Light curtains make a room look bigger. Light, airy colors reflect natural light and blend seamlessly with your walls, preventing sharp visual boundaries. Dark curtains, on the other hand, absorb light and create a cozy, heavy feel that visually compresses the space.
To make a room look bigger, choose curtains in light, neutral colors like white, cream, beige, or soft pastels. Matching your curtains closely to your wall color prevents harsh visual breaks, allowing the eye to sweep across the space seamlessly and making the room feel more open.
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.
Light coloured curtains are good for rooms that get a lot of direct sunlight as they're less prone to fading from the sun. Dark and bright colours tend to fade faster. Good summer options as a white/lighter colour is more likely to bounce the sun's rays away keeping rooms cooler.
Even though ornate valances were once a staple in traditional-style homes, they are now considered outdated.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.
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.”
Window treatments are currently dominated by layered textiles, biophilic materials (like woven woods and linen), and smart automation. If you are looking to update your space, top trends include automated shades, textured Roman shades, and floor-to-ceiling drapery featuring rich trims and patterns.
The most versatile curtain colors that go with everything are timeless neutrals like soft beige, warm gray, ivory, or crisp white. These shades create a balanced backdrop that complements almost any furniture, rug, or wall color, while seamlessly blending into the background.
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.
Curtain trends focus on adding warmth, dimension, and personality to spaces. Designers are favoring rich textures (like linen and velvet), layered treatments (pairing sheers with heavier drapes), floor-to-ceiling lengths, and bold patterns.
LUCKY COLOR OF THE YEAR 2026 TRANSFORMATIVE TEAL.
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.
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.
Some popular options include:
Window treatment trends for 2026 focus on blending natural materials with smart-home automation. Top looks include layered textures, bold earth tones, and motorized shades.
For a modern, minimalist decor style home, we recommend modern curtains that take the route of quiet sophistication. Plain neutral curtains, mostly in light colours like white, beige, cream, and soft grey reflect this understated aesthetic.
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.
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.
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, 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.
Outdated homes usually suffer from heavy thematic trends, worn-out finishes, or poor lighting. To elevate your space, it helps to focus on replacing dated fixtures, fixing poor lighting, and eliminating overly specific decor.
Since demand outweighs supply, housing prices are higher, and homes sell faster. Meanwhile, the worst months to sell a house are November through March or during the fall to winter, when potential buyers are preoccupied with holiday plans. Sellers should expect lower sales prices and higher DOM during these months.
No, participants on HGTV's Ugliest House in America do not get to keep the staging furniture. Like most reality renovation shows, the furniture and decor are just props.