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.”
Yes, vertical blinds pair well with curtains, allowing you to get the best of both worlds; the opulence and potentially, classical styling of curtains with the control and adjustability that only comes with light-filtering blinds like verticals.
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.
Even though ornate valances were once a staple in traditional-style homes, they are now considered outdated.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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
An ideal combination if you're opting for prints, is blinds in a single colour, paired with patterned curtains that feature the colour on the blind. If you love the natural texture of timber, install a solid colour curtain to balance the look or create layers of texture by adding patterned drapes to contrast it.
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.
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.
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.
You don't need curtains if you already have blinds, as blinds handle basic privacy and light control. However, layering curtains can significantly enhance your space by blocking "halo" light gaps, providing better insulation, softening room acoustics, and adding a stylish, finished design element.
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.
6 Curtain Styles Designers Avoid—and What They Use Instead
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.
For most homes, placing sheer curtains closest to the window and blockout curtains behind provides the best balance of light, privacy, and visual appeal.