Blackout shades are specialized window treatments designed to block nearly 100% of incoming natural and artificial light. They are built using tightly woven, opaque fabrics or added vinyl/foam backing to prevent light from passing directly through the material, helping to create near-total darkness in any room.
The biggest disadvantage of blackout shades is that when they're closed, it's too dark to move around the room or do much of anything.
Blackout shades typically range from $30 to over $700 per window, depending on the size, style, and whether you choose basic off-the-shelf options or premium motorized customs.
Trending Window Treatment Ideas for Every Room
Here's a myth: Contrary to popular belief, blackout shades are not just thick, dark, stiff, and heavy black sheets of fabric. They're actually available in soft, beautiful light neutrals too. And while darker colors may be more effective at blocking light, any color blackout material will do the trick.
Blackout shades are specialized window treatments designed to block nearly 100% of incoming natural and artificial light. They are built using tightly woven, opaque fabrics or added vinyl/foam backing to prevent light from passing directly through the material, helping to create near-total darkness in any room.
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.
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.
In the U.S., the uncovered window is perhaps less an expression of communal trust than one of personal protection. Wealthier homeowners, who can also afford state-of- the-art security systems, may not feel that they need shades. These curtainless windows have become one of our subtlest statements of privilege.
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.
Installation starts at $25 per blind and/or shade ($75 minimum required). * The cost includes takedown of existing blinds. Haul away of old blinds and/or shades is an added cost of $10.
As long as the blinds you choose are clearly marked as officially being blackout blinds, the colour of the blind doesn't matter at all. Not all types of blinds can be made with blackout functionality, but many can; and often, people think that these blinds should be or are black, or at least, a very dark colour.
At Home Depot, blinds cost anywhere from $𝟖 to $𝟑𝟎𝟎+ per window, depending on whether you buy pre-cut stock or custom sizes.
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.”
6 Curtain Styles Designers Avoid—and What They Use Instead
Blackout vs light filtering roller shades is the key choice when you want the right balance of brightness and seclusion in each room of your home. Blackout roller shades block outside light for better sleep and screen comfort, while light-filtering roller shades soften daylight to create a warm, welcoming feel.
Window blinds must be open during landing (and takeoff) as a critical safety measure. Because the majority of aviation incidents happen during these phases, open blinds allow flight crew and passengers to instantly spot exterior hazards (like fire, smoke, or debris) and let your eyes adjust to the outside lighting to avoid temporary blindness during an evacuation.
Ninety percent of the world's millionaires share a commonality in real estate. They typically own physical property, whether as a primary residence or as an income-generating rental property, to build tangible long-term wealth.
Meanwhile, the least desired home styles appear to be shipping container homes and tiny homes, the study finds.
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.
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.
LUCKY COLOR OF THE YEAR 2026 TRANSFORMATIVE TEAL.
The most modern window coverings prioritize sleek aesthetics, smart home integration, and energy efficiency. Key styles include motorized shades, floor-to-ceiling drapery, and slim-profile solar and Roman shades. They ditch traditional cords in favor of automated technology and child-safe cordless designs.
The 2026 fashion landscape is all about "fun and intentionality," blending late-2000s (Y2K) nostalgia with elegant tailoring and bold, vibrant colors. Key movements include statement accessories, playful textures, and relaxed silhouettes across both menswear and womenswear.