2026 Curtain and Blind Trends

2026 Curtain and Blind Trends for Homes That Want Unique Personality

An interview with Katherine Brown, founder of Katherine Brown Curtains and Blinds

There’s a shift happening. Walk into Katherine Brown’s London studio right now, and you’ll notice it straight away, clients are done playing it safe. They’re asking for drama. Layers. Details they’ll notice every morning when they open the curtains.

We sat down with Katherine to find out what’s landing on her desk in 2026. Not trend forecasts or mood boards from Milan, just honest observations from the projects she’s working on right now. Pelmets are back. Bed valances are having a moment. And trims? People aren’t stopping at one anymore. If your idea of a good home is ‘fabulous, not average,’ keep reading.

by/June 9, 2026/inLearning Centre

The Overarching Theme: More is More

A Shift Towards Dressing Windows

‘We’re finding that the primary driver is now very much about dressing the windows rather than function,’ Katherine explains.

‘People are coming to us because they want their curtains not to disappear. They want their curtains to be really visible and the main focal point of the room and their interior scheme.’
For years, the brief was often ‘something neutral that won’t date.’

Not anymore. Clients want to know about the lining. They’re asking about the trim on the trim. They want that sense of luxury running through the whole house.

Detail Plus Detail Plus Detail

‘It’s not just function anymore. The look is just as important. People are wanting drama. They’re wanting that whimsical approach. It really is detail plus detail plus detail.’

And here’s the thing: if you want something unique, fun, unusual—you can’t get that from a website that posts you fabric swatches. The details Katherine is seeing in 2026 need someone who can sit with you and translate your taste into something real.

The Joy of Going For It

 Stop worrying about ‘will I get bored of it?’ and start asking ‘will this make me happy every day?’

This is what gets Katherine animated. With the right guidance, 2026 is a year where you can actually go for it. Layer the trims. Choose the bold fabric. That’s the shift. It’s not about following trends. It’s about giving yourself permission

Samuel & Sons Info Info

2026 Curtain And Blind Trends – 1: Trims Take Centre Stage

Summary: Coordinating trims across a room—and even multiple trims on a single curtain are elevating window treatments from simple to spectacular.

This one’s accelerated fast. Katherine noticed it last year, but 2026 has taken it up a notch.

‘People aren’t now saying, ‘Shall I add a little trim on the bottom’, she says. ‘They’re having one or two trims, or two or three.

‘They’re also having coordinating trims across different windows in the same room so one window might have one trim on the curtains, and another window has something different but complementary.’

The Accessorising Approach

Think of it like getting dressed and accessorising your outfit. ‘It’s like wearing a belt with a dress or adding a scarf or an incredible pair of earrings,’ Katherine explains. A trim can make something pop. Trims are a brilliant way to make something special.’

She lights up talking about a recent project. The client had beautiful embroidered curtains in a dark, rich colour. Bold paint choices throughout. Katherine coordinated trims across the whole scheme—curtains, roman blinds, soft furnishings, so everything felt pulled together, considered. Not matchy-matchy. Just right.

Katherine’s Key Takeaway: In 2026 trims are also a clever way to stretch a budget. Fallen in love with an expensive trimming? Use a simpler fabric and let the trim do the work. It’s one of those insider tricks that can get you a bespoke look without the bespoke price tag.

Trims are also a great way to add a bold colour to a scheme in a subtle way – enabling you to create balance and harmony with the other elements in the room. If you’re looking for trim inspiration, a great start is the Samuel & Sons website or showroom at Chelsea Harbour

Samuel & Sons Info Info

Trend 2: Embroidered And Block-Printed Fabrics Bring The Drama

Summary: Rich embroideries and vibrant block prints are finding their way into forever homes, bringing personality and craftsmanship to the fore.

Natural linen bases with vibrant embroidery. Deep, dark tones. Colour that actually makes a statement. Katherine’s seeing a real appetite for richness in 2026.

‘It’s that drama, that richness that people are moving towards,’ she observes. ‘And it’s not just the brave trendsetters amongst us. We’ve done really quite vibrant work for established homeowners in their forever homes, people who have worked carefully on the paint colour and the fabric to create something that feels truly considered.’

Where to Find These Fabrics

Not on the high street or online, mostly. Many come from independent fabric mills and boutique suppliers, the kind of companies Katherine loves working with because they’re doing something genuinely different. Having a professional guide matters here. She knows where to look.

Katherine’s Key Takeaway: Got your heart set on an expensive embroidered fabric? Put it on a roman blind instead of full-length curtains. Less fabric, same impact, much easier on the wallet. Or just use the embroidered fabric as a border on the leading or outside edge.

We are loving fabrics from Parker & Jules, Indigo & Wills, Inchyra and Virginia White Collection.

block print 2026 Curtain and Blind Trends

Trend 3: Warm Neutrals For Curtains And Blinds Continue To Comfort

Summary: For those who prefer calm over drama, warm neutrals remain a timeless choice—and they’re the perfect canvas for thoughtful details.

Not everyone wants drama. And that’s fine.

