For an inside mount, you need a minimum depth of 3 inches from the window glass to the front edge of the frame. For a completely flush mount where the blinds don't protrude at all, you will need about 5 inches. For outside mounts, you need at least 2 inches of flat wall space above the window.
Allow 3" for adequate mounting area above the window. If blind extends to the floor (i.e. to cover a patio door), measure height from the headrail to the floor, and deduct ½" for clearance in order for the vanes to clear the floor.
In 2026, vertical blinds are enjoying renewed popularity thanks to improved fabric textures, soft weaves and more elegant louvre designs that look less “office-like” and more stylish in modern homes. Wider louvre options, blackout vertical fabrics and wipe-clean materials have expanded their versatility.
The only exception is vertical blinds, they require a small clearance for the louvres to open, close and rotate freely without dragging on the windowsill. If there are no obstructions, 10cm or so longer than the distance between headrail and windowsill if your blinds hang over the window recess.
Popular alternatives to vertical blinds include sliding fabric panels, Smart Drapes, vertical cellular shades, and sheer vertical shades. These options provide superior light control, modern aesthetics, and easier access to doors.
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.
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.
2026's Best Blinds
Ditching shades has a lot of upsides regardless of who you are. Uncovered windows bring in natural light, boost well-being, and offer a view of the world outside. The trade-off, of course, is that they also put those inside on display to passersby, and in the summer, they channel heat.
While vertical blinds are highly affordable and excellent for covering large windows and sliding doors, they have several notable drawbacks. They are prone to wear and tear, can be noisy in breezy areas, and lack a modern aesthetic.
Neutral-colored vertical blinds remain the most popular choice for good reason. White, off-white, cream, beige, and light gray blinds offer incredible versatility and longevity.
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:
Vertical blinds typically last 7 to 15 years, but this range varies widely depending on the material, quality, and daily wear-and-tear. Because individual vanes hang independently and can be easily replaced, vertical blinds often outlast many other window treatments.
The average, off-the-shelf window blind size is 𝟑𝟔 𝐢𝐧.×𝟔𝟎 𝐢𝐧., designed for small-to-medium windows. Standard window widths in the US range from 𝟐𝟒 𝐭𝐨 𝟔𝟎 𝐢𝐧. and lengths from 𝟑𝟔 𝐭𝐨 𝟕𝟐 𝐢𝐧..
Choosing between an inside and outside mount for vertical blinds depends on your window's depth and your aesthetic goals. Inside mounts offer a clean, flush, space-saving look, whereas outside mounts provide superior light blocking, maximum privacy, and the illusion of larger or taller windows.
7 Blind Installation Mistakes to Avoid
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 blinds must be open during landing (and takeoff) as a critical safety measure. Because the majority of aviation incidents happen during these phases, open blinds allow flight crew and passengers to instantly spot exterior hazards (like fire, smoke, or debris) and let your eyes adjust to the outside lighting to avoid temporary blindness during an evacuation.
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.
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."
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.
11 Trending Blinds for Homes and Offices
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.
Key Points. Vinyl blinds and honeycomb shades now feel dated in modern interiors. Cafe curtains in lace or florals can make a space look old-fashioned.
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.