2024 Trends in Curtain Designs: What's New?

February 19, 2024

by Sze Yoong

The nomadic working landscape of our day has seamlessly blended conventional offices with remote and home base settings. This unprecedented but widely embraced decorum has been a significant game changer for our new post-pandemic world. Consequently, it is imperative that our residential, commercial and business spaces up the ante in not just focusing on aesthetically pleasing showcases but on interiors that radiates the comfort and warmth akin to ones own residence. It needs to be a true home away from home.

With the advancement of every new year, we are presented with the opportunity to make positive changes. These changes need not have to be harsh, rather, gentle modifications and adjustments can be literally soft. Soft furnishing, can be undertaken in 2024 with a practical and purposeful approach to ease into the year.

Small alterations for example, in the way natural light sources interact and reflect within a space have the power to reshape the ambience and ultimately, the overall mood. An otherwise impersonal, stark and chilly corporate office, can be transformed by introducing a colossal waterfall of cascading curtains.

Embracing a fresh perspective that considers a curtain more than just a design element but experimenting with the opacity, design, length, colour, sustainability and patterns can prove to have a truly transformational impact. This approach not only adds aesthetic value but also embodies a functional ingenuity that enhances the overall experience of a space.

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Bright / Collection

Bright / Collection

1. Opacity

The fabric's opacity plays a crucial role in regulating the influx of light into a space. Therefore, it is a pivotal to consider whether your shades generate softer or more pronounced shadows to complement your theme and interior.

To mitigate the substantial expenses associated with electrical lighting, a discerning approach involves harnessing natural light flow during daylight hours as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative.

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Stylo / Collection

On the opposite side of the spectrum, exploring heavy-duty curtains for both space division and noise isolation, rather than solely for light blocking, is becoming a popular functionality trend. The curtains go beyond being a mere interior feature; they serve as effective separators of space and provide an ideal acoustic barrier.

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Aspen / Collection

2. Making Waves in Design

Creativity transforms the use of familiar materials, breathing new life and aesthetics into a seemingly commonly used piece of cloth. The current latest trend of incorporating repetitive waves and swirls seen at a commercial showroom and a beauty salon inspires us to re-evaluate how we can artistically shape. Employing techniques such as layering, introducing curves and creating ripples contributes to the creation of an ethereal wonderland in these two places.

Beyond Space, an interior design firm, ingeniously filled the entire space with a mesmerizing, ethereal rippling of ceiling-to-floor, semi-transparent, ocean-hued drapes effectively transforming the showroom into an ocean of undulating waves. Building on the concept of fabric as effective space separators, they skillfully cut the sheer fabrics at verying lengths to demarcate distinct zones for the meeting, office, seating and common areas. Who could have figured that layering could be so lightweight and not heavily cumbersome. The space they divided was interconnected by the flow of the elements that fluidly brought the place together.

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Similarly, at James Good, a leading Saloon, curtains were used as a clever partitioning of different areas; including treatment rooms, hair-styling and cosmetics stations. The curtains were not merely just a decorative design feature, they again served and functioned as separators of space, contributing to the creation of better acoustics within the saloon.

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Architectural Sheers / Collection 

3. Goes to Lengths

Since curtains are commonly made-to-measure, this service has become a prevalent norm of the century. While the convenience of instantly store-bought uniform designs has its appeal, many proud designers would patiently opt for designs that specifically fulfil a particular set of requirements, especially in terms of length and customization. As shown, this proves to be a true art form when a designer knows how to layer and play with the lengths.


4. Colour of The Year for 2024

Every year, fashion and interior designers wait with abated breath for the Pantone colour of the year. This year, Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, has declared that everything is just “Peachy” for the upcoming year.

“PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It's a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul. In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless.”

The glow and comfort of peach, whether it is a single tone or mixed with similar hues, envelops us into a cocoon. However, juxtaposing with other colours would depend on a preference for contrasting or non-contrasting colour schemes. As peach is often perceived as a feminine tone, it has been seen to be skilfully paired with subtle greys to achieve a balanced effect. To avoid overwhelming the palette, consider colour-blocking with white or introducing a splash of blue azure for added vibrancy. Other possible accents to complement a peachy tone of non-contrasting colours might include burnt orange, an earthy-tone, ochre or terracotta. As long as the colours work tonally, you cannot go wrong. Contrasting colours have the tendency to make a room feel smaller, while non-contrasting colours can contribute to a sense of spaciousness. So, take your pick based on the desired ambiance for your room. While not the easiest colour to work with, the aftereffect of using peach proves to be rewarding for the discerning eye.

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Release / Collection

If you're feeling less than peachy, don't worry; it's not the end-all. Other colours offer a fantastic way to draw attention or highlight special features. Bold use of strong colours can bring out the owner's personality through vibrant displays, while softer, gentler colours create an atmosphere of peace and overall calmness. Depending on your personality type and disposition, choose a colour that you enjoy seeing daily. It could be your favourite colour or one that evokes a beautiful nostalgic feeling. Colours have the power to evoke various emotions, so select the ones that bring positivity through your vision.

