Mid-Century Modern Window Treatments

Are you hip to mid-century modern homes? Mad Men fans and those with retro-leaning tastes will recognize flat planes, large glass windows and open space floor plans as the groovy look that defined a generation. Even here in Wilmington, NC, where porches and plantation shutters rule, you can find mid-century abodes worthy of any time capsule.

There are plenty of ways to replicate this style when it comes to furnishings and décor, but spiffy window treatments can play a big part, too. So bust out the tiki bar and get decked out in your finest threads—we’re here to give you the skinny on the best window treatments for your mid-century home.

Pinch Pleat Drapes: Pinch me, darling, I must be dreaming…of pinch pleat drapes! Pinch pleat drapes are probably the most iconic of mid-century modern window treatments. These long and lean draperies are often hung wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling. You can go playful with patterns or keep your pleats neutral so they blend with wall color and décor in a seamless, mid-century way.

2″ Horizontal Blinds in Aluminum: The retro window covering that’s the greatest thing since sliced bread! Get a load of these wide aluminum numbers! Also known as “venetian blinds,” these retro window treatments fit especially well in a mid-century modern window when they’re in the 2″ scale. Aluminum blinds are usually vertically divided by cloth tapes in complementary colors which not only help block light but can also match whatever vintage color scheme you’ve got going.

Wood Blinds: Gee whiz! Would you look at those wood blinds! Mid-century modern style has a deep connection with natural materials so wood blinds, like the Parker Classics collection from Hunter Douglas, can be an excellent option if you’re looking to blend organic and contemporary design.

Roller Shades: Roll in a window treatment the whole family will love! For a peppy and authentic look, go for a roller shade with a pattern—check out our Graber products for some ideas—or layer a valance on top to soften the effect. For an extra mid-century modern touch add decorative trim or contrasting head rail.

Woven Wood Shades: Make your window coverings totally tiki! Ready for that tiki party yet? In the 1950s and 60s, a Polynesian infusion swept homes across the nation. Today, you can get that same easy breezy style with woven wood shades. Like wood blinds, woven wood shades make for a natural window treatment that partner nicely with the clean lines and contemporary patterns of mid-century style.

Are you keen to outfit your home with mid-century modern window treatments? Visit Strickland’s Home for all the choice selections.