What Does Martha Stewart Use Instead of Curtains? Stylish Alternatives Explained
May, 20 2025
Ever peeked inside Martha Stewart’s home and noticed something missing from her windows? That’s right—curtains. She’s been known to ditch the heavy drapes for smarter, lighter, and frankly fresher options. You get more light, less dust, and a look that feels open, not weighed down.
Instead of covering her windows with fabric, Martha favors things like simple roller shades, custom Roman blinds, and the occasional bamboo shade. These are easy to clean and let you control the privacy and sunlight without fuss. If you’re a fan of clean lines and low maintenance, you’ll see why this works.
- Why Martha Skips Curtains
- Roller Shades and Roman Blinds
- Natural Solutions: Bamboo and Linen
- Frosted and Textured Glass Tricks
- Decor Tips You Can Actually Use
Why Martha Skips Curtains
Martha Stewart isn’t just about making things pretty—she’s all about function and ease, too. One of the reasons she avoids curtains is that they grab dust and pet hair, especially in homes with lots of windows or pets. Anyone with allergies knows this pain. Curtains just become another thing to clean.
Another big driver? Light. Martha likes her spaces bright and open. Heavy drapes or thick panels can suck the life out of a sunny room. She’s shown in her TV segments and magazines that letting in as much natural light as possible makes a home feel bigger and more cheerful.
Privacy is still a concern, but she manages that with other window treatments you can adjust—no need for heavy curtains that block everything. She’s also a big believer in highlighting beautiful window frames, outdoor views, and even historic architecture. Why cover up good design?
Honestly, she’s practical. Curtains are one more thing to fade, get wrinkled, and fall off the rod at random times. With shades, blinds, or even specialty glass, it’s one less headache. If your goal is to keep cleaning simple, let in light, and put the spotlight on your unique windows, skip the curtains—just like Martha Stewart does.
Roller Shades and Roman Blinds
Martha Stewart has always had a thing for clean, classic lines, which is why roller shades and Roman blinds are her top choices. These window treatments aren’t just about looks—they’re ridiculously practical. If you want something that blocks glare, protects your stuff from sun fading, and still looks crisp, these are a solid bet.
Roller shades work like a charm, especially in rooms that get loads of sunlight. You just pull them down when you need privacy or want to shut out the midday sun. Plus, most newer options come in all sorts of fabrics, from blackout to sheer. Martha often picks light-filtering shades in neutral colors for a fuss-free look that works with almost any room style.
Roman blinds have a softer feel but offer the same privacy and control as roller shades. The big difference? When you raise them, they stack up into neat folds instead of just rolling up. These are especially handy if you want a more textured look but don’t want the hassle of traditional curtains.
- Roller shades are cheap to maintain and great for allergen control (no dust-trapping folds like curtains).
- Roman blinds can be custom-made to fit unusual window shapes or sizes—great if your home’s got character.
- Both options come in fabrics you can spot clean or sometimes even toss in the wash.
Take a look at this quick comparison of common features:
| Feature | Roller Shades | Roman Blinds |
|---|---|---|
| Light Control | Good—adjust with height | Good—adjust with folds |
| Maintenance | Very easy | Easy |
| Style Options | Simple, modern | Cozy, layered |
| Average Cost (US, per window) | $20-$140 | $30-$200 |
Martha’s tip? Skip busy patterns. Keep things neutral or go for a clean stripe if you want a little interest. You can always add pops of color elsewhere, like a vibrant pillow or throw. This way, your windows look sharp without distracting from everything else in the room.
Natural Solutions: Bamboo and Linen
Martha’s not just skipping curtains for the look—she’s all about how natural materials like bamboo and linen can totally change a space. These aren’t just eco-friendly buzzwords. Bamboo shades, for example, are tough, lightweight, and bring in texture that heavy drapes just can’t. Plus, bamboo grows fast and uses less water, so you’re actually doing the planet a favor if you go this route.
