Are Curtains Out of Style in 2024? The Real Scoop
Thinking of ripping down your curtains because you’ve heard they’re “out?” Hold up a minute. Window treatments change with the times, but curtains still have a place—and not just in your grandma’s living room. Sure, there’s been a big buzz about blinds and high-tech shades taking over. But look closely at magazines, design shows, and real homes, and you’ll see curtains aren’t going anywhere just yet.
They’re just changing. Designers are swapping out those old heavy drapes for lighter fabrics, fun patterns, and smart layering. The right curtains can make a room feel finished—without the outdated look you might be worried about. If you’re not sure what to hang or ditch, you’re not alone. This year has been full of surprises on the style front, so let’s break down what’s hot, what’s not, and how you can make your windows work for you right now.
- The Curtain Comeback—Or Curtain Call?
- What’s Trending: Fabrics, Colors, and Styles
- Blinds, Shades, and Smart Tech: The Alternatives
- How to Update Your Curtains Without Looking Dated
- Should You Keep, Swap, or Skip Curtains in 2024?
The Curtain Comeback—Or Curtain Call?
Let’s get one thing straight: people have been predicting the end of curtains for at least a decade, but they’re still hanging around in 2024. Sure, there are more choices now—shades, smart blinds, you name it. Still, curtains haven’t disappeared, and they’re definitely not just for old-school homes.
Why are they staying? It’s simple. Curtains give you quick fixes for light, privacy, and even sound. Plus, they’re easy to swap out when you’re bored, unlike built-in alternatives that cost way more to change. The National Association of Home Builders reported in late 2023 that 41% of homeowners still preferred curtains or drapes as part of their window setup, often mixing them with blinds for extra control. That’s not just nostalgia talking—people like the flexibility.
You also see curtains showing up in fresh, modern ways. On TikTok and Instagram, interior designers have been showing off curtain “hacks”—think double rods, ceiling mounts, or even using curtains to divide up rooms. Big stores like IKEA and Target offer massive selections, with plenty focused on clean lines and lightweight materials. In fact, search volume for “sheer curtains” and “linen drapes” kept rising all through 2024, according to Google Trends.
On the flip side, some folks are all about the “curtain-free” look—especially if they’re after stark minimalism or want to show off expensive windows. If you’re seeing a lot of bare windows on design blogs, don’t stress. That’s just one vibe, not the whole story.
So, is it a curtain comeback or a curtain call? More like a remix. Curtains are sticking around, but the way people use them is changing fast.
What’s Trending: Fabrics, Colors, and Styles
If you’re out shopping for curtains in 2024, you’ll see a lot has changed. The thick, stuffy drapes are out. Instead, lightweight and see-through fabrics are everywhere. Think linen, muslin, cotton, or even airy polyester blends. They let plenty of light in without making the room feel closed off. If you want privacy but don’t want heavy materials, double-layering with sheers and blackout panels is a solid move.
What about colors? Neutrals are still leading the pack—lots of whites, creams, and soft grays. But bold is suddenly cool again. Deep greens, burnt orange, navy, rust, and mustard yellow are showing up in a lot of stylish homes. It’s not just about color, though—patterned curtains with stripes, subtle florals, and geometric shapes are picking up, especially as statement pieces. If you want to keep it easy, textured solids (for example, nubby linen or waffle weave) give just enough interest without being loud.
Style-wise, it’s all about keeping things simple but cozy. Floor-length panels, straight lines, and minimal hardware make a room feel modern. You’ll see more people using hidden tabs, ring clips, or even magnetic closures—no more fussy swag or puddled fabric everywhere. Grommets and pinch pleats are still fine, but folks are avoiding over-the-top ruffles and ornate tiebacks.
For a quick look at what’s hot (and not) right now, check this:
| Trend | Rising | Fading |
|---|---|---|
| Fabrics | Linen, cotton, light poly blends | Heavy velvet, brocade |
| Colors | White, sage, navy, rust, mustard | Burgundy, purple, pastels |
| Patterns | Geometric, stripes, textured solids | Huge florals, damask |
| Hardware | Minimal rods, hidden tabs | Ornate rods, tassels, fancy tiebacks |
Don’t forget, mixing things up works too. You can pair sheers with blackout panels, or go bold on one wall and neutral elsewhere. The key with curtains this year is to keep them personal, light, and a little bit fun. If you’re bored with what’s in your living room, it’s probably a sign to switch things up—and it doesn’t take much to make a big difference.
Blinds, Shades, and Smart Tech: The Alternatives
It’s easy to see why so many people are looking past traditional curtains and checking out other options. Blinds and shades have really stepped up their game in the last few years. They aren’t just the boring white plastic ones you remember from old college rentals—there’s a huge range now, from wooden slats to sleek fabric rollers. And when it comes to privacy and controlling how much sunlight blasts into your space, these alternatives can give you serious flexibility.
Let’s compare a few of the top picks for 2024:
| Type | Main Features | Popular Uses | Avg. Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Blinds | Natural look, sturdy, adjustable slats | Living rooms, bedrooms | 80-200 per window |
| Cellular Shades | Energy efficient, soft look, cordless | Bedrooms, offices | 60-150 per window |
| Roller Shades | Simple, easy to clean, comes in blackout | Bathrooms, kitchens | 50-120 per window |
| Smart Shades | App/voice controlled, schedules/timers | Whole house, hard-to-reach windows | 150-400 per window |
Smart tech is one of the wildest changes in the window game. Sales for smart shades went up about 15% last year, and it’s not hard to see why. Imagine saying, “Hey, Google, close the shades,” and having it done for you from the couch. You can set schedules, control sunlight from your phone, and link them to other devices. Plus, most brands now make options that pair with Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit.
