Grommet curtains are highly popular because they offer effortless sliding, easy installation, and a modern aesthetic. They form natural, uniform pleats without needing manual training and are generally more budget-friendly. This makes them a practical choice for everyday use and frequently adjusted windows.
Grommet curtains are falling out of favor in modern interior design. While they were once the go-to standard for a casual, contemporary aesthetic, many interior designers now consider them dated, associating the exposed metal rings with rental properties or mass-produced, budget-friendly decor.
Grommet curtains have been considered less refined due to the exposed curtain rod, which some people find less elegant compared to styles like pinch pleated curtains that hide the rod.
Yes, interior designers broadly consider grommet (or eyelet) curtains outdated.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.
Grommet curtains can sometimes look cheap or mass-produced, but they don't have to. Their appearance largely depends on the fabric weight, the hardware you pair them with, and the overall style of your space.
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Curtain grommets add a sleek, modern touch to your window treatments while allowing your curtains to slide effortlessly along the rod. They're also an excellent choice for shower curtains, offering a functional and stylish solution.
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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The most popular styles are Grommet (or Eyelet) and Rod Pocket.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Do Scandinavian Homes Have Curtains? True homes in Scandinavian countries typically don't have curtains. This is for a couple functional reasons. First, having no curtains allows maximum sunlight to enter the room, and when you're as far north as Scandinavian countries, sunlight is at a premium.
Drapery trends in 2026 emphasize a shift toward nature-inspired, highly textured, and architectural designs. Homeowners are prioritizing floor-to-ceiling linen and cotton fabrics, "wave" pleats on ceiling tracks, layered pairings of sheers with heavier drapes, warm earthy color palettes, and smart motorized options.
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."
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.
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.
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, 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.
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).
Grommet curtains are ideal for contemporary, casual spaces due to their ease of installation and modern design. Drapes, on the other hand, bring a formal, luxurious feel to traditional interiors. Consider your room's purpose, light control needs, and overall style when making your decision.
To make grommet curtains look high-end, hang the rod as close to the ceiling as possible and extend it wide so the panels clear the window frame. Train the fabric into deep, uniform folds using cylindrical spacers (like toilet paper rolls or foam pipe insulation) between the eyelets on the rod.
Grommet curtains can sometimes look cheap or mass-produced, but they don't have to. Their appearance largely depends on the fabric weight, the hardware you pair them with, and the overall style of your space.