Linen gets bonus points for being breathable, yet still blocking out enough light to give you privacy. Martha often layers linen blinds for that laid-back but polished vibe. They’re super easy to swap out for cleaning, which also keeps dust from piling up like it does on bulky fabric panels.
| Material | Light Control | Privacy | Easy to Clean | Sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bamboo Shades | Medium | Good | Yes | Highly Sustainable |
| Linen Blinds | Medium | Excellent | Yes | Eco-Friendly |
You don’t have to go full Martha to get the look. Bamboo shades are easy to find at hardware stores or online, with prices starting around $25 for a basic window. Linen blinds or panels cost more, but they last and don’t yellow like some synthetics. Here are a few tips if you want to try what Martha does:
- Measure your windows first—natural shades need a good fit for best results.
- Bamboo works great in kitchens or sunrooms because it handles humidity well.
- Stick with neutral linen for a fresh, never-outdated look.
- If privacy matters, double up with both bamboo and light linen panels.
Natural window treatments stay popular because they work. You get style, less hassle, and less dust—all without sacrificing daylight. That’s why Martha keeps coming back to them.
Frosted and Textured Glass Tricks
If curtains feel old-school, Martha Stewart’s got another move: swapping them out for frosted or textured glass. The amazing thing is, windows get privacy without losing precious natural light. This trick works even in bathrooms or street-facing rooms, where you want coverage but still love daylight.
One of Martha’s favorite window swaps is adhesive frosted glass film. You can find this at most home stores, and it sticks right onto your existing glass—no mess, no tools. You just clean the window, cut the film to size, and smooth it on. It’s renter-friendly, removes clean, and looks honestly more expensive than it is.
Another smart option: installing real frosted or textured glass panes when you’re renovating. Martha usually leans toward classic textures that work with most styles, like simple frosted, ribbed, or seeded glass. These choices look sleek and block prying eyes, but you won't feel boxed in by darkness.
- Adhesive films work for DIY window makeovers.
- Permanent frosted glass lasts for decades with no upkeep.
- Textured glass hides fingerprints and streaks, which is a bonus for high-touch spaces.
Here’s a comparison that helps break down the pros and cons:
| Option | Privacy | Light Control | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adhesive Film | High | Good | Easy to replace/clean |
| Frosted Glass Pane | High | Excellent | Wipe clean; permanent |
| Textured Glass | High | Softens light | Hides smudges |
This isn’t just a Martha thing. A 2023 Houzz survey found over 30% of people remodeling their bathrooms went with frosted or textured glass for privacy instead of traditional curtains. You can use these tricks anywhere you want light plus privacy—kitchens, entries, stairwells, even garage windows.
Decor Tips You Can Actually Use
If you want to shake up your window game like Martha Stewart, it’s easier than you think. First off, skip the bulky curtains and look for treatments that give you privacy but still let in light. She goes with clean lines, natural materials, and easy-to-care-for pieces. You don’t need a design degree—just a plan that actually fits your space and lifestyle.
Here’s what you’ll see in Martha’s own spaces:
- Simple roller shades are a lifesaver if you want quick privacy without blocking all the light.
- Roman blinds in neutral colors blend into the background but pull down when you need them.
- Bamboo shades bring in a touch of nature and don’t get dusty as fast as curtains.
- If you love open glass, frosted window film is Martha’s trick for bathrooms and front doors. It keeps things private but still lets the sunshine pour in.
If you’re worried these options might look too plain, add texture and interest somewhere else—like a flashy throw on the sofa or a cool rug. It’s all about balance. You want the windows to work for you, not become a project you regret every time you clean.
One big bonus with shade and blind setups: cleaning is way easier. Good news for allergy sufferers—curtains can hold onto more dust, while smooth shades are quick to wipe down. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that swapping out fabric curtains for blinds or shades can reduce dust mite allergen levels by 75%.
| Option | Ease of Cleaning | Allergy-friendly | Light Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curtains | Low | No | Moderate |
| Roller Shades | High | Yes | Good |
| Bamboo Shades | Moderate | Yes | Good |
| Frosted Film | High | Yes | Fair |
Martha also suggests measuring your windows twice before you buy anything—nothing is more annoying than a shade that won’t roll all the way down. And don’t forget: neutral shades match just about anything, so you won’t get boxed in by last month’s color trend.
Take a walk through your space and pick one or two windows to switch up. You don’t have to overhaul your whole house to get a fresh, Martha-approved look that’s easy on the eyes—and your nerves.