If you give it enough time, you can always count on an interior design detail to resurge in popularity. This year, we've seen the rise of chainmail and the revival of chandeliers. But what I didn’t have on my home decor bingo card was the comeback of Venetian blinds, which seem to be quietly (yet undeniably) soaring to the top of the window treatment lust-list.
If you're struggling to remember what these types of blinds look like, allow me to jog your memory. The window coverings feature horizontal slats that tilt effortlessly to balance light and privacy. They rocketed to stardom in the 20th century, becoming the standout background characters in classic crime films like The Godfather and American Gigolo, as well as George Michael’s 1984 hit, Careless Whisper. And in 2025, these iconic graphic slits are making a much-welcomed return.
“We’re seeing a renewed appreciation for their sleek, architectural look, which lends a tailored, design-led feel to interiors," explains Chloe Dacosta, design manager at Blinds 2go. But how do you make these 80s design favorites work in more contemporary spaces? To find out, I asked designers how to style them in a modern setting.
Why Are Venetian Blinds Trending Again?
“Venetian blinds are timeless window coverings,” says Chloe Dacosta, design manager at Blinds 2go. “They bring a sense of order and calm, and their ability to sculpt and play with natural light creates a soft, shifting ambiance throughout the day," she notes, adding: "Their clean lines and adjustable design make them one of the most versatile and enduring styles around."
But why, in 2025, have Venetian blinds become such a popular modern window treatment? Well, according to Chloe, it's because these geometric designs do a whole lot more than just help you dress your windows without curtains.
“I love how effortlessly functional they are," she says. "Venetian blinds offer a perfect balance between style, practicality, and control. You can easily manage light levels, reduce glare, and still maintain privacy — all while keeping a beautifully streamlined aesthetic.”
This is a world away from the 80s iterations, which were often metallic and quite industrial-looking. “Today’s Venetians are softer, more refined, and available in a much wider range of materials and finishes,” she notes.
Simon Browne from Luxaflex agrees, suggesting Venetian blinds are being reclaimed by designers because they’ve evolved into a design element in their own right.
"Venetians now come in a spectrum of finishes, from matte black and brushed gold to warm wood tones and soft textures,” he says. “Some even feature two-tone slats that subtly shift the mood of a room from day to night."
But it's not just the finishes that have had a 21st-century upgrade. There are customizable headrails and wider slats available (up to 70mm), which Simon says are becoming a favorite amongst those looking to create a “bold, architectural look”.
“They add rhythm and structure to a space, especially when paired with soft furnishings like linen or bouclé; it’s a beautiful contrast,” he notes. "It's these kinds of details that make Venetian blinds feel truly considered — they’re no longer just practical, they’re part of the mood, the palette, and the personality of a space.”
These chunky 50mm slat faux wood blinds are made from PVC — meaning they'll stand up to moisture and warping, no matter whether you hang them in your bathroom or kitchen.
How to Style Venetian Blinds in Modern Dpaces
If you thought Venetian blinds were only fit for office spaces or historic buildings, think again. These window treatments can be used as a stylish idea for living room windows, they can elevate your dining room windows, and Venetian blinds can even work in your kitchen.
“They’re surprisingly versatile,” Simon says. “In living rooms, they provide precise light control without blocking views, kitchens and bathrooms benefit from moisture-resistant materials that are easy to clean — and in bedrooms, they create a soft, ambient glow while ensuring privacy," he says. "Layered with curtains or chosen in warmer finishes, they can make a room feel cosy and inviting, and of course, private.”
But what design styles and finishes look more modern? “In contemporary interiors, opting for wider 50mm aluminum slats, matte finishes, or soft pearlescent hues creates a more architectural and intentional look than the narrow, high-gloss blinds of decades past," Jeff Stout, product management director at Hunter Douglas, says.
Design finishes like tapes and cordless operation can help "elevate the aesthetic and functionality," he adds, and "For a softer take, pairing them with sheer drapery or layering them inside minimalist window frames brings balance and visual warmth.”
Adding another layer of texture in your home is always a good idea. Layering these sheer drapes with blackout Venetian blinds can help you tie your space together while adding depth and style.
Sold on Venetian blinds, but just deciding on what color to go for? These wooden options will help you take your space to the dark side, while allowing as much light as you want in.
Coming in a range of colorways, ranging from dark oak to sage green, thanks to these 50mm bamboo Venetian blind-style slats, there's a finish for every space.
So, as you can see, Venetian blinds are no longer playing a supporting role. In 2025, “They’re part of the design story, a way to shape light, mood, and atmosphere,” as Jeff puts it.
So if you're sold on this trending design idea but wondering, 'should all your window treatments match?' — here's how designers decide and make it work either way.
