Whether it is better to leave your blinds open or closed depends entirely on the season, your need for privacy, and whether you are trying to keep your home cool or warm.
It is generally better to leave your blinds closed when away. Closing them prevents burglars from scouting your valuables, protects your furniture and floors from sun damage, and keeps your home cooler during the hotter months.
Protecting your home from burglars is a top priority for many homeowners, and one effective way to do so is by using blinds as a deterrent. By keeping your blinds closed, you can prevent potential burglars from scoping out your home and identifying potential targets.
It may come as a surprise that closing blinds or shutters can actually make your home feel warmer instead of cooler. The trapped heat inside the room leads to an unintended consequence, resulting in increased temperatures that counteract the desired cooling effect.
Window covering trends prioritize a blend of organic aesthetics, smart functionality, and tailored minimalism. Top looks include:
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.
Blinds in style for 2026 lean toward natural, eco-friendly materials and high-tech motorized convenience. The hottest trends focus on ultra-matte finishes, organic textures, outside-mounted Roman shades, and smart home automation that optimizes energy efficiency.
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.
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.
Burglars hate visibility, noise, and anything that makes a home look occupied or difficult to enter. Because they rely on stealth and "crimes of opportunity," they actively avoid anything that increases the risk of getting caught or requires too much time and effort.
Burglars are least likely to look for valuables in highly unconventional or difficult-to-access spots, as they typically want to get in and out quickly. The safest hiding areas are usually in plain sight using disguised containers, or in spaces that require extra effort to open and search.
Yes, your neighbors can likely see through your blinds at night. When interior lights are on and it is dark outside, a "fishbowl effect" is created. Because your home is brightly lit and the outdoors is dark, anyone looking toward your windows can see shadows, silhouettes, or direct views, depending on how your blinds are adjusted.
For starters, they improve your privacy; if you're worried about the security of your home, closed window blinds will stop passers-by from looking in and getting a good view of your valuables.
Making an empty house look occupied requires mimicking the natural patterns of daily life. The most effective methods involve alternating indoor lights using timers or smart plugs, maintaining the exterior so it looks lived-in, and leaving a car in the driveway.
To secure your home and prevent emergencies before a vacation, take out the trash, secure your doors and windows, hold your mail, adjust your thermostat, and shut off your main water valve to prevent leaks.
To keep your space looking fresh and elevated, designers recommend avoiding outdated curtain styles that feature bulky fabrics, stiff hardware, or excessive fussy embellishments.
LUCKY COLOR OF THE YEAR 2026 TRANSFORMATIVE TEAL.
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.
Martha Stewart changes her bedsheets every two to three days. While she doesn't wash them herself—her housekeepers handle the laundry—she firmly believes in hopping into a fresh bed as often as possible and recommends that everyone swap out their bedding at least every five days.
Outdated window treatments are generally those that look flimsy, overly cluttered, or overly utilitarian. Specifically, vertical blinds, flimsy aluminum mini-blinds, grommet-style (eyelet) drapes, and traditional valances or swags are considered dated.
Martha Stewart has been diagnosed with vitiligo, an autoimmune skin condition that causes patches of skin to lose their pigment.
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.
The most popular blinds right now prioritize clean aesthetics, safety, and smart functionality. Leading options include cordless faux wood blinds for moisture resistance, minimalist roller shades for a sleek look, light-filtering woven wood shades for natural texture, and motorized/smart blinds for seamless home automation.
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.