Sometimes, hybrids just work. Peanut butter and jelly. Rom-coms. The blissful balance of an in-office/WFH schedule. Turns out, window treatments are no exception – and the latest trend for 2025, the balloon tie-up curtain, is proof.
Somewhat of a cross between a Roman shade and a curved valance, the curtain trend is the best of both worlds for keeping rooms cool come summer: the theatrical elegance of a scalloped silhouette paired with the crisp pleats of a Roman, cinched with a bow tie for flair.
‘There is something about his style that makes me want to lean into their easy breezy look and open a window,’ says Virginia-based interior designer Darlene Molnar. ‘The tie curtain vibe is very femme cottage,’ she continues, affectionately tying the window treatment idea (pun intended) to ‘the rise in grandma chic.’
This Roman shade already sets the scene – add bows, and you've got the full tie-up curtain fantasy.
‘Historically, we see this style in little girls' rooms, nurseries, or shabby chic country cottages – their little bow tops lending a cutesy touch to these spaces,’ the designer continues. But for summer 2025, iterations of this curtain idea can, essentially, be whatever you need them to be, softening any interior design scheme. ‘I can imagine a summer air gently blowing on them,’ she muses.
They’re ideal as kitchen window treatments (café-length is classic), but truly, they work anywhere in need of charm – or where the sunlight needs diffusing. And while custom versions can climb into the four figures (blame the precise volume and proportion), brands like Urban Outfitters, Wayfair, and Macy’s are offering this style of curtain in lots of ready-to-ship dimensions under $50 – if you know where to dig. And, as a style editor, I do.
Whether you call it cottage-core’s final boss or just the prettiest new way to soften a space, just know: this summer, your windows are getting dressed.
A rod pocket makes for easy installation on this 63-inch balloon-style tie-up curtain – and the black-and-white border gives it a tailored, custom-adjacent feel.
Grosgrain ribbon ties add a soft, unfussy finish to this dark red and cream valance – a darling nod to peak bow mania of 2023, but with less theater. Tie to any length, depending on the light and your mood.
From navy to sage, burgundy to black, plaid lovers will be pleased – these soft-structured tie-ups come in a spectrum of colorways and just so happen to be over 50% off. Not bad for a style with a 4.6-star rating and nearly 300 rave reviews.
Ugly folding blinds? No problem. Layering a tie-up curtain over the top is the oldest trick in the book – this botanical print does it best, with idyllic florals that distract in the chicest way.
The print might lean vintage, but the vibe is all 2025 – maybe it’s the electric cobalt blue, maybe it’s the four-in-one rod pocket that lets you pleat or tier as you please. Either way, it works.
Monochrome and a candy-coated hue? Yes, please. A prime example of how cottage style can feel current – especially with a blackout curtain lining that lets you sleep ‘til midday (no judgment).
I love a curtain trend like this one, because it's such an easy and affordable switch. No big investment for a trend that might only last a season (although I do see this one sticking around), and no commitment to anything too permanent.
So you’ve got the goods – now make them look like it. Rod or no rod, here’s how to hang curtains the right way.
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