Yes, hanging curtains 10 inches above the window is a fantastic design trick. It draws the eye upward, giving the illusion of taller ceilings and making the space feel much grander.
Height. Use these tips to make sure you place your rods at the right height: The typical size for standard drapes on either side of a window is halfway between the top of the window casing and the ceiling. This applies if there are more than 12 inches between the window trim and ceiling.
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.
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, hanging your curtains higher is one of the easiest design tricks to make a room feel taller and more expansive. By placing the rod near the ceiling, you draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of floor-to-ceiling windows and grander wall space.
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Even though ornate valances were once a staple in traditional-style homes, they are now considered outdated.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."
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.”
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.
Width is Key: Extend your curtain rods 3 to 6 inches on each side of the window frame. This allows you to draw the curtains completely off the glass, flooding the room with light and making the window appear larger. Height is Everything: This is the most important trick! Hang the rod high.
LUCKY COLOR OF THE YEAR 2026 TRANSFORMATIVE TEAL.
Modern alternatives to curtains offer sleek, low-maintenance ways to control light and privacy. Top options include window films (for a minimalist, space-saving frost), cellular shades (for superior insulation), Roman shades (for soft texture), and plantation shutters (for timeless, architectural appeal).
Curtain trends are leaning heavily into cozy, warm, and expressive aesthetics. Designers are moving away from stark whites and icy grays in favor of warm neutrals, bold earthy tones, and rich jewel shades.
Not Measuring Correctly. One of the most common mistakes people make when hanging curtains is not measuring correctly. It's important to measure the width of your window and the height from the top of the window to where you want your curtains to fall.
People hang curtains high—often just a few inches below the ceiling or crown molding—primarily as an interior design trick to create the optical illusion that a room has taller ceilings and larger, grander windows.
To make curtains look fuller, choose panels with a combined width of 222 to 2.52.52.5 times the window's width. Maximize this volume by hanging a longer rod wider than the window, using a hack like pipe insulation between the grommets to space the folds, or doubling the curtain panels.
Curtain trends for 2026: calm colour, texture & timeless style
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blinds. Blinds come in various materials, styles, and colors, offering a versatile option to dress your windows while controlling the amount of light and privacy you desire. Blinds are also simple to clean, making them a low-maintenance swap for heavy fabric curtains.
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.
To make budget curtains look high-end, hang them as close to the ceiling as possible and extend the rod past the window frame. Ensure they are twice the width of the window for fullness, use 4-prong hooks on rings for a tailored pleat, and train the fabric to fall in crisp, weighted folds.
Curtain trends prioritize a blend of nature-inspired comfort and layered elegance. Key styles include textured natural fabrics, rich earthy and jewel tones, sheer layering, and dramatic statement hardware.