Ask an Editor: Are Curtains Outdated?
Stay chic.
Dear Editor,
My husband recently inherited his parents’ house so I agreed to move in but under one condition – I got creative freedom to remodel the house. Now that we live here full time, my main priority is making this feel like our home, not my late in-laws’ house. I want to get rid of the cluttered, eclectic furniture and decor and go for something more clean and modern. We aren’t making any structural changes to the house, so I want to make sure the decor I choose feels cohesive with the traditional house but not old-fashioned.
I’m focusing on the living room and bedroom first since we spend a lot of time there. As I come up with some ideas about how to style each room, I’m wondering what to do about window treatments. Our windows are currently covered with thick floral drapes that feel heavy and outdated – they’ve got to go! When I look for inspiration online, I’m noticing a lot of modern homes don’t use window treatments. Are curtains out of style now?
My husband and I agree that we need some sort of window treatment for privacy and light filtration, but we can’t agree on what. He likes the soft look of curtains, but I prefer the minimalistic design of blinds. How can we compromise and have functional window treatments that also feel fresh and modern?
Sincerely,
Blinded by Design Choices
Dear Blinded by Design Choices,
I love that you’re taking on such a personal transformation. Turning a family home into a space that reflects you and your husband is such an exciting shift!
To answer your question, curtains are definitely not out of style, but the way we use them has evolved. Heavy floral drapes may be out, but clean-lined, neutral curtains paired with functional shades are very in. It’s all about creating softness and dimension without making the room feel dated.
Since you’re leaning modern and your husband likes the softness of fabric, I recommend meeting in the middle with a layered approach. Try pairing sheer or linen curtains with sleek roller shades or bamboo blinds underneath. This combination gives you the streamlined look you like, while he still gets the cozy fabric finish he’s drawn to. Not to mention, it gives you the flexibility to control privacy and light while keeping everything looking polished.
In more traditional homes, this mix of clean and classic is a perfect pairing. It respects the original character of the house while bringing an updated, fresh feel. Stick with natural tones to create a soft palette, and choose black or warm brass hardware to add a subtle modern touch.
Window treatments may seem like a small decision, but they make a big impact on the overall feel of your space. You’re doing the right thing by being intentional!
Sincerely,
Wayfair Editor
