Window Fashion Vision

As motorization, battery power and connected technology continue to expand across the window covering industry, understanding the safety and compliance requirements behind these products is increasingly important for manufacturers, dealers, fabricators and installers. Window Fashion VISION will present “Powering Safety: What You Need to Know About Electrical Safety & Compliance,” a free, 60-minute webinar on Tuesday, October 13 at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Here’s a truth the most successful B2B marketers know: the deals that close in Q1 and Q2 of 2027 aren’t going to be won in 2027. They’re going to be won right now — in the second half of 2026 — when buyers are quietly doing their research, building their shortlists, and forming opinions about which products, services and technologies they will purchase and renew. If you’re not showing up in that window, you’re not in-the-running.

The Grace Awards, the premier competition celebrating innovation and artistry in custom window treatments, is now open for entries for the 2027 program. This distinguished competition honors designers and artisans who exemplify creativity, craftsmanship and vision, those who transform windows into works of art.

Motionblinds, the smart shading brand from Coulisse, has integrated with Homey, allowing its motorized blinds, shades and curtains to connect with the smart home platform’s more than 850,000 users worldwide. Developed by Dutch company Athom, part of LG Electronics, Homey brings connected devices together in a single app. Motionblinds window coverings can now be controlled and automated alongside lighting, climate, security and other smart home products.

Window Fashion VISION is now accepting nominations for its 2026 40 Under 40 Awards, recognizing outstanding professionals ages 18–39 who are making a meaningful impact on the window covering industry. Since its launch in 2020, the Window Fashion VISION 40 Under 40 Awards have celebrated rising professionals whose leadership, innovation, accomplishments and commitment are helping advance the industry and shape its future.

Sombra Shades, the leader in luxury-grade motorized shade solutions, today announced the launch of its Native Power over Ethernet (PoE) Drapery Motor, a first-of-its-kind solution designed to bring direct PoE operation to motorized drapery. The new motor expands Sombra Shades‘ broader offering of PoE roller shade motors and shade applications, giving dealers, fabricators and integration professionals a path to deliver unified, luxury-grade window-covering systems.

Shade Innovations (SI) has introduced Wireless TriMesh, a new Zigbee control platform designed to improve reliability, diagnostics and control across large-scale motorized shading installations. With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Thread and Matter devices increasingly competing within the 2.4 GHz band, TriMesh gives integrators greater visibility into network conditions to help identify interference and troubleshoot connectivity issues.

At Trivantage®, we support makers with high-quality materials that bring creative ideas to life. As demand grows for versatile indoor and outdoor environments, access to trend-forward fabrics and dependable supplies is essential. This month, we are spotlighting two premier fabric collections to elevate your custom upholstery and window treatment projects. INTRODUCING THE NEW FUSION COLLECTION Fusion Collection — a versatile palette of solids and prints, exclusively available through Trivantage.

Carole Fabrics has introduced its Fall 2026 Decorative Fabric Collection, featuring more than 560 new fabrics spanning heritage-inspired patterns, linen-like textures, colorful prints, embroideries and sheers. Archival Influences features heritage-inspired jacquard wovens with botanical motifs and transitional styling, while Soft Surroundings offers drapable solids and textures in a soft, tonal palette.

The Educational Foundation of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) has announced its 2026 grant recipients, awarding $38,500 to support professional development, research and educational initiatives across the design industry. This year’s funded projects span universal design, historic preservation, color and lighting education, healthcare design and professional development.