If you have been shopping for window coverings recently, you have probably noticed the options look quite different from a few years ago — woven wood and natural material shades are everywhere, layered curtain-plus-blind setups are trending on social media, and motorized smart blinds are far more affordable than they used to be.
Brands like SmartWings have brought smart motorized blackout roller shades down to a starting price of $159.99.
These shifts reflect several core trends shaping the window treatment industry in 2026.
Understanding them can help you make a more confident buying decision — one that matches both current design sensibilities and your day-to-day needs.
1. Woven Wood & Natural Textures in Window Shades
Bamboo, wood, and woven grass materials are making a strong comeback in window shade design. The warm, tactile quality of natural fibers is replacing the cool minimalism that dominated in previous years.
This trend aligns with a broader shift in interior design toward warm neutrals — taupe, beige, and caramel tones are taking over from cool grays. As one of the largest soft furnishing elements in a room, window coverings naturally follow this color shift.
SmartWings Woven Wood Shades are crafted from natural straw with organic textures and tonal variation that synthetic fabrics are hard to replicate.
Customer Ramon D. shared in his review that the materials look great, installation was easy, pricing was reasonable, and the Matter integration via HomeKit worked smoothly — adding that he would definitely buy again.
2.Layered Window Treatments: Blinds + Curtains
Layering is one of the most visible design trends in 2026 — pairing an inner shade (roller or cellular) for light control and privacy with an outer drapery layer for decoration and atmosphere.
This combination delivers two practical benefits. Functionally, each layer handles a different job, giving you finer control over light and privacy. Visually, the added depth creates a more polished, "designer" look that a single shade on its own cannot achieve.
SmartWings roller shades or cellular shades paired with motorized drapery make it possible to automate a layered setup — control each layer independently through voice commands or scheduled automation.
Apartment Therapy noted in their review of SmartWings: "These shades are so functional and aligned with the aesthetic I'm trying to achieve in my bedroom too."
That blend of function and design is exactly what the layering trend is about.
3. Roman Shades: The Fabric-Forward Comeback
Roman shades are back in a big way in 2026 — especially soft, fabric-rich versions that feel tailored but relaxed.
Unlike the clean, flat profile of a roller shade, Roman shades fold into natural layers when raised, adding texture and warmth to a room.
This trend is particularly strong in kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
Many homeowners choose Roman shades in these spaces because they feel more like "home" than a roller shade, without the heaviness of traditional curtains.
Outside-mounted Roman shades also make windows appear visually larger.
SmartWings Roman Shades come in a motorized version with custom sizing, combining fabric richness with the convenience of electric operation.
Motorized control is especially useful for Roman shades — traditional cord-operated versions can be awkward to adjust on tall or hard-to-reach windows.
4. Smart Motorized Blinds Go Mainstream
A few years ago, motorized blinds were reserved for high-end custom projects. Today, battery power, USB-C charging, and standardized smart protocols have made them a realistic option for everyday households.
Two key factors are driving this shift:
Lower installation barrier. Battery-powered shades do not involve wall wiring, making them a practical option for already-renovated homes. SmartWings customer Carlos W. shared: "This was a very straightforward and easy installation. Programming the 2 remotes was a breeze as well."
Cross-platform compatibility. The Matter protocol is compatible with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and other major platforms.
SmartWings was one of the earlier window shade brands to support Matter, and is the world's first to launch a PoE Matter motor.
The industry has taken notice — Wirecutter named SmartWings their "Top Pick" for smart curtains, CNET called it "2026's best smart blinds," and WIRED rated it "Best Overall" for versatility.
Tech reviewer AuthenTech (Ben Schmanke) put it simply: "These are super budget friendly smart shades for your entire house! It's an awesome way to upgrade your smart home that won't break the bank."
For a deeper look at what motorized shades offer, see the Motorized Window Shade Features Guide.
5.Light Filtering vs Blackout: The Shift to Soft Light
More and more homeowners are choosing light filtering fabric over blackout — because most rooms during the day need soft, even, glare-free light rather than total darkness.
This trend has led to more flexible light control products:
SmartWings Day & Night cellular shades combine light filtering and blackout fabric in a single shade, with two layers that operate independently.