‘You’ll still get clients who want something calm and don’t want drama,’ Katherine explains. ‘That will always continue for sure.’

Warm neutrals aren’t going anywhere in 2026. They’re grounding, timeless, restful. But here’s the interesting bit: even a neutral scheme can embrace the ‘more is more’ idea. Decorative linings. Considered trims. Beautiful black hardware. Texture. Calm doesn’t have to mean boring.

Trend 4: Pelmets And Hardware Become The Jewellery Of Windows

Black hardware is having a moment, and pelmets have evolved from practical necessity to design statement.

‘Pelmets are becoming more popular,’ Katherine confirms. ‘We’re doing them all the time now. Sometimes pelmets are used to elevate and dial up the design – think shapes, gathers and swags. Other times pelmets are used to hide harware and pleating to give a more architectural look – where a pelmet hides everything beautifully.’

The Power of Black

The other thing she’s noticing in 2026? Black hardware. A designer said something to Katherine years ago that stuck: ‘Every interior needs some black because it needs a bit of grounding, and it sets everything off.’

‘Once you hear this, you can’t unhear it,’ she says. ‘Black hardware on windows—whether it’s poles or tracks—is just amazing. It creates structure and sophistication when paired with warm tones.’

Poles will always have their place—especially in period homes. But the conversation has shifted. Hardware isn’t just functional anymore. It’s a design decision.

Katherine’s Key Takeaway: This is one area where getting help really pays off. Poles versus tracks, pelmets versus covered laths—get it wrong and even gorgeous fabric can look off. Get it right and the whole room lifts.

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warm neutrals 2026 Curtain and Blind Trends
Samule & Sons Info Info

2026 Curtain And Blind Trends – 5: Decorative Linings Add A Hidden Layer Of Luxury

Summary: Clients are now asking what the back of their curtains will look like—and choosing feature linings that delight when glimpsed.

This one’s revived for 2026. Properly revived.

‘Traditionally, we’ve used neutral toned linings,’ Katherine explains. ‘But now people are asking, ‘What will the lining look like?’ Depending on the main fabric we often recommend a fine ticking stripe or a small delicate pattern both of which can look incredible, as linings, when the curtains are pulled back’.

Ticking Stripes Lead the Way

Ticking stripes are definitely the favourite right now. Classic, unfussy, but with that extra bit of charm.

‘If someone’s got the budget, this is something we’re now starting to suggest,’ she says. ‘Because it can actually be quite nice. It plays into the whole idea of making your curtains something special, something that shows you’ve thought about every detail.’

Trend 6: Bed Dressing, Valances And Half Testers Transform Bedrooms

From simple valances to romantic half testers, bed dressing is becoming a joyful way to make bedrooms feel truly special.

Half testers. If you haven’t heard of them, you’re not alone. Essentially a small canopy structure at the head of the bed. Not a full four-poster, but that same cocooning, romantic feel as this Vogue article explains.

‘Half testers are really popular now,’ Katherine says. ‘They’re gorgeous. They are a great way to soften the shape of an otherwise boxy bed structure.’

The Magic of Valances

But the real game-changer? Simple bed valances. A fabric valance covering the bed base. Easy. Transformative.

‘We’re seeing clients who really want to make a feature of their guest room or children’s bedrooms,’ she explains. ‘A valance is just a really nice way to do that. One client said to me, ‘The minute I put the valances on, the whole room came together.’ And it’s so true.”

Whatever bedding and headbord you choose a valance can help finish off the look. Whether you opt for a smart valance with box pleats or a pretty gathered valance they are a great way of covering an ugly bed base and balance out a dramatic headboard making the bed feel dressed and perfectly finished.

half tester

Trend 7: Sheer Curtains and Café Curtains Continue to Grow

Summary: Layering sheers with main curtains—and using café curtains in creative spaces-is adding softness and charm to 2026 interiors.

‘We are getting a bit of a move back to people saying yes to sheer curtains as well as their main curtains,’ Katherine notes. ‘It’s a mini trend amongst the bigger trends.’

Sheers used to be about privacy. Now they’re also about the look. They soften light, work with paint colours, add that layered feel people are after this year.

Café curtains are popping up in unexpected places too. ‘We do a lot of café curtains in pantries,’ she shares. ‘Just at unit level. It’s practical, but it’s also charming and adds personality to a space you might otherwise overlook.’

Cafe curtains in utility rooms, kitchens and pantries have become part of the design with shelving left open on purpose to accomodate these little pops of joy!

What Our Clients Say:

‘Katherine Brown is incredible. She gave me so much clarity and assistance during this overwhelming process of trying to kit out every single window during a house renovation. She’s not only a technical whizz, but also a creative genius. She made all the logistics so easy and straightforward too. There is only one place to get curtains, blinds, pelmets and cushions.’ — Ann, Chiswick

Trend 8: Elaborate Blinds Beyond The Basic Roller

Summary: Shaped bottoms, piping, scalloped edges—blinds are becoming design features in their own right, not just functional afterthoughts.

‘Blinds are just getting a lot more exciting,’ Katherine says.

