No, window shutters are not out of style. Designers consider both exterior and interior shutters (like classic plantation shutters) to be timeless fixtures. However, their popularity depends heavily on proper sizing, functional appearance, and architectural fit.
Shutters are not outdated in 2026, but the wrong types absolutely are. Design trends heavily favor functional, high-quality, and properly proportioned shutters over cheap, mass-market, or non-functional ones.
For 2026, exterior shutter trends emphasize architectural authenticity, prioritizing highly durable materials over mass-market vinyl and leaning heavily into warm neutrals, deep blues, and organic greens.
Homeowners are moving away from plantation shutters because they block significant natural light and obstruct outdoor views, making rooms feel smaller. Modern interior design favors softer, minimalist treatments like sheer curtains and motorized roller shades that let in more illumination.
The simple answer is no. Shutters are not out of style. In fact, they continue to evolve with modern designs, new materials, and smart technology. From classic plantation shutters to motorized blinds, window coverings remain an essential part of stylish and functional homes.
Blinds in 2026 are all about balancing warm minimalism, high-tech automation, and sustainable materials. Instead of just providing privacy and light control, window treatments are increasingly acting as architectural elements and energy-efficient focal points in the home.
Shutters don't necessarily make a house look old, but using the wrong type of shutters can make a home's exterior feel outdated or cluttered. Properly sized and styled shutters can enhance historic charm, while modern designs benefit from clean, functional styles.
The newest trends in window coverings focus on smart motorization, natural eco-friendly fabrics, and layered dimensions. Homeowners are blending high-tech functionality with sustainable, organic textures to create spaces that feel both elevated and grounding.
Yes, Joanna Gaines frequently uses plantation shutters and interior wooden shutters in her designs. She often recommends them as a stylish, architectural alternative to traditional curtains and blinds.
Whether your house looks better with or without shutters depends almost entirely on its architectural style. While shutters add beautiful, proportional depth to traditional homes, modern and craftsman designs often look cleaner without them.
Cool gray is being replaced by "mushroom" neutrals (warm taupes and greys with subtle green or violet undertones), warm earthy khakis, and soft, natural sages.
The best shutter color depends heavily on your home's exterior material and trim. As a rule of thumb, shutters 1 to 2 shades darker than your siding create a classic, polished look. For dramatic contrast, bold choices like black or navy always stand out.
Outdated exterior features often include faded aluminum or vinyl siding, dingy yellow/beige color palettes, and poorly fitted decorative shutters. Outdated elements also frequently feature older brass hardware, overgrown shrubbery that obscures the house, and single-pane aluminum windows that reduce energy efficiency.
Exterior shutters should never be installed on multiple, grouped windows (like double or triple units), large picture windows, bay windows, arched windows (unless the shutter is custom-arched), or windows with prominent architectural trim. Shutters on these windows look disproportionate and violate the rule that each shutter should cover half the window width.
Martha Stewart famously doesn't use traditional curtains in her homes, joking she could write a book titled "A House With No Curtains." Instead of heavy drapery, she prefers clean sightlines and opts for options that maximize natural light.
Outdated window treatments are generally those that look flimsy, overly cluttered, or overly utilitarian. Specifically, vertical blinds, flimsy aluminum mini-blinds, grommet-style (eyelet) drapes, and traditional valances or swags are considered dated.
Window treatments that never go out of style prioritize simple functionality and versatile, natural aesthetics. The most enduring options include:
Joanna Gaines does not have a chronic, life-threatening, or systemic disease. However, she has dealt with a chronic back injury—specifically herniated discs and the subsequent surgical treatment—since her high school cheerleading days.
The most popular blinds right now prioritize clean aesthetics, safety, and smart functionality. Leading options include cordless faux wood blinds for moisture resistance, minimalist roller shades for a sleek look, light-filtering woven wood shades for natural texture, and motorized/smart blinds for seamless home automation.
Window covering trends in 2026 focus on biophilic design, smart automation, and layered textures. The biggest shifts feature motorized shades integrated with smart homes, 100% natural materials like linen and fine woven woods, and curated fabric layering for better light control and insulation.
To instantly modernize your space, skip stiff, overly formal window treatments and cheap "quick-fix" drapes. Designers recommend avoiding grommet headings, bulky valances, and sterile stark white fabrics in favor of warmer palettes, natural textures, and tailored pleats.
The biggest hits to property value typically fall into three categories: structural neglect, poor location/market flaws, and unpermitted or hyper-customized DIY work. These factors act as major red flags for buyers and appraisers, severely reducing offers.
No, shutters are not out of style in 2026, but the way they are used has evolved. Modern design favors functional, well-proportioned architectural systems and custom interior finishes over cheap, mass-produced decorative options.
You should avoid using exterior shutters if your windows are wide, arched, or feature obstructions, as non-functional shutters look awkward if they cannot physically cover the window frame. For interior shutters, avoid using wood in high-humidity areas (like bathrooms) and skip them entirely in narrow spaces where they block walkways.