To make your windows look instantly more expensive, hang curtain rods high and wide to create the illusion of larger, floor-to-ceiling windows, and use heavy, high-quality fabrics like linen, cotton velvet, or silk for your drapes.
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 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.
The cheapest way to cover windows is by using peel-and-stick window films or disposable pleated paper shades, both of which cost between $2 and $10 per window. For a DIY approach, you can create pleated blinds using a roll of wrapping paper and double-sided tape.
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.
Window treatment trends in 2026 focus on a blend of high-tech smart home automation, eco-friendly natural fabrics, and luxurious, multi-layered aesthetics. Homeowners are replacing basic blinds with motorized shades, organic textiles, and tailored, rich drapery to elevate their spaces.
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.
Whether you are looking to brighten a space, create a cleaner aesthetic, or add architectural interest, there are plenty of excellent window treatments that don't involve curtains. Here are some of the most stylish and functional alternatives, ranging from modern privacy solutions to clever DIY designs.
10 Easy Ways to Make Your Windows Look More Expensive
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.
The use of natural materials is a core tenet in modern design. Modern window coverings with natural materials like wood and bamboo can add warmth and texture to your space for a boho-chic-inspired feel. Incorporate natural materials into your décor with modern window treatments like Woven Wood Shades.
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.
By applying Contra Vision micro-perforated window film to your window, you will still be able to see out, and the white face film obscures vision into the building.
Meanwhile, the least desired home styles appear to be shipping container homes and tiny homes, the study finds.
Leaving curtains open, particularly in affluent neighborhoods, often serves as a subtle display of confidence, privilege, and security. Those with higher incomes are significantly more likely to leave windows uncovered. Conversely, leaving them closed or drawn is often a practical response to intense direct sunlight, privacy concerns, or the high costs of climate control.
Ninety percent of the world's millionaires share a commonality in real estate. They typically own physical property, whether as a primary residence or as an income-generating rental property, to build tangible long-term wealth.
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.
Curtains usually look cheap because of flimsy, unlined fabrics, insufficient width (looking like a "flat sheet" when closed), or a length that stops too short above the floor. Additionally, plastic hardware and visible metal grommets often detract from an elevated design, making budget curtains stand out negatively.
Transforming Windows from bland to beautiful is easy with a few key tools. Start by decluttering your desktop, applying a sleek dark mode theme, and using lightweight apps like TranslucentTB to make your taskbar blend into your wallpaper.
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.
Frosted Window Film
It's the most affordable, easiest to install option, but it is the least versatile of all the window dressing options. It can, in some cases, pair well with another type of window dressing for a room where you know you'll always want less light but complete privacy.
Joanna Gaines has not been diagnosed with a life-threatening or terminal illness; her primary health struggles involve a chronic back injury from high school that required two major microdiscectomy surgeries, most recently in December 2022 to treat herniated discs.
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.
Joanna and Chip Gaines' eldest son, Drake, is now a college junior, balancing life as a baseball player at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Drake has developed a passion for cooking protein-packed meals with his girlfriend.