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In the ever-evolving world of British home design, your windows aren’t merely functional necessities – they’re pivotal style statements that can utterly transform the ambience of your living space. In 2025, window treatments have seen a resurgence, driven by innovations that combine technology, sustainability, and design to create solutions that are both practical and visually appealing.

Whether you’re contemplating a modest refresh or a complete home makeover, understanding the current window treatment landscape will help you make choices that are both on-trend and timeless. Let’s explore the window covering trends making waves across the UK this year.

Smart Technology: The Window Revolution

Gone are the days when opening and closing your blinds required manual intervention. In 2025, motorisation has become the gold standard in premium homes across Britain, with voice-activated systems transforming how we interact with our living spaces.

As Martha Stewart aptly predicted, motorised window treatments are now “seamlessly integrated into the smart home ecosystem,” allowing homeowners to control their window coverings through voice commands, smartphone applications, or pre-programmed settings that adjust automatically based on daily routines or time of day.

These intelligent systems offer more than mere convenience. For elderly homeowners or those with mobility challenges, motorised treatments provide enhanced accessibility. Meanwhile, families with young children benefit from cordless options that eliminate potential safety hazards.

The energy efficiency angle shouldn’t be overlooked either. With energy prices continuing their upward trajectory and more extreme weather events becoming commonplace, smart window treatments that automatically adjust to optimise natural light and temperature control are proving to be a brilliant investment for the energy-conscious homeowner.

The Return Of Shutters: Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Design

While technology races forward, there’s been a parallel resurgence of traditional window treatments – particularly shutters, which have made a remarkable comeback in British interiors. According to design experts, shutters offer “a simple and streamlined look” that works beautifully across various aesthetics, from country cottage charm to contemporary minimalism.

Premium interior shutters, like those crafted by The VIP Shutter Co, have become particularly sought after for their blend of classic elegance and practical benefits. These aren’t your grandmother’s shutters – today’s offerings come in a variety of materials, styles, and finishes that can be tailored to complement any interior scheme.

The appeal lies in their versatility – shutters provide exceptional light control, enhanced privacy, and superior insulation, all while adding architectural interest to your windows. For period properties, they offer an authentic finishing touch, while in modern homes, they introduce an element of timeless sophistication.

Sustainability Takes Centre Stage

Environmental consciousness has firmly established itself in the window treatment industry, reflecting our collective shift toward more sustainable living practices. Today’s eco-conscious homeowners are increasingly turning to window coverings crafted from sustainable materials such as bamboo, cork, and recycled fabrics.

This trend extends beyond materials to encompass manufacturing processes, with many UK suppliers now proudly offering products with transparent sourcing practices and certified sustainability credentials.

Reclaimed wood shutters represent a particularly charming intersection of sustainability and style, offering both environmental benefits and rustic appeal. Their unique character adds warmth and authenticity to contemporary spaces, proving that eco-friendly choices needn’t compromise on aesthetics.

Minimalist Designs: Less Is More

The clean, uncluttered aesthetic continues to dominate British interiors in 2025, with window treatments following suit. Sleek designs with minimal hardware, neutral tones, and understated profiles have become increasingly popular, creating seamless looks that complement modern living spaces while maintaining practical functionality.

This approach doesn’t mean sacrificing personality, however. Even within minimalist frameworks, there’s room for subtle textures and tonal variations that add depth and interest without overwhelming the space.

For those drawn to this aesthetic, plantation shutters offer an ideal solution – their clean lines and tailored appearance provide visual simplicity while still making a design statement. When crafted by specialists like The VIP Shutter Co, these premium shutters can be customised to achieve the perfect balance between minimalist appeal and distinctive character.

Layered Treatments: Practical Luxury

While simplicity remains popular, there’s also been a noticeable trend toward layered window treatments that offer unprecedented control over light and privacy. Design experts note that “layering drapery panels over sheers or woven shades” continues to grow in popularity due to its functional benefits and aesthetic appeal.

This approach allows homeowners to create different moods throughout the day – sheer fabrics might filter morning light beautifully, while heavier drapes provide evening privacy and insulation. The combination offers a level of versatility that single treatments simply cannot match.

For the ultimate in luxurious layering, combining shutters with soft treatments creates a particularly sophisticated look. The structured elegance of premium shutters paired with the softness of curtains or Roman blinds strikes a perfect balance between masculine and feminine elements, creating interiors that feel both considered and comfortable.

Natural Materials And Textures

The biophilic design movement – which seeks to strengthen our connection with nature – continues to influence window treatment choices in 2025. Designers are increasingly selecting blinds and shades crafted from natural materials like bamboo, hemp, and wood, which offer “tactile charm” and potentially “have a calming effect on the psyche, promoting a sense of serenity.”

These organic materials introduce warmth and texture, helping to soften contemporary interiors that might otherwise feel cold or clinical. The natural variations in colour and grain create visual interest that mass-produced synthetic alternatives simply cannot replicate.

Wooden shutters exemplify this trend beautifully, with premium hardwood options from specialists like The VIP Shutter Co showcasing the natural beauty of timber while providing enduring functionality. These bespoke solutions bring an element of natural luxury to British homes, creating focal points that evolve gracefully over time.

