Watch our 2022 Industry Trends video or read the cliff notes below.
Notes from the video
New Window Covering Trends For 2022
We expect the supply chain, manufacturing, shipping, and workforce issues from 2021 to continue to affect the window covering industry through 2022. Does this mean things won't get better in 2022?
The positive side of problems is that they can breed innovation that can lead to better long-term solutions. For example, East Coast ports are now taking on more freight to reduce congestion on the West Coast.
What about the increasing prices of shipping and goods? Consider how inflation is affecting the window covering industry.
Inflation Impact On 2022 Trends
Last year, US inflation rates hit 9% (though some experts suggest it is much higher). How does this affect window coverings?
The concern that our money will continue to lose its value has motivated some to spend their money now. This has caused a boom in our industry as many need window coverings for the new homes they are purchasing.
This increase has been fantastic for many Window Covering businesses. However, any significant uptick in business comes with a need to prepare for a considerable drop. When will that drop come? We don't know, but as one blogger recently put it, "Things are changing "at the drop of a hat." We need to be ready for anything.
Enough about inflation, let's look at what window covering trends to expect in 2022.
Manufacturing Trends For 2022
In terms of safety, more manufacturers are no longer making corded products in 2022. Additionally, based on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) trends affecting corporations, I believe we will see more efforts from window covering manufacturers to ensure compliance with these industry regulations.
For example, I see a push towards energy conservation with more insulative products like Honeycomb shades. I also believe that we will see new products created specifically to fit this need.
Additionally, I can see a move toward ECO-friendly products made of natural materials with fewer chemical manipulations that aren't as damaging to the environment.
How will this affect the industry? Much like the automotive industry with electric vehicles, I think we will see an increase in small manufacturing companies focused on these new technologies starting to pop up. Of course, the large companies will likely acquire these smaller companies, but I could see this being the trend for the next few years.
Window treatment companies generally release their new products in the spring. Last year, due to COVID, we didn't see many new releases. However, manufacturers claimed twice as many new releases coming soon.
Opinion - I think we will see updates to current products rather than entirely new products for 2022 due to supply chain and workforce limitations.
Product Trends For 2022
With people at home a lot more than they used to be, draperies are very popular right now due to the dual benefit of function and style. Roman shades are also proving to be popular as well.
In terms of fabrics, textured or solid fabrics are popular right now. Patterns and prints are less popular, being selected only when they perfectly complement the room's design.
Opinion - Grey is still a popular color trend, but I feel that the Grey trend is nearing its end. I'm noticing beige tones starting to come back. If you decide to select grey, choose it because you love it, not because you want to be trendy.
More Motorization In 2022
Installation of motorized window coverings is at 35% and rising. The exception is shutters due to the high cost of the motors used to control these. However, when the price of those motors comes down, shutters will likely join the motorized trend as well. That probably won't happen for another 3-5 years.
That covers our 2022 predictions. Are you expecting any other minor or significant changes this year? Please let us know in the comments. We would love to hear from you.
Comments