For a 72-inch wide window, your total combined curtain width should be 144 to 216 inches (2 to 3 times the window's width). This "fullness factor" allows the drapes to gather and fold beautifully instead of stretching flat across the glass.
Current curtain trends focus on bringing warmth, architectural elegance, and natural textures into the home. Designers are heavily favoring floor-to-ceiling lengths, dual-layering, organic fabrics (like heavy linens and velvets), and earthy, nature-inspired color palettes.
For a 72-inch window, buy an adjustable curtain rod in the 48 to 84-inch or 72 to 144-inch range. The exact size depends on the style you want:
They should be 1.5 or 2x the width of the window they are intended to cover. So, for your sofa window, that looks like a pair of 36" windows? Each set of curtains should be 54" to 72" in width to cover their half (36") of the entire window width.
To keep your space looking fresh and elevated, designers recommend avoiding outdated curtain styles that feature bulky fabrics, stiff hardware, or excessive fussy embellishments.
Martha Stewart famously doesn't use traditional curtains in her homes, joking she could write a book titled "A House With No Curtains." Instead of heavy drapery, she prefers clean sightlines and opts for options that maximize natural light.
The newest trends in window coverings focus on smart motorization, natural eco-friendly fabrics, and layered dimensions. Homeowners are blending high-tech functionality with sustainable, organic textures to create spaces that feel both elevated and grounding.
Tips for hanging curtains.. DO Hang High. The higher the rod, the taller the window will appear, so fix your curtain rod closer to the ceiling than the top of your window. The rule of thumb is that they should sit 4-6 inches above the window frame.
The Most Common Curtain Measurement Mistakes Homeowners Make
To dress a very wide window, mount an extra-long, sturdy curtain rod 4–6 inches above the frame and 12+ inches beyond the sides. Prevent the rod from bowing by installing center support brackets, and hang multiple evenly spaced curtain panels to create a continuous, luxurious look when closed.
For a 72-inch wide window, your total combined curtain width should be between 108 and 144 inches. This provides 1.5 to 2 times the "fullness" needed for your curtains to hang in rich, natural folds rather than pulling flat across the window.
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.
Yes, you can easily find 72-inch wide curtains. This width is considered an "extra-wide" size and is primarily designed for larger windows, sliding glass doors, or to create a dramatic, gathered look on smaller windows.
Martha Stewart avoids curtains in her homes because she is an early riser who relies on the morning sun to wake up naturally. She also prefers unobstructed, panoramic views of her outdoor landscapes and uses minimalist shades to protect her furniture and rugs from fading rather than heavy drapery.
Classy curtains rely on high-quality fabrics, floor-length cuts, and custom-style headers. The most elegant choices feature rich textures and classic tailoring rather than trendy patterns.
Curtains are absolutely in style for 2026, shifting away from basic functional pieces to striking statement features. Instead of blending into the background, modern curtains are designed to frame windows with deep colors, heavy textures, and traditional details.
To instantly modernize your space, skip stiff, overly formal window treatments and cheap "quick-fix" drapes. Designers recommend avoiding grommet headings, bulky valances, and sterile stark white fabrics in favor of warmer palettes, natural textures, and tailored pleats.
The classiest way to hang curtains is the "high and wide" method: mount your rod close to the ceiling to elongate the room, and extend it 8–12 inches past the window frame on each side. For an upscale, custom finish, use pinch pleat drapes, brass rings, and let the fabric just "kiss" the floor.
In most design scenarios, longer curtains are much better than shorter ones. Long curtains hung near the ceiling create the optical illusion of taller walls and larger windows. Short curtains—unless strictly necessary—often look dated, awkward, and can make a room feel truncated.
People hang curtains high—often just a few inches below the ceiling or crown molding—primarily as an interior design trick to create the optical illusion that a room has taller ceilings and larger, grander windows.
You should hang curtains on the wall (specifically around the window frame) rather than directly on the window frame itself.
Leaving windows uncovered has quietly become a modern status symbol. Wealthy homeowners often leave windows bare to maximize natural light, show off interior design, or enjoy scenic views. Because they can afford vast, private estates or high-rise penthouses, they lack the "fishbowl" effect of seeing directly into neighbors' spaces.
Curtain trends in 2026 focus on creating architectural depth, grounded earthy tones, and layered textures. The look goes beyond simple window coverings, prioritizing natural, tactile fabrics like linen and bouclé, chic layered sheers, and ceiling-mounted wave and pleated folds.
Joanna Gaines typically uses natural, neutral window treatments like airy linen or cotton curtains, woven wood or bamboo Roman shades, and bifold plantation shutters. She is known to layer these elements—often pairing a natural shade with a simple curtain—and hangs panels high and wide to make windows appear larger.
Current curtain trends favor tactile, elegant, and statement-making designs that blend historic charm with modern functionality. The biggest looks include floor-to-ceiling lengths, sheer layering, textured natural fibers, and bold, warm colors.