The choice between 1 and 2 curtain panels boils down to window size, budget, and room aesthetics. One panel offers a sleek, modern look that is great for small windows, patio doors, or tight budgets. Two panels provide classic symmetry, better fullness, and optimal light control for standard or wide windows.
Two panels are the most traditional and widely used approach, especially for larger windows and doors. In smaller spaces, two panels can sometimes feel visually heavier if not proportioned correctly. Single panel curtains are often used where space is limited or when a softer, more relaxed look is preferred.
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.
Standard windows often require 2 panels for balanced coverage, while larger windows, such as sliding doors or bay windows, may need 4 or more. To create a more gathered, luxurious look, curtains should cover 1.5 to 2 times the width of your window.
Choosing between one or two curtain panels usually depends on the window width and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Use a single panel for small windows or minimalist spaces, and two panels (a pair) for standard-sized windows, wide expanses, or to create a classic, symmetrical look.
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.
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.”
Even though ornate valances were once a staple in traditional-style homes, they are now considered outdated.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."
The most classic and common of all methods of hanging drapery, a rod pocket is a sewn-in pocket, or casing, at the top of a drapery panel that easily slips over a rod and conceals it. Drapery panels hung this way bunch nicely and have a simple, casual look.
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.
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.
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).
The most popular styles are Grommet (or Eyelet) and Rod Pocket.
One-panel curtains are ideal for large windows or when you need a minimalistic look. They can be hung on a rod or pole, often in pairs or trios, with additional swags or valances for a decorative touch. Known as single-rail curtains, they suit windows with straight outer edges and perfectly square corners.
Trending Window Treatment Ideas for Every Room
For a 120-inch window, you typically need 4 to 6 standard 50-inch wide curtain panels to achieve the proper "fullness" (meaning the curtains are 1.5 to 2.5 times the width of your window). The exact number depends on whether you plan to close them or use them just for decoration.
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.
Switch out your single curtain rod for a double rod. Then add a set of sheers closest to the window. For the front rod, hang heavier drapes made of polyester, velvet, silk or chenille. Curtains with a light filtering liner also feel thicker and heavier, so they hang nicely and feel more expensive.
To make a room look bigger with curtains, hang the rod as close to the ceiling as possible and extend it 4 to 10 inches past the window frame. Choose floor-length, lightweight fabrics in light, neutral colors that match your walls to create a seamless, open, and airy illusion.
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.
Curtains in 2026 are shifting from simple background privacy screens to intentional architectural features. The year is defined by comfort-led minimalism focusing on layered sheers, natural textiles, earthy warm neutrals, and statement hardware.
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.
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.
Replace traditional window drapes with modern alternatives like window films (for a sleek, frosted privacy look), interior plantation shutters (for timeless elegance and light control), or woven wood and Roman shades (for texture and a soft, tailored fold).
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.