For a clean, modern look, curtains should hover about 12 12 inch above the floor. For an elegant, custom aesthetic, they should "kiss" or just barely touch the floor. Avoid hanging curtains more than 1 inch above the ground, as this makes windows look smaller and can appear poorly measured.
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
Yes, 84-inch curtains should touch the floor to create a tailored, professional look that elongates your walls. However, the exact distance depends on the style you are going for and your daily lifestyle.
Floor-length curtains should generally hang between 12one-half12 inch above the floor and 2 inches onto the floor, depending on your preferred style and room traffic.
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.
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Even though ornate valances were once a staple in traditional-style homes, they are now considered outdated.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."
Width is Key: Extend your curtain rods 3 to 6 inches on each side of the window frame. This allows you to draw the curtains completely off the glass, flooding the room with light and making the window appear larger. Height is Everything: This is the most important trick! Hang the rod high.
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.
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.
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.
Homes with minimal natural light where curtains aren't needed to filter light or privacy. In sleek, modern spaces, where bare windows create a clean, open feeling. On oddly shaped windows like a port-hole style window where drapery may look out of place.
To make budget curtains look high-end, hang them as close to the ceiling as possible and extend the rod past the window frame. Ensure they are twice the width of the window for fullness, use 4-prong hooks on rings for a tailored pleat, and train the fabric to fall in crisp, weighted folds.
While curtains offer a certain classic look, alternatives such as blinds, shades, and shutters provide a spectrum of styles, materials, and functionalities that can better suit modern interiors or specific design themes.
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.
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.
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.
Pinch pleat curtains are perfect for elegant, traditional spaces like formal dining rooms, living rooms, or master bedrooms. Their tailored, evenly spaced pleats create a polished, timeless look.
Some popular options include: