Yes, thermal curtains effectively keep heat out. By using multiple insulating layers and light-blocking or heat-reflective backings, they can reduce summer heat gain through windows by up to 33%.
Cons: Thermal curtains…
(Learn more about house sealing and why it works in our Guide to Air Sealing.) Block out natural light. To work efficiently, thermal blackout curtains need to stay closed. So you're bombarded with artificial light and can't even enjoy your outside view.
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.
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.
Thermal and blackout curtains both improve energy efficiency and privacy, but they serve different primary purposes. Blackout curtains are designed specifically to block out 100% of incoming light for better sleep or media viewing, while thermal curtains prioritize insulation to regulate room temperature and reduce energy bills.
In terms of insulation, thermal curtains are one of the best solutions, thanks to their thick fabric that traps hot or cold air at your window for a more temperate, comfortable interior temperature.
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.
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 significant "curtain" (or veil) in the Bible is the heavy barrier in the Jerusalem Temple that separated humanity from God's presence. Its tearing represents the removal of the barrier of sin, allowing believers direct access to God.
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.
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.
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.
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.
6 Curtain Styles Designers Avoid—and What They Use Instead
People primarily close curtains at night for privacy, temperature control, better sleep quality, and home security.
Stand facing your window and install your curtains so that the thermal lining faces the glass. Bring the two as close together as possible for optimum efficiency. Then install the curtains the other way round, and you'll notice that more heat is lost.
Jesus taught that marrying a divorced woman is considered adultery (found in Matthew 5:32 and Luke 16:18) because he viewed marriage as an unbreakable, lifelong covenant. In his view, a civil divorce does not dissolve the spiritual bond, meaning any subsequent marriage is treated as an adulterous union.
The Bible strictly prohibits wearing clothing woven from a mixture of wool and linen together. This prohibition, known in Jewish law as sha'atnez, is mentioned twice in the Old Testament:
The Bible does not contain any specific mention of the year 2026. Calendar years are modern inventions, as the scriptures use different dating systems. However, based on biblical numerology and contemporary prophecy, 2026 is often viewed through the following symbolic lenses:
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 does not wear a wig for her day-to-day look. For her signature blonde bob, she typically uses volumizing hair tools like Velcro rollers. However, she has openly worn temporary wigs and extensions provided by celebrity stylists for quick, dramatic transformations for photoshoots and special projects.
LUCKY COLOR OF THE YEAR 2026 TRANSFORMATIVE TEAL.
Curtain trends are leaning heavily into cozy, warm, and expressive aesthetics. Designers are moving away from stark whites and icy grays in favor of warm neutrals, bold earthy tones, and rich jewel shades.
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.