To achieve the best blackout results, the most effective curtain style is pinch pleat or grommet curtains made of a heavyweight fabric—like plush velvet or a multi-pass thermal weave. These styles create rich folds, minimizing light leakage, and are typically backed by a laboratory-tested, 100% blackout liner.
The most effective blackout curtains for complete light and sound blockage are high-density, multi-layer thermal panels. Top choices include the Sun Zero Oslo Theater Grade Curtain for extreme light blocking, and the Quince European Linen Blackout Curtain if you prefer natural fabrics.
6 Curtain Styles Designers Avoid—and What They Use Instead
Light coloured curtains are good for rooms that get a lot of direct sunlight as they're less prone to fading from the sun. Dark and bright colours tend to fade faster. Good summer options as a white/lighter colour is more likely to bounce the sun's rays away keeping rooms cooler.
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.
The most popular styles are Grommet (or Eyelet) and Rod Pocket.
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.
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.
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.”
Blackout curtains are excellent for light control, but they have notable drawbacks: they block natural sunlight (which can disrupt your body clock and mood), trap heat in the summer, and require heavier hardware. They are also bulkier and often require special cleaning.
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.
Pinch pleat curtains are perfect for elegant, traditional spaces like formal dining rooms, living rooms, or master bedrooms. Their tailored, evenly spaced pleats create a polished, timeless look.
Are Sheer Curtains Outdated? No, sheer curtains are not outdated; they are currently on-trend and a popular choice for a soft, airy look, especially when layered with other window treatments. They are versatile for both modern and traditional styles and offer a way to filter light and provide a subtle sense of privacy.
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.
Choosing the best blackout curtains comes down to selecting the right fabric and lining, ensuring accurate sizing and installation, and picking features that suit your room's needs. Here is a quick guide to making the right choice for your space.
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."
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.
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LUCKY COLOR OF THE YEAR 2026 TRANSFORMATIVE TEAL.
Yes, interior designers broadly consider grommet (or eyelet) curtains outdated. Today's design trends prioritize sleek, custom aesthetics, whereas grommets can appear mass-produced, floppy, and stiff.
Curtain trends for 2026: calm colour, texture & timeless style
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.
Curtains frequently go on sale during major holiday weekends and seasonal clearance events. The best times to buy are during Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, when discounts often range from 30% to 60% off.