Discover Martha Stewart's Unique Curtain Alternatives for Stylish Interiors

Jul, 21 2025

Forget everything you know about curtains for a second. Most of us default to hanging up standard drapes or blinds because they’re easy, available at every home store, and, well, pretty standard looking. But not Martha Stewart. In her iconic homes and magazine spreads, you’ll rarely see a curtain in sight. She finds joy in going against the grain—a move that’s made her the undisputed queen of home style. While some folks pile on heavy fabrics, Martha prefers to let the outdoors (and her famous gardens) do the talking, treating her windows as frames for nature rather than as blank walls to cover up. Why does she skip the usual? Because, in her world, a good window isn’t something to hide—it’s something to highlight.

Martha’s Go-to Alternatives: Let the Light In

Martha Stewart doesn’t just ‘make do’ without curtains; she orchestrates her rooms around light. In many of her rooms, you’ll notice she uses window treatments that are nontraditional yet striking. It’s all about letting in every ounce of sunlight, which means you’re more likely to see bare windows, glass panels, or subtle privacy solutions instead of traditional fabric curtains. One particularly clever trick she favors is using interior shutters, especially white-painted wood, which add depth and texture while offering adjustable privacy. These shutters can be tilted for shade, opened wide for light, or closed for a cozy feel, making them effortless to live with. At her Bedford, NY, farm, Martha frequently opts for old-school wooden blinds—a nod to historic design but updated for modern life.

If you walk through any of Martha’s spaces, from her Maine summer home to her New York farmhouse, don’t expect each window to look the same. Some are left completely bare so plants can soak up the sun. Others get adorned with woven wood shades that filter the light while adding a natural touch—think bamboo or rattan, which tie in with her earth-inspired aesthetic. Martha likes these especially in rooms where you want dappled sunshine and a hint of privacy, like bathrooms or breakfast nooks. She’s also been known to use translucent Roman shades—linen or cotton—even rice paper blinds for a barely-there solution that softens harsh rays but never blocks them entirely.

In her 2023 appearance on the ‘Make It Nice’ podcast, Martha explained, "I always try to avoid heavy drapes whenever possible. I love how natural light transforms a room, and I’d rather find creative ways to filter it than cover it up." Her approach catches on because it’s both visually calming and practical; homes with lighter window treatments feel bigger, cleaner, and more welcoming.

Why Martha Stewart Resists Curtains

People often wonder what Martha has against good old curtains. The truth? She’s not anti-curtain—she’s just all about intentional design. Curtains, especially the thick, heavy kind, can swallow up a room, making it stuffy or closed-in. Martha’s philosophy is to make every element in a house count. If something isn’t adding texture, function, or beauty, it’s out. Bare windows or minimalist coverings mean nothing’s fighting with the architecture or—her personal favorite—her lush gardens just beyond the glass. “Windows are meant to showcase your best views. Covering them up should be the last resort,” she said in Living magazine back in 2018.

Another reason? Maintenance. She’s famously practical, and cleaning heavy drapery or rehanging fabric after a wash just doesn’t fit her streamlined routines. Shutters, wooden blinds, and woven shades are easier to dust or wipe down, and they last for years longer than fabric alternatives. This no-nonsense approach saves not only time but money and headache down the line. For homes with pets, sunrooms, or high-traffic spaces, it just makes more sense.

Privacy is important, especially for bedrooms—Martha hasn’t forgotten that. But instead of covering every inch with fabric, she’ll expertly layer sheer roller blinds beneath natural-fiber shades or use frosted window film where it counts. She even suggests adding oversized potted plants on the windowsill—they act as living privacy screens that boost the greenery both outside and in. That’s the beauty of her method: it’s always about what works best for the people and spaces living in the home.

How to ‘Martha’ Your Own Windows

Want to steal a page from Martha’s playbook? You can, no matter what your view—or budget—looks like. Start with a good, honest look at your windows. What are they facing? If you’ve got trees, a garden, or a killer cityscape, skip the curtains and let the view do the heavy lifting. For ground floors or street-facing spaces, consider interior shutters. They’re not just for the farmhouse vibe either; painted sleek black or muted sage green, they can look right at home in a city pad. Plenty of big-box stores now sell customizable versions that are easy to install yourself, and you’ll see instant results.

If total privacy is a must and you’re not a fan of shutters, try layering sheer roller blinds with a more opaque woven Roman shade over top. This way you control both brightness and privacy by adjusting each layer as needed. Stick to neutral colors and natural materials for the most Martha-esque look. Bamboo shades, jute blinds, or linen panels always work. Don’t forget simple frosted film, especially in bathrooms and laundry rooms. You can buy peel-and-stick versions with modern patterns—a dead-simple trick Martha herself has shown in her magazine. Plants can also work wonders. Arrange a row of tall, leafy greens like fiddle leaf figs or snake plants along the window to block views and catch that perfect filtered light.

Martha’s windows rarely show off hardware, like finials or rods, unless they’re meant to be decorative. She suggests choosing discreet mounting brackets and tucking roller shades inside the window casing for a seamless, built-in look. If you’re working with deep window sills, bring in stacks of books, antique jars, or clusters of candles—every detail counts once the window’s wide open.

For renters unsure about long-term projects, tension rods fitted with sheer panels are a quick fix, as are ready-made cellular blinds. Many come in non-damaging versions that won’t bother your landlord, and most home improvement stores offer free cutting services for the perfect fit. If you want to showcase a beautiful window frame, simply leave it bare and clean the glass until it sparkles—a trick Martha swears by for bringing out old woodwork or modern steel details.

Expert Advice and Pro Tips from Martha’s Team

What really separates Martha Stewart’s approach from the rest? Intention and flexibility. Her longtime design director, Kevin Sharkey, summed it up in a 2022 interview:

"Windows aren’t just for daylight—they're for personality. Treating them differently in every room keeps a home feeling fresh and honest.”

The team recommends starting with function: Decide whether you need privacy, light control, or just a bit of dazzle.

• Use shutters or blinds in public-facing rooms, but keep kitchen garden windows uncovered for fresh herbs and happy succulents.
• Replace heavy drapes with simple white roller shades in bedrooms for clean lines and soft light, or pick a woven natural shade for warmth.
• For historic homes, restore or recreate old-school interior shutters to pay homage to original details—plus, they’re incredible insulators in winter.
• Experiment with layering textures, choosing different treatments for each window depending on its use. Mix-and-match isn’t just allowed; it’s encouraged.

Finally, remember Martha’s golden rule: live with what you love. Don’t hang something out of tradition or habit. Upgrade just one window with a new treatment and see how it changes the feel of the room. Chances are, you’ll be inspired to rethink the whole house.

Light, color, and creativity—these are the cornerstones of Martha Stewart’s signature window style. Skip the stiff curtains, and let your windows (and your home) really breathe.