Looking to ditch the fabric? Fantastic, stylish alternatives range from smart adjustable blinds to renter-friendly frosted films. Consider these top alternatives:
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).
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.
Trending Window Treatment Ideas for Every Room
Curtains are definitely not out of style. Instead, they are highly valued for adding essential texture, warmth, and color to a home. However, heavy, formal drapes and stiff grommet styles have been replaced by modern, organic designs that prioritize natural light and a relaxed elegance.
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.”
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, 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.
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.
Even though ornate valances were once a staple in traditional-style homes, they are now considered outdated.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."
Dressing a window without curtains allows architectural details to shine while offering tailored privacy and light control. Popular options include window privacy films for a sleek, glass-based approach, and structured coverings like Roman shades, Venetian blinds, or plantation shutters.
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.
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.
Types of window treatments include blinds, window shades, shutters, curtains and drapes. Blinds tilt open and closed using a wand or remote device. They have louvers or slats made of various materials.
Using voile or lace to dress a window
They hang like you'd hang curtains – usually on a curtain pole with curtain rings. However, the semi-transparent light material filters the light slightly, creating a soft, airy feel in your room.
Blinds. Blinds come in various materials, styles, and colors, offering a versatile option to dress your windows while controlling the amount of light and privacy you desire. Blinds are also simple to clean, making them a low-maintenance swap for heavy fabric curtains.
Today's drapery trends go beyond fabric—they're also about the details. Finishes like matte black, natural brass, oil-rubbed bronze and gold are popular choices that help tie the entire room together. The header style—the top of the drapery that attaches to the rod—also plays a major role in the final look.
Joanna Gaines has not been diagnosed with a life-threatening or terminal illness; her primary health struggles involve a chronic back injury from high school that required two major microdiscectomy surgeries, most recently in December 2022 to treat herniated discs.
Timeless window treatments are defined by their neutral color palettes, natural materials, and clean, functional designs that transcend passing trends. The most enduring options include natural wood blinds, tailored floor-length drapes, interior plantation shutters, and classic fabric Roman shades.
Window treatment trends for 2026 focus on blending natural materials with smart-home automation. Top looks include layered textures, bold earth tones, and motorized shades.
Homes with minimal natural light where curtains aren't needed to filter light or privacy. In sleek, modern spaces, where bare windows create a clean, open feeling. On oddly shaped windows like a port-hole style window where drapery may look out of place.
Blinds have a more modern look than curtains. They're an excellent option for contemporary interiors, but real wood blinds can work in a more traditional setting. There are curtain options galore, with fabrics ranging from formal to modern. Blinds have crisp lines, whereas curtains present elegant curves.
6 Curtain Styles Designers Avoid—and What They Use Instead
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.
LUCKY COLOR OF THE YEAR 2026 TRANSFORMATIVE TEAL.