Curtains should generally hang 2 to 4 inches below the window sill for a tailored look, or extend down to the floor for a more formal, elongating effect. The exact length depends on the style you want and the placement of your furniture:
These curtains extend 15cm below the windowsill creating a relaxed feel while maximising insulation.
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.”
4 common curtain mistakes you can easily avoid
Layered Curtains
While heavy curtains are the answer to a room in need of some privacy, they can feel a little stuffy, often preventing light from gently filtering through during the daytime. This is where the ever-popular window treatment trend comes into play: the layered curtain.
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Even though ornate valances were once a staple in traditional-style homes, they are now considered outdated.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 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.
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.
LUCKY COLOR OF THE YEAR 2026 TRANSFORMATIVE TEAL.
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).
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.
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.
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 make a room look bigger, choose light, neutral-colored curtains (like white, cream, or beige) that blend with your walls. Hang the curtain rod close to the ceiling and extend it past the window frame so the pulled-back drapes expose the glass, maximizing light and the illusion of height.
Martha Stewart is famously a massive fragrance enthusiast with a collection of over 70 perfumes. However, she has consistently sworn by one specific signature scent for decades, while also recently endorsing a popular gourmand fragrance.
Martha Stewart's morning routine includes a 4:00am wake-up, Pilates, and reading the entire newspaper: 'I do all the puzzles.
The healthiest fabrics to sleep on are breathable, moisture-wicking, and free of harsh chemical dyes or synthetic treatments. Top choices include organic cotton, linen, and Tencel (Lyocell). These materials are hypoallergenic, reduce bacterial growth, and help regulate body temperature to prevent night sweats.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Martha Stewart has consistently maintained that she has never undergone plastic surgery or had a facelift. Instead, her youthful complexion is the result of rigorous skin-care routines, a healthy lifestyle, and conservative, non-invasive cosmetic procedures.
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.