Why Amber Lewis Says Chik Blinds Are the Most Underrated Design Detail of 2026
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When the queen of California Cool has something to say, people in the design world tend to pay attention. Recently, Amber Lewis, the creative force behind Amber Interiors, hopped on Instagram to share a few things she thinks are currently underrated in design right now.
One that really stood out to me has been a favorite window treatment of mine for awhile, Chik blinds. Lewis highlighted the beauty of Chik blinds, calling them the most "underrated detail" in today’s home styling. If you’ve been looking for a way to add soul and texture to your home without the heaviness of fabric shades, this window treatment idea may be exactly what you need.
What are Chik Blinds?
For those who’ve never heard of them before, Chik blinds are traditional Indian chik mats made from fine strips of bamboo, reed, or grass. They’re not the usual factory-made window treatments, either. Each one is made by hand, with fine rope lattice-work binding everything together.
Amber Lewis has long been a proponent of organic textures, and these blinds fit her aesthetic perfectly. They offer a "lived-in" feel that feels both ancient and contemporary. In her recent post, she emphasized that while many designers default to standard woven wood shades, the Chik blind offers a thinner, more delicate profile that filters light in a way that feels like "pure magic."
How to Style Chik Blinds Like a Professional Designer
If you want to achieve a high-end designer look, you’ve got to get the execution right. Here are a few interior design tips for incorporating these blinds into your home:
Layering with Drapery: To add depth, layer your Chik blinds under floor-to-ceiling linen curtains. This creates a high-end, multi-dimensional look.
Focus on the Hardware: Traditional Indian chik mats are often operated with simple pulleys and cords. Don't hide these—they add to the authentic, utilitarian charm.
And now for the bad news: Chik blinds are very expensive. I think the real deal is worth it if you have the budget, but there are a few options out there if you don’t have the funds for $300+ per window.
Awhile back, Grit and Polish wrote an article about their own want for Chik blinds being hampered by budget constraints. They shared a great philosophy for deciding to use a look-a-like in their homes that they call “The 90% Rule”. As they state, “…getting from 90% to 100% design-wise can be very expensive (in this case 10x). And…most of the time 90% feels like the right compromise between good design and reasonable budget.” Using this rule, they found budget blinds that satisfied the aesthetic and functionality they were after. Unfortunately, the link to the blinds they used isn’t working anymore, but I found some alternatives that look pretty great.
Shop Chik Blinds and Dupes
ChickshopIN, CHIK Bamboo Blind
EVOZEN, Bamboo Shades
IMSG, Bamboo Shades
Pearl River Mart, Fine Matchstick Bamboo Blinds
Design Summary
If you’re ready to add more layers and texture to your home, it’s time to try Chik blinds. Even layering inexpensive alternatives under your curtains will elevate the look and feel of your entire space.
For more interior design inspiration and updates on Amber Lewis's latest projects, be sure to follow Amber Interiors.
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