beauty of these sophisticated shutters. Customize them with your choice of stain or finish, and tailor them to your exact dimensions for a perfect fit.

2. Cafe Shutters

Cafe style shutters are an interior designer’s top pick and are trending for good reason. These shutters add a charming and distinctive look to spaces, reminiscent of European cafes and bistros. They are particularly well-suited for kitchens, dining areas, or living rooms where a cozy and inviting atmosphere is desired.

Their unique design of cafe shutters preserves natural light while offering privacy at eye level, making them ideal for rooms where privacy is desired without sacrificing sunlight. 

Unlike curtains that require regular laundering or dry cleaning, cafe shutters are easier to maintain, often needing just a quick wipe-down to keep them looking pristine. 

Like plantation shutters, cafe shutters are available in an array of materials and finishes, including Woodlore® Shutters, Woodlore® Plus Shutters and  Normandy® Shutters, providing flexibility in design tailored to individual preferences and practical needs.  

Blinds: Versatile Light Control Solutions

Compared to curtains, blinds provide a streamlined and customizable window treatment solution. Available in various materials such as wood, faux wood, aluminum, and fabric, blinds offer extensive design flexibility to match diverse interior aesthetics from minimalist to eclectic.

3. Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are a versatile and practical alternative to curtains due to their adjustable slats, which allow precise control over the amount of light entering a room. This feature not only enhances privacy but also provides the ability to manage heat and glare effectively, making them ideal for your media room, home office, or bedroom. Custom Ultimate™ Normandy® Wood Blinds also boast insulating properties that help improve energy efficiency.

These contemporary blinds are available in a wide range of materials, including aluminum, and faux wood, like the Ultimate™ Faux Wood Blinds, catering to different aesthetic preferences and functional needs. 

Mini blinds sleek design adds a modern touch to any interior. CityLights™ Aluminum Blinds ease of maintenance, often requiring just a quick wipe down, makes them a convenient option for busy households or commercial environments.

4. Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds offer a stylish and functional solution, particularly for large windows, wide windows, and sliding glass doors. Their vertical orientation prevents dust accumulation, making them easier to clean and maintain, and preserving your views of the outdoors.

Synchrony™ Vertical Blinds provide excellent control over light and privacy, as the vertical slats can be tilted to various angles or completely drawn to one side, offering flexible light management options. Their ability to cover expansive glass surfaces efficiently without compromising on functionality makes them a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces.

Shades: Stylish and Functional Window Coverings

When considering window treatments beyond traditional curtains, shades offer a versatile and stylish alternative. Shades take up less space than curtains and can be customized to fit any window size, offering a sleek and practical solution for both residential and commercial spaces.

5. Roman Shades

Love the look of tailor draperies but want a modern alternative? Look no further than Centerpiece™ Roman Shades. Handcrafted from the finest fabrics in trending color palettes and luxe textures, these elegant shades instantly elevate the style of any room. 

Choose from three unique and elegant fold styles to find the one that suits your home just right. Consider using an Aerolite™ Cordless Lifting System for easy raising and lowering of the shade. It provides a smooth, quiet experience that is safe for homes with pets and small children.

6. Roller Shades

Roller shades are highly versatile window treatments. Available in a wide range of fabrics, colors, and patterns, they allow for easy customization to match any room’s style. They are also incredibly easy to operate, with options for manual or motorized controls, enhancing convenience and functionality. 

Enhance comfort and energy efficiency without sacrificing natural light. Solar shades provide the dual benefits of reducing glare and UV rays while maintaining a clear view outside. 

Soluna™ Roller Shades offer excellent light control and privacy, with options ranging from sheer to blackout fabrics, catering to different needs from softly diffusing natural light to blocking almost 100% of incoming light.

7. Cellular Shades (Honeycomb Shades)

Honeycomb shades offer superior energy efficiency through their unique honeycomb structure, which traps air and provides insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs. With their contemporary style, clean lines, and high-performance design, honeycomb shades can instantly elevate the look of any room.

With luxurious materials and a rich history, Portrait™ Honeycomb Shades feature award-winning designs, exclusive options, and industry-leading construction. Portrait™ Honeycomb fabrics offer three different opacities from sheer to light filtering to room darkening, so you can craft the perfect ambiance. 

SmartFit® Dual Shades feature dual shades working in tandem. This unique engineering allows you to raise or lower either fabric independently, resulting in more privacy and light control flexibility. Homeowners get to choose two fabrics from a wide array of options, including light filtering, room darkening and sheer. An integrated wood frame, customized to your preferences, offers greater light-blocking and accents your shades.

8. Sheer Shades

SmartDrape™ shades combine the softness of sheer fabric with the functionality of blinds. They consist of horizontal fabric vanes suspended between two layers of sheer material, allowing for adjustable light control and privacy.

PerfectSheer™ Shades can diffuse harsh sunlight, creating a soft, ambient glow in the room, while still offering a degree of privacy. They also allow for unobstructed views when the vanes are open, maintain a light and airy appearance, and add a touch of elegance to any space with their delicate, flowing design.

Get the Perfect Alternative to Curtains with Norman®

Transform your living space with sophisticated alternatives to traditional curtains from Norman®. Discover the perfect blend of style, functionality, and quality craftsmanship with our trending collection of shutters, blinds, and shades. Explore all the possibilities of fully customizable window treatments. Find your nearest Norman® dealer to start shopping today!