How To Best Style The Timeless Window Treatment That's Making A Comeback In 2025

Trends in window treatments have changed quite a bit over the years, but there's one thing you can always count on — what goes out of style always finds its way back. This is especially true for those timeless styles that may waver in popularity but consistently prove to be enduring staples in home design. That's why it was no surprise when a classic window treatment made its comeback into the trend cycle this year — cellular shades. Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades for their hexagonal side profile, have long been the unsung hero of window treatments — but in 2025, they're finally getting the recognition they deserve. These shades offer plenty of practical benefits, but can also be a huge asset when styled with layered curtains for more depth and versatility.

Whether you're drawn to cellular shades for their current trendy appeal or more functional reasons like their ability to prevent privacy risks for street-facing rooms, learning how to style them will help you unlock their full potential. With the help of layering, cellular shades can transform your windows into a stylish feature while maintaining the functionality you need.

Cellular shades have a modest design that is great for modern, minimalist spaces, but layering them with curtains gives them versatility to work within other styles. Beyond their simplistic, sleek appeal, cellular shades can help warm up your house this winter by keeping cold air out, and in summer, they capture the sun's heat to keep spaces cool. If you feel committed to cellular shades for these functional benefits, but still love the flair of decorative curtains — layering gives you the best of both worlds. There are a few different ways you can layer curtains with cellular shades — either with a valance, curtain panels, or both. Adding a valance or swag curtain above the shades is a great way to add a touch of personality while bringing more depth and dimension to your window. If you're looking for curtain styling hacks for corner windows, consider using multiple cellular shades for splitting corner windows and a single valance to tie the design together.

If you truly want your windows to stand out with some decorative flair, you can add curtain panels under the valance in a coordinating shade for a more opulent, elegant look. This approach, as well as just layering with curtain panels, will give you more control and flexibility to choose between different layers of privacy, insulation, and sunlight. Cellular shades are a timeless choice for their practicality, and layering them with curtains will take their design and function to the next level.