Yes, you absolutely can put curtains over vertical blinds. It’s a great way to soften harsh lines, block extra light, and add a personalized, cozy touch to a room.
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.”
You can also style vertical blinds by layering them with curtains or voiles. This grouping adds depth, visual interest, and a touch of elegance to your windows. Choose curtains or voiles that coordinate with and complement the colour and texture of your blinds.
The single biggest upgrade is also the easiest. Hang stationary drapery panels on either side of the vertical blinds, mounted to the wall a few inches above the headrail and extending past the window frame. The drapery does three things at once. The fabric softens the hard vertical lines of the vanes.
' The answer is, for the most part, 'yes' – when paired, the two can bring out a flexible décor and ensure adequate blocking of light and privacy control. However, there are some style guidelines to follow to get the look just right.
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.
Even though ornate valances were once a staple in traditional-style homes, they are now considered outdated.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."
In 2026, vertical blinds are enjoying renewed popularity thanks to improved fabric textures, soft weaves and more elegant louvre designs that look less “office-like” and more stylish in modern homes. Wider louvre options, blackout vertical fabrics and wipe-clean materials have expanded their versatility.
Hanging curtains over vertical blinds is best accomplished using no-drill "NoNo brackets" that clamp directly onto the existing blind headrail, allowing you to hang a curtain rod without damaging walls, perfect for rentals. Simply slide the brackets onto the metal rail, tighten the screws, and add your curtains.
Neutral-colored vertical blinds remain the most popular choice for good reason. White, off-white, cream, beige, and light gray blinds offer incredible versatility and longevity.
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.
Yes, many people put curtains over blinds. This combination, often called window layering, is a popular interior design choice that offers the best of both worlds: the strict privacy and light control of blinds, paired with the softness, warmth, and decorative style of curtains.
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.
Martha Stewart recently went on the In Bed with Paige DeSorbo Amazon livestream and dropped a hot take about how often she swaps her bedding. Stewart revealed that she has her sheets changed every two to three days.
Replace traditional window drapes with modern alternatives like window films (for a sleek, frosted privacy look), interior plantation shutters (for timeless elegance and light control), or woven wood and Roman shades (for texture and a soft, tailored fold).
Martha Stewart, 83, has nothing to hide. She's always been unabashedly candid about her life and career, including her divorce and her 2005 stint in prison for insider trading. And now, the lifestyle guru is opening up about being diagnosed with the autoimmune disease vitiligo for the very first time.
Curtains can produce a certain visual finish to a room (and of course, they cover the presence of the blinds entirely if the curtains are room-facing with the blinds inside the window recess), but this is simply down to your personal tastes, and not a need per se.
Layered Curtains
While heavy curtains are the answer to a room in need of some privacy, they can feel a little stuffy, often preventing light from gently filtering through during the daytime. This is where the ever-popular window treatment trend comes into play: the layered curtain.
Yes, you absolutely can put curtains over vertical blinds. It’s a great way to soften harsh lines, block extra light, and add a personalized, cozy touch to a room.
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Popular alternatives to vertical blinds include sliding fabric panels, Smart Drapes, vertical cellular shades, and sheer vertical shades. These options provide superior light control, modern aesthetics, and easier access to doors.
A tacky look isn't always the result of bad taste or budget mistakes. Designers say it often comes down to overcommitment—locking into trends, finishes, or layouts to the point that a home stops feeling lived in.
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.
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.