Yes, but it depends entirely on the lighting.
The sheer fabric diffuses incoming light, making it difficult for people outside to see clearly into your space. However, nighttime view-through is reversed with just the sheer portion of the shade - the interior of a lit room is clearly visible from the outside.
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Yes, you can often see through sheer curtains. Visibility depends heavily on the lighting and how close someone is to the window.
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.
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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.
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.”
Sheer curtains are not outdated, but they have evolved. While the frilly, lacey, or knitted net styles popular in the past are considered old-fashioned, clean, high-quality, and minimalist sheer panels are extremely trendy. Modern sheer drapery focuses on texture, soft tones, and seamless room integration.
Ditching shades has a lot of upsides regardless of who you are. Uncovered windows bring in natural light, boost well-being, and offer a view of the world outside. The trade-off, of course, is that they also put those inside on display to passersby, and in the summer, they channel heat.
Key Points. Vinyl blinds and honeycomb shades now feel dated in modern interiors. Cafe curtains in lace or florals can make a space look old-fashioned.
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.
Joanna Gaines’ window treatments prioritize organic textures, warm neutrals, and maximizing natural light. Her signature modern-farmhouse style focuses on framing views instead of hiding them by hanging curtains high to make ceilings feel taller, utilizing light-filtering materials, and incorporating custom wooden elements.
For the ultimate control of light and privacy, there's no better solution than a Double Curtain that combines a Sheer Curtain with a Blockout Curtain (or Blackout Curtain). Layering Sheer and Blockout Curtains also elevates your space, achieving a luxurious and sophisticated look.
To make sheer curtains less see-through without completely blocking the light, you can add lining panels, install a second layer of blinds, or increase the fullness of the fabric. These adjustments increase privacy while preserving that light, airy aesthetic.
Curtains that allow you to see outside but prevent people from seeing in rely on the science of light. They work best during the day when it is brighter outside than it is inside your home.
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.
For the most versatile and timeless look, choose classic white or off-white sheer curtains. They maximize natural light, keep your space feeling airy, and won't cast unwanted colored tints onto your furniture when the sun shines through.
Do Scandinavian Homes Have Curtains? True homes in Scandinavian countries typically don't have curtains. This is for a couple functional reasons. First, having no curtains allows maximum sunlight to enter the room, and when you're as far north as Scandinavian countries, sunlight is at a premium.
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."
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.
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.
To achieve a "see out, but not in" effect, you can apply specialty window films or explore other specific treatments. Keep in mind that how these products work depends heavily on lighting.
Martha Stewart's energizing morning routine
While many of her retired peers are leaning into leisurely retirements, Stewart treats her mornings as a launchpad to gain energy for a full workday, despite only getting four hours of sleep a night. “I read the entire New York Times,” she said. “I do all the puzzles.