The Biggest Curtain Trends for 2026

Helping You Decide

Investing in some new curtains in the New Year? Then you aren’t alone! So many customers come to us at the start of each year looking for some new curtains for their space. As you’d expect from one of the leading specialists in made to measure curtains Essex has to offer, we are asked plenty of questions, and one of the most common is ‘what’s on trend this year?’. So to help you out a little, here are some of the curtain trends that are set to dominate in 2026.

Warm neutrals

We’re one of the curtain showrooms Chelmsford residents come to time and time again, so we have seen trends come and go. Greys and cool neutrals have been the go-to for many years, but that is changing right now. Property owners are looking to add more warmth to their spaces and are turning away from cool tones and opting for warm neutrals instead. So say hello to taupe, sand and cream this year!

Earthy tones

Building on what we just looked at, let’s talk about earthy tones. We’re talking rich browns and russets and deep, forest greens. These are some of the biggest shades in interior design right now, and they are some of the most in-demand curtain colours as a result. Curtains in these rich, earthy tones are a brilliant way to make a statement and add depth to a room without it being too overwhelming.

Retro patterns

Bold, retro patterns are back! Minimalism has been the norm for so long, and while there will always be a time and place for plain curtains, we are loving how adventurous our customers are with their fabric choices right now. You could go for a ’60s-inspired geometric pattern or keep it classic with florals. There’s no right or wrong, and clashing patterns are a huge trend right now! So you don’t have to worry about everything matching.

Natural fabrics

More and more people are making the shift away from synthetic fabrics and opting for curtains made from natural materials instead. Whether it’s cotton or silk, you really can’t go wrong with fabrics that have come from Mother Nature. A lot of people worry that curtains made from these kinds of fabrics are hard to look after, but we are here to give you all the care tips you need to keep yours looking great.

Pastel shades

If you aren’t a fan of super-bright colours, you’ll love the return of pastels. Perfect for children’s bedrooms and nurseries as well as a wide range of other spaces throughout the home, they are a great way of injecting some brightness into a room while keeping it a little more pared-back and versatile. From buttery yellows to favourites like baby pink and blue, pastels are very much here to stay!