Window treatment trends shift as homeowners determine what truly works in their daily lives versus what merely looks good in photos. For 2026, the trends lean into practicality—automation that makes life easier, layering for better light control, and classic styles that last beyond a single season. If you’re updating your Lowcountry home this year, here are the window treatment styles that are gaining traction.
Smart Home Automation Takes Over
Automation isn’t new, but 2026 is the year it stops being a luxury add-on and starts becoming standard. Homeowners want window treatments that seamlessly integrate with their smart home systems, simplifying their daily routines.
Voice control through Alexa or Google means you adjust your shades without getting up. Scheduling means your treatments open at sunrise and close when the afternoon sun heats your home—all automatically.
Coastal South Carolina’s intense sun makes automation particularly useful. Program your shades to close during peak heat hours, and you’ll automatically reduce your cooling costs. Motorization also addresses the challenge of accessing hard-to-reach windows in homes with high ceilings or those located above stairwells.
Hunter Douglas PowerView® Automation leads this trend with systems that connect to your WiFi and let you control everything from your phone. Set different scenes for different times of day—one for morning, another for entertaining, another for bedtime.
Layering for Light Control and Style
Layering window treatments provides more flexibility than a single treatment can offer. The trend for 2026 is pairing sheer shades or solar shades with blackout shades or drapes.
Sheer shades during the day filter light and provide daytime privacy while maintaining your view. In Charleston and Beaufort homes with water or marsh views, this lets you enjoy the scenery without harsh glare.
Blackout shades or drapes at night provide complete privacy and light blocking. Layer these over your sheers, and you control exactly how much light and privacy you want at any given time.
Custom drapery from Carole Fabrics adds softness and helps with insulation in coastal homes, where humidity and temperature can significantly impact comfort. The fabric also absorbs sound in open-concept spaces.
Roman Shades Make a Comeback
Roman shades are trending again because they bring a tailored, sophisticated look without feeling fussy. The fabric folds into neat horizontal pleats as you raise the shade, making it suitable for both traditional and contemporary homes.
Roman shades handle humidity better than traditional fabric shades because the operating system is built to manage fabric weight in damp conditions. This matters in Charleston and Beaufort, where humidity is constant.
Motorizing Roman shades keeps the clean lines visible—no cords or chains to detract from the look.
Plantation Shutters Stay Relevant
Plantation shutters aren’t a new trend, but they’re here to stay in 2026. They handle coastal conditions well—salt air, humidity, intense sun—and they last decades with minimal maintenance.
Wood shutters bring authentic hardwood beauty that ages well. The natural grain adds character, and the solid construction provides insulation and light control.
Composite shutters are more economical than wood and resist moisture better, making them practical for bathrooms or kitchens where wood might warp.
The trend for 2026 is larger louver sizes (3.5 inches to 4.5 inches) that look more contemporary and maximize view-through when open. Hidden tilt mechanisms eliminate the visible tilt rod for cleaner lines.
Shutters add real value to your home—they’re considered permanent fixtures that stay when you sell, and buyers usually see them as an upgrade.
Natural Materials and Textures
Woven wood shades and natural fiber materials are trending as homeowners move away from overly synthetic looks. These materials bring an organic warmth and texture that work exceptionally well in coastal homes, where you want to connect indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.
The natural weaves create interesting light patterns as sunlight filters through. You can add fabric liners for additional privacy and light control when needed.
Work With Local Installers Who Know Coastal Conditions
Following window treatment trends doesn’t mean much if the products don’t withstand your climate. Window treatment installers near Charleston and Beaufort who understand coastal challenges—salt air corrosion, humidity, sun exposure—can recommend what actually lasts.
Seaside Window Treatment has been navigating these conditions since 2008. We know which products hold up and which ones fail in coastal environments. Our free in-home consultations cover not just style but also durability and performance in Lowcountry conditions.
We serve Charleston, Beaufort, Hilton Head Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Bluffton, and the surrounding areas of Coastal South Carolina.
Call our Charleston location at (843) 714-9578 or our Beaufort location at (843) 906-8201 to discuss 2026 window treatment trends that’ll work in your home.