Conclusion: Making The Right Choice For Your Home

As with all design decisions, the best window treatment for your home will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and architectural context. While trends provide useful inspiration, the most successful choices are those that enhance your everyday living experience while complementing your home’s unique character.

For those seeking expert guidance, consulting with specialists who offer bespoke solutions – rather than one-size-fits-all approaches – will yield the most satisfying results. Companies like The VIP Shutter Co, which specialise in premium custom shutters for the UK market, can provide tailored advice that considers both aesthetic and practical considerations.

By thoughtfully selecting window treatments that align with both current trends and timeless principles of good design, you’ll create a home that feels both contemporary and enduring – the perfect balance for the discerning British homeowner.

You’ve probably heard people say ‘drywall’ and ‘plasterboard’ like they’re the exact same thing. And truthfully, in a lot of situations, they are. But then someone else tells you they’re different, or that the terms only apply in certain places. Suddenly, it feels confusing. Are you using the right word? Does it even matter?

Drywall vs. Plasterboard: Are They Just Different Words?

This is where it gets a bit mixed. The short answer? They refer to the same basic product, but the terms are used differently depending on where you are or who you’re talking to.

Both drywall and plasterboard are types of building boards made from a layer of gypsum sandwiched between sheets of paper. They’re used to make interior walls and ceilings, usually as a faster and easier alternative to traditional wet plaster. If you’re doing some renovation or building, this is the stuff that forms the surface you eventually paint, wallpaper, or tile.

Now, here’s the twist. In the UK, ‘plasterboard’ is the term you’ll hear most often. In North America, it’s more commonly called ‘drywall.’ But the product itself? Pretty much the same thing.

So why two names? Well, part of it is just regional language. Kind of like how ‘boot’ and ‘trunk’ mean the same thing, depending on which side of the Atlantic you’re on.

But there’s more to it than just wording.

Are There Any Real Differences?

Technically speaking, no. At least not when you’re just talking about the standard board used for walls and ceilings. Both drywall and plasterboard are manufactured in sheets and come in various thicknesses, lengths, and types.

However, if someone’s using the word ‘drywall’ in a broader sense, they might be referring to the whole process of installing and finishing those boards. In that case, ‘drywall’ isn’t just the board itself. It also includes the taping, mudding, sanding, and preparing the surface. Some people even include painting in that conversation.

‘Plasterboard,’ on the other hand, tends to refer more strictly to the board product itself.

But these are minor semantic differences. For most practical purposes, if someone gives you drywall or plasterboard, you’re getting the same thing.

Why the Term ‘Drywall’ Exists

You might be wondering, why not just stick to one term if the product is the same?

The term ‘drywall’ came about as a way to distinguish it from traditional wet plastering. With wet plaster, you’re applying a paste to the wall, which then has to dry slowly. It takes skill and time. Drywall, or plasterboard, skips that part. You screw the board to the frame, fill the joints, sand it, and you’re pretty much done.

So ‘drywall’ was a way of saying, ‘Look, this stuff doesn’t need all that drying time. You just fix it in place, finish it, and move on.’

Different Types of Plasterboard (or Drywall)

While the basic board is the same, manufacturers have developed different versions depending on what you need. Some are fire-resistant, some resist moisture, and some are extra tough for impact-prone areas.

For example:

• Standard plasterboard. The go-to for regular walls and ceilings in dry areas.

• Moisture-resistant board. Often green in colour, used in bathrooms or kitchens.

• Fire-resistant board. Contains extra additives to improve performance during a fire.

• Acoustic plasterboard. Thicker and denser, designed to reduce sound transmission.

• Impact-resistant board. Made tougher for areas like schools or hospitals.

These types are available under both the ‘drywall’ and ‘plasterboard’ labels. So again, the naming doesn’t change the product. It’s just how people refer to it.

What About Gypsum Board?

Here’s another term you might have come across. ‘Gypsum board.’ Now we’re in manufacturer or technical territory. Gypsum board is the formal term for any board with a gypsum core. Both drywall and plasterboard fall under this umbrella.

It’s a bit like saying all smartphones are phones, but not all phones are smartphones. Gypsum board is the category, and plasterboard or drywall are the products within that category.

So, Which Term Should You Use?

If you’re in the UK, most builders, DIY stores, and tradespeople will call it plasterboard. Use that term and you’ll be understood clearly.

If you’re talking to someone in North America, ‘drywall’ is what they’re likely to use. Say ‘plasterboard’ over there and someone might still get what you mean, but they might give you a confused look at first.

If you’re writing something or working on a project with international input, it can help to mention both terms the first time. ‘We’ll be using standard plasterboard (also known as drywall)…’ That way, nobody gets lost.

Installing It: Is It All the Same?

Yep, the installation process is the same regardless of what you call it. The boards are cut to size, screwed into timber or metal studs, then the joints are taped and filled.

After that, you sand the joints smooth and the wall is ready for decorating.

Most boards are easy to cut with a utility knife, though thicker or specialist boards might need a saw. You don’t need special tools or training, but a steady hand and a bit of patience certainly help.