Unlined curtains offer a lighter, airier aesthetic and are generally more budget-friendly. By omitting a heavy backing, they allow natural sunlight to gently filter into the room. They are incredibly versatile, easy to maintain, and suit casual or minimalist interior spaces perfectly.
Lined curtains feature an extra layer of fabric sewn to the back, offering a fuller drape, sun protection, better privacy, and superior thermal insulation. Unlined curtains are a single layer of fabric. They are lightweight, more budget-friendly, and provide a breezy, casual aesthetic perfect for maximizing natural light.
6 Curtain Styles Designers Avoid—and What They Use Instead
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.”
Unlined curtains allow more light transmission and offer less privacy, while lined curtains block more light and increase privacy. The type of lining matters too—standard cotton linings provide moderate improvement, while specialized blockout linings offer maximum light blocking and privacy.
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.
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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.
Curtain trends prioritize a blend of nature-inspired comfort and layered elegance. Key styles include textured natural fabrics, rich earthy and jewel tones, sheer layering, and dramatic statement hardware.
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.
Kitchen cabinet colors that feel dated include stark, clinical all-white, cool minimalist grays, and red-toned woods like cherry or honey-oak. Flat, one-dimensional brown-on-brown color schemes and overly bright primary colors have also fallen out of style.
Unlike lined curtains, unlined curtains are sleek and made of a single layer of fabric without any extra layering. They tend to be lighter and also more affordable. These types of curtains deliver a more casual and relaxed look.
Not Measuring Correctly. One of the most common mistakes people make when hanging curtains is not measuring correctly. It's important to measure the width of your window and the height from the top of the window to where you want your curtains to fall.
A thick, lined fabric curtain is the window furnishing of choice for areas you would like to insulate in winter. For a summery feel across a patio door, choose a lightweight or sheer fabric. Wherever you'd like to express your style through colour and pattern in your home, curtains can help.
Martha Stewart's boyfriend of 15 years was billionaire software developer and Microsoft executive Charles Simonyi.
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 is famously a massive fragrance enthusiast with a collection of over 70 perfumes. However, she has consistently sworn by one specific signature scent for decades, while also recently endorsing a popular gourmand fragrance.
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."
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.
Martha Stewart's morning routine includes a 4:00am wake-up, Pilates, and reading the entire newspaper: 'I do all the puzzles.
Most people should wash their sheets once per week. If you don't sleep on your mattress every day, you may be able to stretch this to once every two weeks or so. Some people should wash their sheets even more often than once a week.
The healthiest fabrics to sleep on are breathable, moisture-wicking, and free of harsh chemical dyes or synthetic treatments. Top choices include organic cotton, linen, and Tencel (Lyocell). These materials are hypoallergenic, reduce bacterial growth, and help regulate body temperature to prevent night sweats.