Valances

Perhaps one of the most versatile treatments on our list, valances have a long and rich history spanning multiple centuries. For the uninitiated, valances are loose, decorative top treatments that hang just above the window. They were traditionally used as a seamless extension for draperies to hide hardware but have since evolved to accommodate a variety of treatments, including shades and blinds.

Valances first rose to popularity in the nineteenth century during the Victorian Era due to their ornate design and romantic appeal. However, at the turn of the twenty-first century, valances quickly fell out of favor in lieu of more linear designs.

So, what happened? How did the valance go from being a household staple to a fashion faux pas? By the turn of the century, the ruffled, laced, and patterned treatments that dominated the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s had quickly become synonymous with all that was old, stuffy, and outdated. However, as previously mentioned, what goes around comes around. Thanks to the rise of period dramas, like Bridgerton, and micro-trends that promote comfort and craftsmanship, like cottagecore, we’re seeing an uptick in romantic, whimsical styles that accommodate traditional valances.

 

Café Curtains

Teaming with old-world charm and sophistication, the café curtain is another fan-favorite making a comeback. This sweet and captivating solution, once banned to the confines of grandma’s kitchen, has a rich history rooted in practicality and agrarian charm. Originally thought to be of Austrian descent, the café curtain first rose to popularity at the height of the nineteenth century. As the name would suggest, they were commonly used in European bistros and cafés to allow for privacy and natural light. However, due to their effectiveness, they quickly grew in notoriety and transitioned to the home – where they've lived, on and off, for over a century.

In recent months, however, the café curtain has made a surprising return as one of the most sought-after window treatments. In the last year alone, searches for café curtains have soared on sites like Pinterest. Thanks to the rise of relaxed and rustic aesthetics geared towards comfort and utility, café curtains are becoming a widespread fixture in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms everywhere. However, what makes this resurgence so unique is that they're not just being used on windows. They're also being fixed to cupboards and cabinets as a playful alternative to doors. This imaginative twist on the café curtain is a beautiful way of filling a space with color, texture, and form.

Woven Wood Shades

Okay, this one's cheating a bit. Woven wood shades have always been a timeless classic. Just not in the way you might think. While relatively new to the American landscape, woven wood shades have graced interiors across the globe for well over a millennium. Their origins can be traced back to ancient China, where bamboo and other natural fibers grew in abundance. These natural grasses were used to develop many household fixtures, including window coverings. This makes woven wood shades one of the earliest known types of shades in existence.

Over time, similar variations arose, such as the Sudare shade in Japan and the Chic Blind in India. However, it wasn’t until the mid-twentieth century that the woven wood shade found its way to Western audiences. As interiors transitioned from modern to bohemian, so did window treatments. By the ‘60s and ‘70s, people were starting to play with new and experimental window treatments, and the rich, natural textures of woven wood shades meshed perfectly with the muted earth tones and cozy textures of the flower child era.

In the last decade, the appeal of woven wood shades has surged due to recent trends towards sustainable design practices. Their visual and textural interest, combined with their versatility, make them a fan favorite in modern interiors. They seamlessly integrate with a number of styles, making them an easy addition to traditional, transitional, and coastal homes – just to name a few. What’s more, woven wood shades are the perfect tool for layered looks. Simply pair them with a set of timeless, floor-length draperies for added depth and dimension.

Given their versatility and timeless appeal, we can expect to enjoy the wonders of woven wood shades for many years to come.

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer the romantic appeal of valances or the clean, crisp lines of woven wood shades, it's always fun to take a peek at the not-so-distant past and examine how trends and designs have evolved to cater to a new and modern audience. What are some of your favorite trends making a comeback? We'd love to hear your thoughts. Join us over on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to discuss some of your favorite retro revives!

Lafayette Interior Fashions is a family-owned, to-the-trade manufacturer of blinds, shades, shutters, draperies, and other custom-crafted interior fashion products. To learn more about our products, Find a local dealer near you.