To bring your home a consistent, high-end design, it’s important to sync up the design style across every aspect of your interior, including your windows.
Modern and contemporary design styles are the two most popular design styles today. But, given their similarities, it’s easy to confuse one for the other.
We created this guide to give you a detailed look at each style. This will help you communicate well to your interior designer or window treatment specialist. Any knowledge you pick up will also help you get more involved in the creative process of designing any room in your home.
We’ll start with an overview of each style. Then we’ll dive into how each style manifests in window treatments.
The Modern Design Style
The “modern” design style emerged in the early to mid-20th century.
This style is simple, futuristic, and beautiful. Modern design is all about functionality, simplicity, natural beauty, balance and harmony.
Think:
- clean lines
- neutral colors
- earthy tones and warm neutrals (soft browns, taupe, warm grays, muted greens, and whites)
- natural materials (wood, linen, cotton)
Overall, modern design is a warm, timeless aesthetic that brings nature indoors. No wonder many of our Idaho clients love it!
Window Shades in the Modern Design Style
Now you might wonder, how do these trends manifest in window coverings?
Window treatments in a modern style focus on soft, natural light. They prioritize minimalism, with an emphasis on function over excess decoration.
Wood Blinds
Wood blinds fit seamlessly with the organic textures and minimalist vibe of a modern interior. They also evoke a connection to nature.
Parkland® Wood Blinds from Hunter Douglas are crafted from real hardwoods like basswood, oak, and cherry. They’re durable and elegant.
If you prefer the look of wood but you need a more resilient option, take a look at Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ Shutters. These shutters are good for areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations.
Roller Shades and Sheer Shades
Roller shades allow you to craft light to create a soothing atmosphere.
For the modern style, consider shades made with linen or cotton, and go for white or an earthy color palette. These natural materials will provide a soft, understated finish. They’ll look relaxing, natural and balanced – perfect for the modern design style.
Drapery
In the modern design style, drapes are typically simple, neutral, and clean-lined. Ideally, consider using a natural material like linen or silk.
Drapery like this can add a wonderful calming elegance to your space.
The Contemporary Design Style
Contemporary design has been around since the 1970s. It basically means “whatever is current.” Contemporary design constantly changes to incorporate new looks and materials.
Think:
- sleek lines
- bold contrasts
- cooler colors
- sharp angles
- minimalist aesthetics
A contemporary interior design might feature a black, white, and neutral color scheme mixed with pops of color like electric blue or hot red.
You’ll see more polished or reflective surfaces. You’ll also notice materials like metal, glass, and synthetic fabrics.
Window Shades in the Contemporary Design Style
With contemporary designs, the goal is often to block harsh sunlight and reduce glare, particularly in spaces with large windows or glass doors.
Roller Shades and Solar Shades
Roller shades and solar shades are the most popular choice for contemporary interior design. They control light while maintaining a minimalist, uncluttered look.
You can pair shades with various textures and colors, so you can keep updating your space without overhauling your window treatments. If you enjoy keeping up with trends and you want shades that allow flexibility in your décor, contemporary shades in white or a neutral color can be a great choice.
Drapery
While drapes provide a more classic look, they show up in contemporary design, too.
In this style, you’ll often see drapery in bold colors, geometric patterns, and innovative fabrics.
Metal Blinds
Metal blinds can add a striking visual contrast to your space, and they fit with contemporary design’s emphasis on new materials.
Metal blinds won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Still, we would be amiss not to mention them in our discussion.
Take a look at aluminum blinds to see if this look might be of interest to you. They come in many finishes including mattes, metallics, and soft pearlescent hues.
What These Window Design Styles Have in Common
Both modern and contemporary design styles allow you to create well-insulated, comfortable spaces with privacy to taste. Plus, you can add motorization and automation to your shades, blinds, or drapes.
So, rest assured, you can get the same functional benefit regardless of the aesthetic style you choose.
Stylistically, both styles can be minimal and adaptable to an evolving interior. You can even choose shades or drapes that work well with both design styles! This way, you can enjoy maximum flexibility to update your interior decor over time.
Which Design Style to Choose
This is easy. You want to choose the style that you feel most drawn to!
Here are a couple more tips that might help. 😊
Collect Designs You Like
If you put together a Pinterest board or other folder of your favorite images, an interior designer (or ChatGPT) can let you know which style best aligns with your interests.
An easy way to do this is to screenshot what you like and put your favorite images into a reference folder.
Keep in mind, it’s usually helpful to choose a style that works well in your context. Idaho has enough culture to work well with a range of styles, including both modern and contemporary.
If you have a lot of diverse images in your inspiration folder, your interior designer or window coverings expert can help you hone in on the right style for your room.
Think About How Often You Like to Update Your Interior
If you enjoy refreshing your space as new trends emerge, contemporary design could be a natural fit for you. This style will allow you to swap out furniture and decor as new trends spark your interest.
In contrast, modern design is rooted in established principles from the 20th century. While many brands like West Elm still create new furniture designs in the modern style, you won’t have quite as much flexibility if you want to keep a consistent aesthetic.
Are There More Specific Styles?
If you’re into design, then you probably already know that “modern” and “contemporary” are broad categories that include more specific design styles.
We’ll briefly share details on these sub-movements. From here, you can explore design ideas further on Pinterest, Architectural Digest, or your favorite sources for design inspiration.
Several movements contributed to the “modern design” style.
- De Stijl, (1917-1930s) pushed for extreme simplicity, using primary colors and geometric forms.
- The Bauhaus movement (1919–1930s) emphasized functionality and minimalism, merging art with craftsmanship.
- The International Style (1920s–1930s) focused on clean lines and industrial materials like glass and metal.
- Mid-Century Modern (1940s–1960s) brought in organic shapes and emphasized indoor-outdoor flow, using natural materials like wood alongside futuristic designs.
In contemporary design, movements are more fluid, adapting to current trends.
- Minimalism focuses on simplicity and functionality.
- Sustainable design has gained importance, using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions.
- Industrial design is often seen in exposed brick, metal fixtures, and utilitarian aesthetics.
Making the Right Choice for Your Idaho Home
Choosing between modern and contemporary window shades comes down to your personal style preferences and how you want your home to feel.
If you’re drawn to timeless, organic designs that evoke calmness and balance, you’ll love modern window treatments. On the other hand, if you prefer a more dynamic, adaptable approach, potentially with bold colors and sleek finishes, then contemporary shades will likely be your style.
At Takoy Designs, we can help you navigate the best options in both modern and contemporary styles so you can find the perfect solution for your windows.
Contact us today for a consultation, and let us bring your vision to life!
