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First Off, What Encompasses Modern Design?
The term “modern design” is not new. Dating back more than a century, the term encompasses a world of design that includes minimalism, industrial, and Scandinavian design. The most well-known style of modern design is mid-century modern—seen now most often in the revived version of that style which is so prevalent today.
For many, the term “modern interior design” evokes high-end fixtures, furniture, and structures. However, the idea of modern was born out of the belief that good design should be available to all people, not just the wealthy. Heavy, expensive, and elaborate décor in cluttered Victorian rooms was replaced by modern design’s utilitarian furniture and open floor plans. Modern design became a style available to everyone.
Modern Window Blinds and Shades: Many ways to add a modern look to your home
Window Shutters
We start with shutters because many people don’t expect these age-old window treatments to fit in a modern interior. But if we examine some of the core principles of modernism—in particular, monochromatic color palette and minimalism—the shutter can be an ideal expression of the modern design ethic. And, a set or multiple sets of shutters can do more than just present monochromatic color. Their rectangular shape—something that many designers look for in a modern interior—creates a pattern that can be repeated in other elements of the room.
Wood Shutters
Graber wood shutters can be painted any color you choose. A wood shutter painted in a dark color and set against white walls is a bold, minimalist look. Select a color that matches—or is of a similar hue to— other elements in the room that you want to accentuate.
Composite Wood Shutters
While these shutters cannot be painted, they are available in a range of colors. Select a dark color for boldest effect. With their cleanness and simplicity of shape, a dark shutter shouts “modern.”
Window Shades
Cellular Shades
Minimalism means letting a few elements stand out while the rest stay in the background. Cellular shades are often used as part of that background. Their light colors, consistent light filtering, and even pattern make them ideal as a backdrop for contrasting elements. Cellular shades are also available in bolder colors if you choose to elevate them from supporting roles to lead performers. And in terms of sustainability, cellular shades are the most energy-efficient window covering available.
Solar Shades
The available colors for Graber solar shades includes neutrals and earth tones. On the window, they present a flat field of color that changes as the light filters through. Solar shades can be used as the bold part of the minimalist color scheme of the room or, in more subdued tones, set into the background.
Natural Shades
The neutral coloring and sustainability of natural shades puts them high on the list of modern window coverings. Made from bamboo, wood, grasses, jute, and rattan, natural shades provide an excellent backdrop for the bolder elements of a minimalist style. And some of the darker colored natural shade materials contrast well against a bright white background. All Graber natural shades are made from renewable materials and hand harvested.
Sheer Shades
Sheer shades are one of the simplest, most sophisticated window-design solutions. They look modern, provide beautifully filtered light, and can blend into the background of a minimalist design. These all-fabric blinds can be made with different colored louvers making it easy to find the right balance for your modern design project.
Roman shades
When looking to add a bold color or pattern to a room, a Roman shade does the job very well. The long list of Roman shade fabrics available makes it easy to create a Roman shade that’s a central feature of the room. And the simple design of Roman shades fits the modern aesthetic perfectly.
Drapery
When most people think of modern design, they don’t think of drapery. But used properly, drapery can have a very modern feel. In fact, a properly hung tall drapery in an earth tone set against a clean, white wall is a decisively modern design. A bold patterned drapery set against a plain background can also exude modern style—if it isn’t competing with other boldly patterned design elements. As in all the options listed here, it is the way the window treatments are used that produces the modern feel.
When it comes to enhancing the overall modern aesthetic of your space, choosing modern colors for your blinds and shades play a crucial role. Discover what is trending with our guide on modern colors for blinds and shades.
