Curtains do not need to match your wall color exactly, but doing so creates a seamless, monochromatic look that makes a space feel larger. Alternatively, you can create depth and contrast by choosing shades that are two to three tones lighter or darker, or opt for completely contrasting colors.
Dark-colored curtains work best against light walls (eg. warm white, cream, gray, light tan and even smoky blue walls). Dark walls plus dark curtains is too oppressive. 'Dark' doesn't have mean black, brown or grey; dark curtains can also come in hip, modern colours such as blue or even certain shades of red or purple.
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.
Even though ornate valances were once a staple in traditional-style homes, they are now considered outdated.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."
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.”
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).
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.
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.
LUCKY COLOR OF THE YEAR 2026 TRANSFORMATIVE TEAL.
Trending Window Treatment Ideas for Every Room
Interior design trends in 2026 are shifting away from stark minimalism and cool grays toward warmer, highly personalized spaces. The year's defining aesthetic prioritizes comfort, craftsmanship, organic shapes, and a "lived-in" feel that celebrates natural materials, rich earth tones, and tactile finishes.
Curtains in the living room should primarily match the wall color for a seamless look, or accent furniture/decor (like pillows or rugs) for a coordinated, high-contrast style. Popular strategies include matching curtains to the wall color to make the room appear larger, or picking up a secondary color from the rug to tie the space together.
Choosing the Right Option
Plain curtains may work well in a formal dining room or a minimalist bedroom, while patterned curtains can add warmth and character to a living room or a child's playroom. Existing Decor: Take into account the colors and patterns of your existing furniture, walls, and accessories.
Key Points. Large living rooms with high ceilings or privacy needs should use heavy curtains. Use light curtains to make a living room feel more spacious and welcome natural light. Balance the wrong curtain weight by layering panels and adjusting height, width, styling, or decor.
6 Curtain Styles Designers Avoid—and What They Use Instead
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.
Curtain trends for 2026: calm colour, texture & timeless style
A home typically looks outdated when it features overdone, time-stamped trends from specific past decades, such as honey oak cabinetry, popcorn ceilings, or generic word art. Outdated homes also often suffer from poor lighting, worn-out flooring, and heavy window treatments that block natural light.
No, participants on HGTV's Ugliest House in America do not get to keep the staging furniture. Like most reality renovation shows, the furniture and decor are just props.
Since demand outweighs supply, housing prices are higher, and homes sell faster. Meanwhile, the worst months to sell a house are November through March or during the fall to winter, when potential buyers are preoccupied with holiday plans. Sellers should expect lower sales prices and higher DOM during these months.
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.
Yes, you can absolutely have blinds without curtains. Using only blinds is a highly popular, modern choice that provides a clean, tailored look while offering excellent privacy and light control.
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.