Helser Brothers, a manufacturer of custom drapery hardware, has announced the return of its Window Treats design competition for 2026. This contest aims to celebrate the work of interior designers and workroom professionals.
The core of Helser Brothers' Window Treats design competition is a call for submissions of high-quality photographs showcasing completed window treatment installations that incorporate the company's hardware. The goal is to build a shared gallery of inspiration that benefits the broader design community. The top prize for this year's competition is a fully paid trip to Paris, where the winner will participate in a curated design tour led by expert Deb Barrett. This entails exclusive access to private showrooms and cultural experiences, as well.
Image Credit: Helser Brothers
What's Driving This Trend
- Designer-centric Competitions
- Brand-hosted contests tailored to niche professionals can transform customer projects into community-building showcases and high-value marketing assets.
- Installation Inspiration Galleries
- Curated visual libraries of completed work create new pathways for product discovery, peer validation, and specification influence in design markets.
- Experience-based Prizes
- Premium travel and expert-led cultural access elevate promotional programs beyond discounts, aligning brand loyalty with professional development and status.
Who This Affects Most
- Interior Design
- Specialized competitions give designers more visibility while strengthening the role of branded materials in finished residential and commercial projects.
- Window Treatments
- Photograph-driven submissions highlight how hardware, drapery, and installation details can become differentiated selling points in a traditionally functional category.
- Design Tourism
- Curated international tours tied to professional recognition expand the market for experiential education, showroom access, and luxury networking among creatives.
