Yes, Roman shades can make a room look bigger, but only if you choose the right style and use strategic installation techniques. When done correctly, they provide a clean, streamlined look that eliminates clutter and tricks the eye into seeing taller, wider windows.
On the negative side, roman blinds do tend to be more expensive, and cleaning them can be a hassle too, as dust and dirt can gather on the folds in the fabric.
Make a Small Room Look Bigger with Shades
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.
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.
Even though ornate valances were once a staple in traditional-style homes, they are now considered outdated.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'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.
LUCKY COLOR OF THE YEAR 2026 TRANSFORMATIVE TEAL.
Interior design trends in 2026 are shifting away from stark minimalism and cool grays toward warmer, highly personalized spaces. The year's defining aesthetic prioritizes comfort, craftsmanship, organic shapes, and a "lived-in" feel that celebrates natural materials, rich earth tones, and tactile finishes.
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.
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.
To see out without others seeing in, your best option is a one-way mirror (or reflective) window film. These films use the balance of light to create a mirrored surface on the brighter side, giving you a clear view of the outdoors while rendering the window reflective from the outside.
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.”
The most popular blinds right now prioritize clean aesthetics, safety, and convenience, with cordless and smart motorized blinds leading the trend. Homeowners are primarily opting for the following styles:
Excellent alternatives to Roman shades include cellular shades, roller shades, woven wood shades, and custom drapery, all of which offer unique aesthetic and functional benefits depending on your specific needs.
2026's Best Blinds
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.
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.
A home typically looks outdated when it features overdone, time-stamped trends from specific past decades, such as honey oak cabinetry, popcorn ceilings, or generic word art. Outdated homes also often suffer from poor lighting, worn-out flooring, and heavy window treatments that block natural light.
Interior color trends are moving heavily away from cold, flat grays in favor of cozy, warm, and nature-inspired tones. The palettes emphasize calm, connection, and elevated depth.
Furniture trends for 2026 are leaning toward warm, dark woods and grainy finishes. Color palettes will be driven by emotions and moods as opposed to what's trendy. Soft, curved shapes and tactile materials will be popular for furniture in 2026.
In feng shui, bedrooms are sacred yin spaces meant for rest, healing, and intimacy. You should avoid highly stimulating or overly cooling colors as primary wall paints, as they disrupt sleep or deplete your energy.
The official 2026 Color of the Year depends on which design authority you follow. The major paint and design institutes have highlighted vastly different shades, ranging from serene off-whites to bold, earthy tones:
Best Curtain Colors for Bedroom