The Return of Austrian Blinds

She points to a recent House & Garden article all about Austrian blinds as evidence of the shift. ‘People are going back to them. They’re becoming softer, more scooped. People are wanting that gathered, romantic look again.’

Austrian blinds—those ruched, softly draped blinds that pull up into scalloped folds—felt dated for years. Too fussy, too 1980s country house. But in 2026, they’re back. And this time they feel fresh, not frumpy.

This style of blind works so well with the heavily embroidered fabrics and block prints that we mentioned in Trend 2.

Industry insiders in the UK point out that supposedly ‘new’ blind styles often take years to filter through, which is why 2026 is only now seeing wider adoption of more innovative, curtain-inspired blind designs.

‘I love it,’ Katherine admits, ‘because it shows that if you want this kind of look, you can’t just go online and order it. These aren’t blinds you get from a website that posts you fabric swatches. You need someone with the expertise and design know-how to make and install them for you.’

Detail on Detail

This is where ‘more is more’ really shows up. ‘Gone are the days of playing it safe and treating blinds as purely functional. It’s not uncommon for blinds to have multiple design enhancements such as shaping, trims, piping or decorative pulls on one blind.’

Small windows especially. Katherine won’t let anyone write them off. ‘Never let somebody say, ‘Oh, it’s just a small window,’ she insists. ‘A small window is an opportunity. It’s really easy to make a roman blind that stands out.’

Trend 9: Curtain Headings Get More Relaxed

Summary: Euro pleats are emerging as the heading of choice for 2026—more relaxed than traditional pinch pleats, but more special than a simple gathered heading.

‘Wave headings are less popular,’ Katherine confirms. ‘Also we’re seeing a move toward Euro pleats because they’re a bit more relaxed. It’s less traditional than a double or triple pinch pleat, but it’s a little bit more special than a single pinch pleat.’

Why This Matters

The technical stuff here really does matter. How pleats fall. How much fabric you need. How the curtain hangs when it’s closed. This is exactly why people need professional help.

‘Everything you’ve heard me say today is based on our experience of working directly with our clients in their homes, seeing and feeling the latest styles, something the online and high street suppliers just don’t see. This is why professional support is so invaluable in helping you create the magic in your home.’

Katherine’s Key Takeout: Eyelet headings have had their day. Functionality issues, plus fashion has moved on. If you’re weighing up options, Euro pleats hit a nice spot—relaxed but refined.

2026 Curtain And Blind Trends – 10: Curtains In Unexpected Places

Summary: From shower curtains to wardrobe drapes, fabric is finding its way into surprising corners of the home—and bringing joy wherever it lands.

One of the more delightful things Katherine’s seeing in 2026. Curtains turning up where you wouldn’t expect them.

‘We’ve done curtains in doorways, in front of walk-in wardrobes, even behind glass in wardrobes to hide the contents beautifully,’ she shares. ‘Shower curtains are having a moment too—not the plastic kind, but beautiful fabric ones that transform a bathroom.’

It comes back to that core idea: if you want personality and joy running through your home, why stop at the windows?

Ready to Bring Some 2026 Joy Into Your Home?

Bold fabric. Layered trims. A pelmet you’d never considered. It’s all possible—but it can feel overwhelming without someone in your corner. The right guidance gives you confidence to make decisions you’ll love, rather than playing it safe and wondering ‘what if?’
If something here has sparked an idea, get in touch via the website.

We’ll arrange a design visit, look at your windows properly, talk through fabrics and headings and all the details.

The goal? Window treatments that make you happy. Every single day.

Your fabulous-not-average home awaits.

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2026 Curtain And Blind Trends FAQ

  • Can I achieve these 2026 trends on a budget?

    Within reason. Trims on a plain fabric. A statement roman blind instead of full curtains. A simple bed valance. Impact doesn’t require the biggest spend.

  • Are warm neutrals still acceptable in 2026?

    More than acceptable. They’re not going anywhere. A calm, neutral scheme can still embrace thoughtful details—textures, decorative linings, considered trims, gorgeous headings and beautiful hardware.

  • Do I need to follow every trend?

    No. The point is knowing what’s possible so you can choose what’s right for you. Your home, your taste.

  • How do I know if my windows can accommodate these elaborate treatments?

    hat needs a proper look. Window position, how they open, what’s above and below, your room’s architecture—it all matters. Definitely worth getting a professional assessment and help to execute flawlessly.

Get the look

 

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About The Author

Katherine Brown began her career project managing major house renovations, giving her a rare mix of creative design ability and deep technical understanding of construction, hardware, motorisation and installation. For the last decade, Katherine and her team have delivered bespoke window dressings and soft furnishings for homes across London and the UK, including large heritage properties, complex architectural spaces and full-house projects where every room demands a tailored approach.

She works with some of the UK’s most respected interior designers as well as private homeowners and her work is recognised for its precision, considered detailing and a calm, collaborative design process rooted in trust and craftsmanship.

Katherine is particularly known for her thoughtful use of trims and layering, and for her belief that well-designed window dressings can quietly transform how a home feels—bringing clarity, comfort and a sense of ease to everyday living.

Katherine: 07954 377 927
Sara: 07398 734 937