Dual Shades offer a similar dual-layer system for more refined light control throughout the day.
Tech With Brett shared his experience with SmartWings roller shades: "I love how easy it is to get these installed, and I love how they look. The quality is really nice, as well as the texture and the blackout here, that's working great."
For room-by-room guidance on light filtering applications, see the Cordless Light Filtering Blinds Guide.
6.Warm Tones & Patterns in Window Blinds
Window covering colors are shifting from cool grays to warmer tones — taupe, beige, caramel, and other warm neutrals are becoming the default palette.
Botanical prints, geometric patterns, and subtle texture details are also making a return, giving blinds more personality.
For homeowners, this means fabric color and texture carry more weight in the buying decision.
A few years ago, choosing blinds was mainly about function — blackout or light filtering, the right size.
Now more people start with "does this color work with my room?"
SmartWings offers a fabric swatch mailing service so you can see and feel actual fabric samples at home before ordering — avoiding the screen-to-reality color gap that often trips up online shoppers.
Veronica L. shared why she came back for a second order: "My bedroom looks like a magazine! The fabrics are beautiful, luxurious looking and quality feeling."
When fabric becomes part of the interior design, seeing it in person before committing is the safer approach.
7. Custom Sizing for Standard and Specialty Windows
Made-to-measure sizing has gone from a premium add-on to a standard offering. More brands now support custom widths and heights, so homeowners no longer have to settle for the closest standard size.
For specialty windows — skylights, arched windows, trapezoid windows — custom sizing matters even more, since standard products rarely fit these shapes.
SmartWings has dedicated product lines for specialty windows, including Skylight Shades, Arched Shades, and Trapezoid Shades.
Matter Alpha described SmartWings as "the leading manufacturer of customized blinds and shades with built-in automated motors."
Customer Sheryl P. confirmed the real-world fit: "Excellent workmanship. Everything fit perfectly to our measurements."
For detailed product comparisons across all SmartWings series, see the 2026 Smart Blinds Practical Buying Guide.
2026 Window Blinds Trends at a Glance
Trend |
What's changing |
SmartWings product match |
Natural materials |
Bamboo, wood, woven grass replacing synthetics |
|
Layered treatments |
Inner functional shade + outer decorative drapery |
Roller/cellular shades + Drapery |
Roman shades |
Fabric-forward, soft folds, tailored feel |
|
Smart motorized |
Battery power + Matter protocol for easy adoption |
Full product line, Matter/Zigbee/Z-Wave |
Light filtering focus |
Soft light over full blackout for daytime rooms |
|
Warm tones |
Warm neutrals and subtle patterns replacing cool gray |
|
Custom sizing |
Made-to-measure as standard, specialty window solutions |
SmartWings products are compatible with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and also work with SmartThings, Home Assistant, Hubitat, and Homey.
With over 5,600 customer reviews, you can explore real user experiences on the SmartWings Reviews page.
FAQ About Latest Window Blinds and Shades Trends
1: What trending shade styles does SmartWings offer?
Popular picks this year include Woven Wood Shades, Roman Shades, and motorized drapery for layered setups.
2: Are SmartWings motorized shades easy to install?
Battery-powered models use USB-C charging and install relatively simply. Customer Carlos W. called it "very straightforward."
3: How do I choose between light filtering and blackout?
Living rooms and kitchens suit light filtering; bedrooms suit blackout. SmartWings Day & Night shades combine both in one product.
4: Can SmartWings connect to my smart home?
Compatible with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, Home Assistant, Hubitat, and Homey.
5: Does SmartWings have natural material shades?
Woven Wood Shades use natural straw weave — suited for living rooms and dining areas with a natural, earthy aesthetic.
6: Can SmartWings fit skylights or arched windows?
Yes — dedicated lines include Skylight, Arched, and Trapezoid Shades.
7: How do I create a layered window treatment?
Inner layer: roller or cellular shades. Outer layer: drapery. Or try Dual Shades for a single-product option.
8: Can I see fabric samples before ordering?
SmartWings offers fabric swatches by mail — check real colors and textures at home before you order.
