Asian-Inspired Window Treatments

Use Asian silk as a curtain or valance.

Use Asian silk as a curtain or valance.

Asian window treatments, which help bring a sense of tranquility to your home, often use environmentally friendly materials such as wood and grass in their manufacture. The combination of an Asian-inspired window treatment's woven, textured design, colorful artwork and the light filtration of rice paper helps transform the aesthetic of your home. Asian window treatments blend with many interior styles and are often used in contemporary, eclectic and tropical decor.

Natural Woven Blinds

Natural woven blinds, the most common form of Asian-inspired window treatment, are made from bamboo reed, slit bamboo or various grasses. They are inexpensive, durable and flexible. Most natural woven blinds hang flat when they are lowered and use waterfall folds when raised. If you want to use natural woven blinds, but would prefer a more colorful option rather than the natural grain, use can easily stain them.

Shoji Screens

Japanese shoji screens originated in China over 1,000 years ago; however, their design wasn't perfected until they were brought over to Japan and used for ceremonies and Buddhist rituals. They are made from rice paper that has been stretched over a wooden frame. Shoji screens will soften light when they are placed in front of a window. The frames, which are one of the most distinguishing features, are usually left in their natural finish or painted black. The rice paper is typically either white or cream.

Panel Tracks

Panel tracks are a form of blind inspired by Japanese shoji screens, which are commonly made from satin or linen. They are used to cover large windows and glass doors. Like shoji screens, panel tracks soften the light, filter the sun’s rays and offer privacy. They are attached to the top of a window like a blind and operated using a cord or wand. Unlike traditional shoji screens, panel tracks come in a variety of colors, not just white and cream.


Silk is the most common fabric used in Asian-inspired window treatments. The colors can vary, ranging from neutrals to red, burgundy, dark green and brown. Chinese silk is often highlighted in gold and contains intricate designs of dragons, flowers and signs of the zodiac. Chinese-style silk can become overbearing if the rest of the interior doesn't match the same style.

About the Author

Based in Somerset, Lisa Monroe has worked as a professional interior designer since 1998. In 2012, Monroe started putting her knowledge into practice, writing articles for both online and offline publications. She holds a degree in creative arts from Bath Spa University.

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