If you have large focal pieces, intricate wallpaper, detailed upholstery or carpet designs, consider opting for plain-coloured curtains. The curtains do not necessarily have to blend into the background; in fact, they can still stand out by opting for a strong colour that complements the hues present in the other more intricate pieces around the room. Colours offer the flexibility to create a bright and cheery or a dark and moody room. Strong and vibrant colours lend an air of sophistication, while rich, warm palettes can evoke comfort and a sense of tranquillity.

Darker colours can be complemented with lighter patterned fabrics to draw attention to windows. The key is to ensure that the colours blend harmoniously with the rest of the furniture and fittings in the room. Warm tones should align with warm tones, while cooler tones match with cooler tones.

If you are someone who treads with a careful approach, neutral colours have the ability to create an illusion of brightness and spaciousness, making a room appear larger than its actual size.

Acacia fabrics consistently offer shades, tones, or hues that complement a plethora of contrasting colour palettes. Visit their showrooms to explore the kaleidoscope of offerings they have available.

5. Sustainability

In today's world, many industries are embracing sustainability, consciously working to preserve the environment. Acacia fabrics is one such brand that has intentionally taken steps to ensure their products align with these principles.

As much as we appreciate the functions, colours, style, and transformative ability of fabrics in altering the appearance of a space, it's essential to reconsider the type of fabric we choose to invest in. Beyond aesthetics, delving into the origins of the end product indicates a shift towards a more informed and discerning audience seeking trust in the brands they want to support. Being aware that the brand you purchase from is actively taking steps to fulfil its responsibility makes the buying process less stressful. It instils a sense of confidence in the consumer, making them feel they've made an informed decision.

Homeowners are increasingly recognizing the impact of their choices on Mother Earth. As attention shifts toward sustainable practices and ecological awareness in 2024, curtain fashion doesn't necessarily have to rely solely on nature-based materials. However, this doesn't imply limiting options solely to curtains made of organic fabrics like hemp, linen, or bamboo.

Fabric Content: Modern science backs Acacia's Bru fabrics, which are manufactured and certified under the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®. This certification ensures that the fabrics do not release any harmful chemicals into the environment.

Operations and Regulations: Bru fabrics are also ISO 14001 Certified, indicating that the environmental impact of the company's operations is actively measured and there are intentions to implement improvements. Acacia collaborates with two other regulatory bodies, including REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals), a compulsory EU regulation that establishes procedures for assessing information on the properties and hazards of substances. They also collaborate with QESH (Quality, Environment, Safety, and Health), which governs all their operations by monitoring compliance, staying informed about new legislation, and following best practices throughout the industry.

Recycled and Organic: Acacia fabrics also offer a range of sustainable collections that utilize recycled polyester and organic cotton. Acacia adheres to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Organic Content Standard (OCS) to ensure the authenticity of the recycled and organic content in their fabrics.

When exploring trends, the last thing we want to delve into are all these acronyms and legalistic aspects of environmental conservation. It's reassuring when we discover a company that has already addressed these environmental issues rigorously. This adds definite plus points to the purchase, making our contribution as consumers much more responsible.

6. Patterns

Instinctively, the majority of us tend to gravitate toward the safe side and opt for plain fabrics. Patterns often scare us into thinking that they might be overly distracting or unintentionally lead to a chaotic design reminiscent of Gaudi. Many people end up incorporating small touches of patterns, reserving larger expanses, such as the sofa and curtains, for plain fabrics.

But how can you use patterns without them overwhelming the space and making it feel too busy? Patterns can actually create a cohesive design theme that brings everything in the room together. Employing patterns-on-patterns can craft a rich and plush cocoon that envelops the entire room in a singular, harmonious story.

It isn't entirely dismissed in the sterile minimalist department. However, over-the-top trends that creatively bring together a cacophony of varying lines, textures, patterns, and designs showcase a remarkable level of ingenuity.

7. Closing

We often hear people say 'it's all in the detail', and that can't be more true when it comes to interior decorating. Every detail tells a story and gives you insight into the owner’s unique and personal imagination. Finding a curtain that suits the interior of your space begins with a curtain specialist.

Windows allow us to see the world beyond our walls; dress them for success and choose the right curtains to complement them well. If you are searching for the perfect curtain to express your personality at home, find our nearest boutiques at acaciacurtain.co.

Let’s not stand still. Let 2024 be a year of taking chances and making new changes. If you’ve always played it safe, try something bold. If you’ve been too busy for too long, embrace some quiet and tranquillity. And just like the billowy trails of a curtain, never remain stagnant.

Looking for quality sofas with creative fabrics and easy maintenance? Find the nearest showroom at acaciasofa.co
If you are searching for the perfect curtain to express your personality at home, find our nearest boutiques at acaciacurtain.co