Curtains will only make a small room look smaller if they are hung improperly, are too heavy, or have a stark contrasting color. However, when chosen and hung strategically, curtains can actually make a small room feel significantly larger, brighter, and taller.
To make a room feel instantly larger, mount your curtain rod high and wide. Hang the rod 666 to 121212 inches above the window frame or right below the ceiling, and extend it 888 to 121212 inches past each side of the window. Use floor-length curtains to draw the eye upward.
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.
The longer curtain length and high curtain rod placement will draw the eye upward, making your space feel larger than it is. This approach is ideal for smaller spaces with a lower ceiling height.
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.
Today's drapery trends go beyond fabric—they're also about the details. Finishes like matte black, natural brass, oil-rubbed bronze and gold are popular choices that help tie the entire room together. The header style—the top of the drapery that attaches to the rod—also plays a major role in the final look.
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.
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Curtains can be bulky and dust-collecting. Excellent alternatives include sleek roller shades for a minimalist look, Roman shades for soft fabric elegance, plantation shutters for maximum privacy and ventilation, or window films for a renter-friendly, unobstructed view.
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.
Go for Sheer or Lightweight Fabrics to Let in Natural Light. Heavy, dark drapes can weigh down a small space. Instead, sheer and lightweight fabricsallow natural light to flow while maintaining privacy.
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.
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.
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.
Pinch pleat curtains are perfect for elegant, traditional spaces like formal dining rooms, living rooms, or master bedrooms. Their tailored, evenly spaced pleats create a polished, timeless look.
Are Sheer Curtains Outdated? No, sheer curtains are not outdated; they are currently on-trend and a popular choice for a soft, airy look, especially when layered with other window treatments. They are versatile for both modern and traditional styles and offer a way to filter light and provide a subtle sense of privacy.
"Avoid at all costs in large blocks what we call 'heat' colors for the bedroom," warns Lindi Reynolds, founding creative director at Lindi Reynolds & Co. "That's reds, oranges, and yellows in their primary, saturated tones."
Combining blinds and curtains helps pull one entire space together and bring about the desired atmosphere in each room. Since the ambiance varies from room to room, interior designers choose a style that resonates with their clients. They also consider the amount of light they want to allow into each room.
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.
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.
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 popular options include: