No, curtains are not out of style in the living room. In fact, they are celebrated as a timeless way to add warmth, texture, and softness to a space. However, the way we style them has evolved.
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Yes, curtains are incredibly stylish. Moving past bare minimalism, modern window treatments have evolved into major, mood-setting statement pieces. The 2026 design landscape focuses on warmth, "quiet luxury," and architectural integration.
Some of Stewart's homes utilize interior blinds for light regulation and privacy. Others feature windows framed by exterior shutters, operable versions of which can also be used for light control, ventilation and privacy.
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Curtains usually look cheap because of flimsy, unlined fabrics, insufficient width (looking like a "flat sheet" when closed), or a length that stops too short above the floor. Additionally, plastic hardware and visible metal grommets often detract from an elevated design, making budget curtains stand out negatively.
Homes with minimal natural light where curtains aren't needed to filter light or privacy. In sleek, modern spaces, where bare windows create a clean, open feeling. On oddly shaped windows like a port-hole style window where drapery may look out of place.
Pinch pleat curtains are perfect for elegant, traditional spaces like formal dining rooms, living rooms, or master bedrooms. Their tailored, evenly spaced pleats create a polished, timeless look.
Interior design trends in 2026 are shifting away from stark minimalism and cool grays toward warmer, highly personalized spaces. The year's defining aesthetic prioritizes comfort, craftsmanship, organic shapes, and a "lived-in" feel that celebrates natural materials, rich earth tones, and tactile finishes.
Outdated homes usually suffer from heavy thematic trends, worn-out finishes, or poor lighting. To elevate your space, it helps to focus on replacing dated fixtures, fixing poor lighting, and eliminating overly specific decor.
Trending living room decor is all about blending warmth with natural textures. Top styles include Organic Modern (combining clean lines with raw, earthy materials), Japandi (Scandinavian functionality with Japanese rustic minimalism), and Quiet Luxury (understated, high-quality, and richly layered spaces).
A living room usually looks cluttered when "visual noise" overrides clean sightlines. This happens due to overflowing surfaces, poor spatial arrangement, and chaotic color palettes.
Thankfully, Stewart was quick to ease our curtain concerns. She says, “They're beautiful, I don't have anything against them, I just don't live with them… I like to look outside. Every window [in my home] looks out to something nice, and it's just all open to the view.”
Blinds have a more modern look than curtains. They're an excellent option for contemporary interiors, but real wood blinds can work in a more traditional setting. There are curtain options galore, with fabrics ranging from formal to modern. Blinds have crisp lines, whereas curtains present elegant curves.
Are Sheer Curtains Outdated? No, sheer curtains are not outdated; they are currently on-trend and a popular choice for a soft, airy look, especially when layered with other window treatments. They are versatile for both modern and traditional styles and offer a way to filter light and provide a subtle sense of privacy.
Curtain trends in 2026 are shifting from purely functional covers to architectural statement pieces. The top looks emphasize rich, natural textures, layered depth, warm neutral and earth-toned palettes, and smart home integration to bring quiet luxury and character to interior spaces.
Curtains that look expensive have weight, texture, and a tailored drape. The most premium-looking styles include heavy velvet, 100% Belgian or European linen, and raw silk. Flimsy, unlined materials and flat, tight headings often make even quality curtains appear cheap.
The most classic and common of all methods of hanging drapery, a rod pocket is a sewn-in pocket, or casing, at the top of a drapery panel that easily slips over a rod and conceals it. Drapery panels hung this way bunch nicely and have a simple, casual look.
"Avoid at all costs in large blocks what we call 'heat' colors for the bedroom," warns Lindi Reynolds, founding creative director at Lindi Reynolds & Co. "That's reds, oranges, and yellows in their primary, saturated tones."
In the U.S., the uncovered window is perhaps less an expression of communal trust than one of personal protection. Wealthier homeowners, who can also afford state-of- the-art security systems, may not feel that they need shades. These curtainless windows have become one of our subtlest statements of privilege.
Combining blinds and curtains helps pull one entire space together and bring about the desired atmosphere in each room. Since the ambiance varies from room to room, interior designers choose a style that resonates with their clients. They also consider the amount of light they want to allow into each room.
Even though ornate valances were once a staple in traditional-style homes, they are now considered outdated. "Avoid overly ornate valances, which can feel dated and heavy," says interior designer Danielle Chiprut. "They can feel at odds with today's preference for light, airy interiors."
Hang them high—and wide.
Mount your curtain hardware as close to the ceiling as possible for a high-end look. Longer panels will be able to reach the floor from a high rod, and make your space appear taller.
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