But don’t just go by what’s trendy. Here are a few quick tips if you’re thinking about ditching curtains for something else:
- If you need maximum light control (like for shift work), blackout shades or layered blinds are clutch.
- For rental apartments, stick-on or tension blinds keep things damage-free.
- Worried about energy bills? Cellular shades are tops for keeping heat in or out—some people see savings up to 20% on cooling costs with them.
- Want that clean, modern look? Roller shades disappear almost completely when you raise them.
- Fan of the classic curtains vibe? Layer blinds underneath sheer curtains so you get style and privacy.
You don’t have to pick between style and smart tech—mixing and matching is totally fair game in 2024. The best route is to think about how you actually live, what your windows need to do, and what’ll make your space feel like home.
How to Update Your Curtains Without Looking Dated
No one wants their place feeling like it’s stuck in 1998, but ditching curtains altogether isn’t the only move. Updating your window treatments can be quick and actually budget-friendly if you know what to focus on. Honestly, it mostly comes down to fabric, color, and how you hang them. Let’s break this down.
First off, skip anything shiny or super heavy (think old-school jacquard, thick brocade, or really ornate tassels). Today’s vibe is all about natural materials and clean lines. The most popular choices this year are linen, cotton, and lighter poly blends because they look fresh and let light in without making your room feel dark.
If you’re not sure what’s trending, interior designer Emily Henderson nails it:
"Linen curtains in neutral shades are timeless and instantly modernize a space without feeling fussy."
- Swap out dark, heavy fabrics for lighter, airy ones. Sheer curtains in white, cream, or soft grays look good anywhere.
- Think about patterns. Tiny florals and paisleys are on the way out; bold stripes, checks, or even color-block panels are in.
- Don’t forget the curtain rod. Sleek metal or wood rods, mounted high and wide, make windows seem larger and your ceilings taller.
- Try layering: pair a sheer inner curtain with a heavier outer panel for extra texture.
Ready to get a little technical? Here’s a quick comparison of fabric types that are hot right now, lined up by price and light control:
| Fabric | Average Price per Panel | Light Control |
|---|---|---|
| Linen | $50–$100 | Softens light, semi-sheer |
| Cotton | $20–$60 | Light to moderate, depends on thickness |
| Sheer Polyester | $15–$40 | Very light, mostly see-through |
Color matters, too. The safest bet? Stick to soft earth tones (tan, oatmeal, sage), classic whites, or muted blues. Bright pops—like mustard yellow or teal—work if you want a punch but don’t overdo it unless you love bold style. And honestly, the "curtains to the floor" rule is still gold. Never hang them so short you can see the wall below the window. Drag them all the way down for instant polish.
A smart final tip: if your window feels cramped, hang your curtain rod 6–8 inches above the frame and extend it at least 6 inches past each side. Your window, and your home, will look way bigger for it.
If you care about what's actually trending in curtains this year, just remember: keep things natural, neutral, and as streamlined as possible. No need to toss your old curtains yet—just upgrade how (and what) you hang.
Should You Keep, Swap, or Skip Curtains in 2024?
The answer really depends on your space, needs, and style. First things first—curtains are still holding their own in plenty of homes. According to HomeTextilesToday’s 2024 survey, 62% of homeowners still use curtains as their main window treatment. That’s not a sign of curtains disappearing anytime soon.
But not all curtains are created equal. If you’re sitting on old, dusty, ruffled drapes from a decade ago, it might be time to swap them out. Most designers agree that heavy fabrics and busy patterns are falling out of favor. Instead, people are loving lightweight linen, sheers, and neutral tones that let in natural light while still giving privacy.
If you’re deciding what’s right for you, ask yourself:
- Do I want to boost energy efficiency? (Thicker curtains can help keep heat in or out.)
- Is privacy an issue in this room?
- Do my current window coverings make the space feel cramped?
- Do I want to block out light completely for sleeping?
- Am I looking for something low-maintenance and easy to clean?
If you answered yes to most of these, curtains could still be your best bet. But maybe it’s time to swap for something fresher instead of skipping them altogether.
Here’s a quick look at what people are doing in 2024:
| Window Treatment | Popularity (2024) | Top Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Sheer Curtains | 36% | Soft, light filtering, modern look |
| Layered Curtains | 18% | Flexible for privacy and style |
| Blackout Curtains | 15% | Perfect for bedrooms or media rooms |
| Blinds/Shades | 31% | Minimal, easy cleaning, automated options |
Trendy or not, if your current curtains are in decent shape and fit your needs, you don’t have to toss them just for the sake of it. Try changing the curtain rod for a more modern look, or hanging the panels higher to make ceilings feel taller. Want less commitment? Pair cool sheers with simple roller shades for the best of both worlds. And if you’re really craving a change, try a bold color or new fabric—just keep the look clean and unfussy. Curtains aren’t out—they’re just getting smarter and easier to love.