Laundry rooms rarely get top billing in a home, yet they work harder than most spaces. Heat, humidity, splashes, detergents, and constant movement mean window treatments here have to be durable first — but that doesn’t mean they should be dull. Designers increasingly treat laundry rooms as proper interiors, not leftover utility zones, and window treatments play a quiet but powerful role in making them feel finished.
The right choice controls light, protects privacy, stands up to moisture, and adds just enough style to elevate the room without demanding attention. Here’s how designers approach laundry room window treatments, balancing function with finesse.
Start with the Environment, Not the Aesthetic
Before thinking about colour or pattern, designers assess the conditions of the laundry room itself. Heat from dryers, steam from washing machines, and fluctuating humidity immediately rule out certain materials and constructions.
Treatments must resist warping, mildew, and staining. This is why laundry rooms are not the place for untreated silks, heavy puddled drapes, or overly delicate hardware. When the environment is accounted for first, the design choices that follow last longer and look better over time.
Roman Shades for Soft Structure Without Bulk
Custom roman shades are a designer favourite in laundry rooms because they strike a balance between softness and structure. They sit neatly within the window frame, avoid floor contact, and don’t interfere with appliances or countertops.
From a technical standpoint, designers often specify moisture-resistant linings and tightly woven fabrics that won’t sag or ripple over time. Stylistically, simple flat fold romans work best here. Subtle patterns or light colours can brighten the room without overwhelming it.
Roller Shades for Clean, Low-Maintenance Control
When maximum practicality is the priority, roller shades are often the go-to solution. They offer excellent light control, are easy to wipe clean, and take up minimal visual space, ideal for compact laundry rooms.
Designers lean toward light-filtering rollers rather than blackout options, allowing natural light to enter while maintaining privacy. Neutral tones keep the look crisp and modern, especially in laundry rooms with cabinetry-heavy layouts.
Cafe Curtains for Privacy with Personality
Cafe curtains are a classic laundry room choice for good reason. Covering only the lower half of the window, they provide privacy while still allowing daylight to flood the room.
Designers use custom curtains in short or cafe length strategically, particularly in laundry rooms that face neighbours or streets. Lightweight cottons, linens, or blends are common, often in subtle checks, stripes, or simple prints. The key is restraint: the curtain should feel charming, not kitschy.
Choose Moisture-Resistant Materials That Age Well
Material selection matters more here than in many other rooms. Designers avoid anything that absorbs moisture easily or requires frequent dry cleaning.
Fabrics with tighter weaves, synthetic blends, or treated natural fibres perform better in laundry rooms. Even when choosing curtains, designers often specify washable fabrics to ensure the treatment remains practical in a space designed for cleaning. So, understand the space well and then choose the best fabric for your curtain or roman shade.
Mount Treatments to Stay Clear of Counters and Appliances
Laundry room windows are often positioned above sinks, folding counters, or machines. Designers pay close attention to mounting height and depth to ensure treatments don’t brush against wet surfaces or moving parts.
Inside mounts are popular for this reason — they keep treatments contained and tidy. When outside mounts are used, they’re kept streamlined and functional, never overly decorative.
Use Pattern Sparingly to Add Interest
Because laundry rooms are often small, designers treat pattern as an accent rather than a statement. A subtle stripe, a soft botanical, or a muted geometric can add life without overwhelming the space.
Patterned window treatments are often paired with simple cabinetry and neutral walls, allowing the fabric to act as a point of visual interest without turning the room busy.
Coordinate with Cabinetry and Finishes
Window treatments in laundry rooms rarely stand alone. Designers coordinate them with cabinet colours, backsplash materials, and hardware finishes to create cohesion.
A well-chosen shade or curtain can soften a room full of hard surfaces, making the space feel more intentional and less utilitarian — even if it’s purely functional at heart.
Avoid Over-Treating the Window
One of the most common mistakes in laundry rooms is overdoing it. Multiple layers, heavy fabrics, or elaborate hardware often feel out of place and impractical.
Designers aim for simplicity here. A single, well-chosen treatment that does its job quietly is almost always the best solution.
Final Thoughts: Practical First, Polished Always
Laundry rooms may be functional spaces, but they still deserve thoughtful design. The right window treatment improves light, enhances privacy, and subtly elevates the room — all without demanding attention or maintenance.
When designers get it right, the laundry room feels calmer, brighter, and more enjoyable to use. And that’s no small win in a space built around daily chores.