Yes, you can easily add grommets to existing curtains to update their look or convert standard panels into a modern hanging style. The easiest method for DIY projects is to use snap-together plastic grommets, which require no special tools and can be completed in minutes.
Yes, interior designers broadly consider grommet (or eyelet) curtains outdated. Today's design trends prioritize sleek, custom aesthetics, whereas grommets can appear mass-produced, floppy, and stiff.
Grommet curtains are falling out of favor in modern interior design. While they were once the go-to standard for a casual, contemporary aesthetic, many interior designers now consider them dated, associating the exposed metal rings with rental properties or mass-produced, budget-friendly decor.
You can use a small-diameter curtain rod for large-diameter grommets to create a unique look. Just be sure the rod diameter is at least ¼” smaller than the inside diameter of the eyelet for ease of movement.
Grommet curtains can sometimes look cheap or mass-produced, but they don't have to. Their appearance largely depends on the fabric weight, the hardware you pair them with, and the overall style of your space.
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.
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.
Grommet curtains have been considered less refined due to the exposed curtain rod, which some people find less elegant compared to styles like pinch pleated curtains that hide the rod.
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.
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.”
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Before hanging your curtains, steam iron them. Then, you can place a 3-inch wide toilet paper roll between each grommet eyelet at the backside to set the width of each fold. Toilet paper rolls typically have a consistent diameter, which helps you easily create a uniform pleated look.
The best alternatives to the Grommet React UI library depend on your specific needs: shadcn/ui offers copy-and-paste Tailwind components with deep customization, MUI is the premier enterprise choice, and Chakra UI delivers excellent out-of-the-box accessibility.
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.
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.
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.
Grommet curtains can sometimes look cheap or mass-produced, but they don't have to. Their appearance largely depends on the fabric weight, the hardware you pair them with, and the overall style of your space.
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).
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.
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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."
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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.