The "better" option between drapes and shutters comes down to your specific needs. Shutters are ideal for long-term home value, light control, and durability. Drapes, however, are better if you want a softer, decorative aesthetic, budget-friendly flexibility, and easy customization.
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.
Quick Answer: Shutters offer better light control, insulation and long-term value, while curtains provide a softer decorative finish and greater flexibility in fabrics and styles. The right choice depends on your interior preferences, practical needs and how long you plan to stay in your home.
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Shutters are a beautiful and permanent window treatment, but they come with notable drawbacks. The biggest disadvantages include their high upfront cost (often ranging from $200 to over $1,000 per window), limited light flexibility compared to blinds, and difficult, time-consuming maintenance.
The honest answer is yes, they're still relevant when you choose the right style. For complete peace of mind, plantation shutters work well in modern homes because they're functional first, decorative second. They control light precisely, last for decades, and adapt to nearly any design aesthetic.
If opening a shutter means moving furniture or navigating tight corners, it may not be the most practical choice. Shades and blinds operate vertically, making them easier to use in compact or furniture-heavy layouts.
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.
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 are leaning heavily into quiet luxury, sustainable natural materials, and smart-home motorization. The focus is on biophilic design—bringing organic textures and light-filtering fabrics into the home to create warm, inviting spaces.
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Keep in mind that not all windows are suitable for shutters. For instance, windows that are wider than they are tall generally shouldn't have shutters. Similarly, casement windows that open out or bay windows typically do not accommodate shutters well.
How much are shutters? The cost of shutters can vary widely based on several factors. These include the material, size, and style, and whether you opt for custom or standard sizes. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from £250 to £450 per square metre – that's a pretty wide range, yes.
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.
Key Points. Vinyl blinds and honeycomb shades now feel dated in modern interiors. Cafe curtains in lace or florals can make a space look old-fashioned.
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.
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.
Shutters are not out of style in 2026, but their application has evolved. While they remain highly sought after for their timeless aesthetic and durability, trends favor minimalist, light-filtering solutions over bulky, obstructive styles.
The most popular window treatment today is the Roman shade, valued for blending soft fabric aesthetics with clean functionality. Other top trends include sleek roller shades, natural woven woods (matchstick shades), and energy-efficient cellular shades.
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.
By applying Contra Vision micro-perforated window film to your window, you will still be able to see out, and the white face film obscures vision into the building.
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.”
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.
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."