Your Best Options For Mid-Century Modern Window Treatments

Mid-century modern homes (sometimes called modern homes) are some of the most visually interesting houses. They’re like a snapshot of a particular time in American history, preserved in place and still turning heads today. In fact, the mid-century modern look has made a comeback in the last decade.

If your home is a fabulous mid-century piece, or you want to capture that aesthetic, you need the right elements to fit this style. Along with furniture and paint colors, look for mid-century window treatments. These window treatment styles are the perfect finishing touch for mid-century modern decor.

What Makes A Mid-Century Modern House Unique?

Popular between the 1940s and 1980s, mid-century modern architecture has roots in art deco, European modernism, and many other influences. In residential home design, the most visible features of the style include:

• Large windows—When looking at a modern home facade, you’ll notice how the use of posts and beams allows for full-wall windows and larger windows in mid-century modern houses.
• Sliding glass doors and transoms—Besides large windows, sliding glass doors and transom windows are common, increasing the window area in modern homes.
• Open space – Mid-century modern houses tend to have few barriers or thresholds between rooms, making the home feel more connected. 
• Flat or very slightly gabled roofs.

Window Treatments For Mid-Century Modern Homes

For modern homes, window treatments have several tasks: controlling light, maintaining temperature, providing privacy, and fitting into the mid-century style. Finding a window treatment that can do all these things might sound impossible, but fortunately, you have a few options. 

Plantation Shutters

With so much surface area dedicated to windows on mid-century modern houses, controlling sunlight, energy efficiency, and privacy is an absolute must. Plantation shutters offer incredible freedom in window coverage since you can open and shut individual sets of louvers as well as their hinged panels. These interior shutters let you choose between full light, filtered light, or darkness. That also means you can have complete privacy, partial coverage, or an unfettered view. They’re also the most energy-efficient window treatments available, blocking up to 30 degrees of temperature transfer from windows.

Plantation shutters work exceptionally well as mid-century window treatments. They fit any window, including sliding glass doors and transom windows. When paired with a slightly slanted roof, the shutters' clean lines add visual interest and contrasting geometry typical of modern architecture.

Window Shades

Window shades perfectly complement the mid-century modern style. Patterned shades are especially evocative of the period and occupy a special niche between retro and chic. While their visual appeal is very apparent, shades also offer other benefits . Their different fabric options give you light-filtering or light-blocking capabilities. Cellular shades, with their unique construction, provide some energy efficiency. You can even add twenty-first-century convenience to your largest mid-century windows with motorized shades.

Drapery

Like shades, fabric drapery offers an array of colors and patterns to complement your mid-century modern home. Their flowing fabric adds a touch of sophistication that takes you back in time. They also provide light control, privacy, and insulation. Thick drapes block most light and air coming through your windows. Pull them closed anytime you want privacy. They also look especially stylish when paired with coordinating window shades or classic interior shutters.

Find Gorgeous Mid-Century Window Treatments At Sunburst

Trying to furnish your mid-century modern home? Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions can help. We have stylish window treatments for every type of decor. Get help choosing the perfect treatment for your windows when you call us at 877-786-2877 or fill out the form below. We’ll schedule a free in-home consultation and come to your house to show you samples and help you order your favorite products.