Window Treatments in Health Care Design: What We’re Seeing in 2025

As we move into 2025, healthcare design is rapidly evolving, and so are the trends in window treatments. From hospitals and outpatient centers to senior living communities, every design choice impacts patient experience, comfort, and care. At Decorator Industries, we’ve been closely following industry conversations, including those at NeoCon and other leading design events, to bring you the latest insights.

Here’s a glimpse into what we’re seeing as key trends shaping window treatments in healthcare design in 2025.

1. Emphasis on Natural Light and Biophilic Design

Biophilic design is an approach to interior design that aims to strengthen the connection between people and nature within built environments. It incorporates natural elements—such as light, greenery, water features, textures, and patterns inspired by the outdoors—to promote well-being, reduce stress, and improve cognitive function. In healthcare spaces, this design philosophy is particularly impactful, with studies showing that patients exposed to natural elements, especially daylight, often experience better mood, reduced pain perception, and faster recovery times.

What This Means for Window Treatments:

• Sheer Fabrics & Solar Shades: These allow natural light to flood in while still providing privacy. Solar shades are a great solution for minimizing glare while maintaining views of the outdoors.

  
  

• Motorized Blinds/Shades: Automated window treatments can be set to adjust throughout the day to ensure rooms are flooded with natural light during the day while ensuring privacy in the evening

  
  

• Digitally Printed Biophilic Designs: Window shades can now feature custom biophilic patterns through digital printing—a capability the DI team offers—bringing nature-inspired elements directly into a space without sacrificing function.

  
  

At Decorator Industries, we’re committed to supporting biophilic design through high-performance window treatments that prioritize natural light, visual comfort, and flexibility. Whether it’s through sheer fabrics, smart automation, or custom nature-inspired prints, our solutions are designed to bring the outdoors in—enhancing healing environments and promoting wellness.

2. Privacy with Style: Balancing Patient Comfort, Security, and Safety in Healthcare Window Treatments

In healthcare environments, privacy is not just a courtesy — it’s a critical requirement driven by patient confidentiality regulations such as HIPAA. This means that every design element, including window treatments, must safeguard patient information and promote comfort without sacrificing style or function.

Fabric Considerations for Healthcare:

• Safety & Compliance: Materials must meet strict safety standards, including being flame retardant to minimize fire risks.

  
  

• Antimicrobial Properties: Fabrics treated to resist bacteria, viruses, and fungi help reduce healthcare-associated infections, supporting a cleaner, safer environment.

  
  

• Durability & Resistance: High-traffic areas require fabrics that withstand frequent use and cleaning without degrading.

  
  

• Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance: Window treatments must endure rigorous sanitation protocols using hospital-grade cleaners without losing color, texture, or performance.

  
  

What This Means for Window Treatments:

• Blackout Draperies: Essential in patient rooms, blackout drapes provide total privacy and light control, supporting patients’ circadian rhythms to promote restful sleep and faster recovery. Their fabrics meet fire safety and antimicrobial standards, ensuring protection on multiple fronts.

  
  

• Layered Treatments: Combining draperies with sheers or shades offers patients and staff flexible options to regulate light and privacy throughout the day. This adaptability enhances patient comfort while maintaining strict privacy boundaries.

  
  

The Bigger Picture:

Modern healthcare window treatments blend functionality and aesthetics to create healing environments. Thoughtful fabric choices that comply with safety and hygiene regulations—while delivering privacy and comfort—play a pivotal role in improving patient experience. With designs that soothe and secure, healthcare spaces can be both safe and stylish, demonstrating that privacy and beauty can coexist even under the most stringent healthcare guidelines.

3. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Fabrics

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a priority in healthcare design. With growing concerns over the environmental impact of design choices, there’s been a noticeable shift toward using eco-friendly materials, including recycled fabrics and low-emission options.

What This Means for Window Treatments:

• Recycled Fabrics & Green Certifications: Healthcare facilities are increasingly turning to sustainable materials in window treatments, such as fabrics made from recycled polyester or natural fibers like organic cotton.

  
  

• Energy-Efficient Fabrics: Solar shades, thermal curtains, and insulated fabrics can help regulate room temperature, contributing to overall energy savings for hospitals, clinics, and senior living centers. These choices align with broader sustainability goals.

  
  

At Decorator Industries, we’re proud to offer a range of eco-conscious options, combining performance, durability, and sustainability to meet the needs of healthcare facilities and their commitment to the environment.

4. Improved Infection Control and Hygiene

With an ongoing focus on health and safety, infection control remains a critical factor in healthcare environments. Window treatments are not exempt from this consideration, with healthcare providers seeking fabrics and materials that minimize the risk of germs and bacteria build-up.

What This Means for Window Treatments:

• Antimicrobial Fabrics: Fabrics that are treated to resist the growth of bacteria and other pathogens are becoming a preferred choice, especially in patient care areas.

  
  

• Easy-to-Clean Solutions: With a focus on hygiene, window treatments that are easy to clean and maintain are essential. Fabrics with stain-resistant coatings or that can be easily wiped down are in high demand.

  
  

As healthcare facilities look to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, our product offerings at Decorator Industries can help meet these stringent requirements while still providing aesthetic value and comfort.

5. Smart Technology Integration for Enhanced Care

Smart technology is infiltrating every aspect of healthcare design, including window treatments. Whether it’s for improved patient comfort or energy efficiency, integrating smart tech into window solutions is on the rise.

What This Means for Window Treatments:

• Automated and Remote-Controlled Shades: Patients and staff can adjust window treatments with ease, which is especially beneficial for those with limited mobility or in critical care environments.

  
  

• Sensors for Optimal Light and Temperature Control: Window treatments integrated with smart sensors can adjust automatically based on sunlight levels, time of day, or room temperature, enhancing energy efficiency and patient comfort.

  
  

Decorator Industries is staying ahead of this trend by offering smart and automated window treatment options that seamlessly integrate into healthcare spaces, improving both operational efficiency and patient care.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Healthcare Window Treatments

As we look to the future of healthcare design, window treatments will continue to play an essential role in improving both functionality and the overall patient experience. At Decorator Industries, we remain committed to staying on the cutting edge of design and technology to offer solutions that meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.

Our expertise, paired with the latest trends, ensures that we provide solutions that not only meet the highest industry standards but also create more comfortable, sustainable, and efficient healthcare environments.

Ready to elevate your next healthcare project? Contact Priscilla Emmerson, Vice President of Sales, at priscilla.emmerson@decind.com to learn more about how Decorator Industries can support your vision.

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