Bye-Bye Boring Drapes, The Once-Dated Trend for Luxuriously Dramatic Window Treatments Is Back – and Designers Very Much Approve

Personality... character... drama – these buzz words have been making their rounds in the interior design scene throughout 2025. And finally, the dramatic appeal has made its way to one of the most overlooked spots in the home – the windows – encouraging a new wave of expressive, dramatic drapery styles.

Of course, opulent, billowing window treatment ideas aren't a 'new' trend by any means; much like many trends of 2025, this aesthetic takes from the past. Dramatic drapes graced the homes of the wealthy from the 15th century and had become even more luxurious and elaborate throughout the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The Victorians in particular, were known for decorating with really heavy fabrics at the window and layering drapes.

However, during the more recent reign of subdued practicality and refined minimalism in interior design, dramatic drapery took a back seat, and window treatments became nothing but a box to check off before completing a room. Drapes were meant to fade into the background; light colors, light materials, light on the visuals.

But design trends are shifting and once again, dramatic drapery styles are ready to turn heads, make statements, and fill interiors with character and personality.

'I have often been quoted saying that 'nothing transforms a space more than drapery,' and this is even more so when it comes to dramatic drapery,' interior designer Debbie Matthews LeRoy explains. 'I believe that dramatic drapery can add a wow-factor like nothing else. With yards of rich and heavy fabrics, potentially bold colors, with opulent trims and embellishments, they can truly steal the show!'

Now, more than ever, designers and interior aficionados are craving that wow-factor that Debbie speaks of. 'People are ready to embrace color, richness, and maximalism after many years of pared-down interiors featuring mostly white and gray color palettes,' she explains. Interior designer Liz Williams thinks similarly, adding that 'people are craving warmth, texture, and individuality in their homes, and statement drapery fits perfectly.'

As a feature of the loud luxury trend, dramatic drapery encourages individuals to go bold, try something different, and consider window coverings as something more – no longer an afterthought, but the star of the show, an outlet for creative expression and personality in interiors.

The dramatic window treatment trend replaces light and airy window coverings with variations that are – you guessed it – dramatic. Think long, billowing drapes in rich colors and opulent textures that hang stylishly in front of the window. According to Liz, these variations create a 'sense of luxury and completion that simple treatments can’t achieve.'

Dramatic drapes billow, puddle, and balloon, as Debbie tells me, and they can 'infuse the feeling of grandeur, richness, and elegance' in a room, she explains. Although they've historically been a common feature in formal settings, Liz explains that they're not limited to such. 'Heavier drapery can work beautifully in relaxed settings, too,' she says.

Take the room above as an example. Designed by interior designer Shona McElroy, this relaxing bedroom features dramatic, burnt orange drapery that tastefully enhances the neutral color palette of the room itself. 'Dramatic drapery is a really easy way to uplift a space and add an element of surprise, color and interest,' Shona remarks. In this room, the drapes 'draw the eye up and highlight the tall ceilings, and let the rest of the bedroom be neutral and easy,' Shona explains.

Of course, the dramatic drapes in this room add a level of formality, but they don't make the space any less inviting. If anything, they enhance the cozy, cocooning atmosphere of the bedroom itself. The same can be said for dramatic drapes in any other room of a home.

There are certain fabrics that best appeal to the dramatic drapery trend. 'Fabrics with textures like velvet, brocade, or embroidery offer a sense of richness and opulence,' Debbie tells me. 'Fabrics with a sheen, like silk, raw silk, or satin, can have the same effect as they catch the light, adding to the overall mood and ambiance of the space.'

Even linen, which is a naturally light and airy fabric, has the potential to a make dramatic statement – it just depends on its style. 'Bold patterns or deep, saturated colors make a statement, but even solid panels can feel impactful when finished with contrast banding, intricate trims, or pleated detailing,' Liz advises.

Regardless of whether you choose a light or heavy fabric for your dramatic drapes, it's the complementary details like color and pattern that make the most impact – not only on the windows themselves, but on the design of the entire room. Combined, these details attract your eye to the drapes and invite a level of drama to the space.

While dramatic drapery has an effortless way of making a room feel more unique, inviting, and personal, it's not without its downsides. Naturally, dramatic drapery is heavy, and if not styled properly, it can weigh a room down. That's why it's important to understand the rules of balance in interior design – this way, the dramatic drapes can make their statement without overwhelming a space.

If the space you're designing is rather calm, Shona recommends letting the drapes be the statement piece – 'decide on the style and color and bring it in subtly in other parts of the room through cushions, books, etc. to tie them in,' she says. Plus, to alleviate the overwhelming weight that dramatic drapes can have on a room, Shona recommends mounting them high. 'The higher the rail, the better – it keeps [the drapes] elongated.'

It's also a good idea to keep the dramatic drapes open to let light flow into the room and to frame the window in a stylish, elegant manner. 'It's important that the drapes block as little light during the day as possible, two subtle tiebacks to either side can really help to allow all that light to flow through,' Shona says. Anthropologie's Handheld Tieback can serve as an equally dramatic option, or if you prefer the subtlety that Shona speaks of, try this Standard Curtain Holdback from Pottery Barn, instead.

Of course, a heavy drape requires much more material, and more material equates to a heightened cost. 'Creating full drapery can often require many more yards of fabric as well as a heavier lining, which is more expensive,' Debbie explains. 'This type of drapery can also be heavier than most, often requiring additional drapery hardware and reinforcement, which can add to the cost of materials and the labor cost to install them.' A durable rod like the Ellis Drapery Rod Set from Rejuvenation can support heavy styles and look good while doing so.

If you're willing to make the investment, the sweeping, elegant look of dramatic drapery makes the cost totally worth it.

Shop The Trend

Ready to take your window coverings to the next level? Shop everything you need to add some drama to your windows, below.

Not as heavy, but equally as dramatic, check out the balloon tie-up curtain trend – a lighter alternative to the dramatic drapery trend that adds just a touch of theatricality to your windows.