3 Curtain Trends on the Way Out, According to Home Stagers

Windows are a major selling feature in a home, thanks to the light they bring in and the scenic views they (sometimes) offer.

In order to modernize your windows for a showing, you can definitely turn to tricks such as painting the frames black and using sheer curtains to let in more light. But are there any window treatments you should avoid? 

“For interior design, you’re selecting something that you love, and something that should be cohesive with the rest of your design. If you love it, that’s what matters,” says stager Kate Touhill of Seattle Staged to Sell & Design. “[But] for home staging, we suggest that our clients remove any heavy, dark, or distracting curtains so that the windows of the home can shine, and let in the maximum amount of light.”

So, while any of the following curtain styles could be the perfect fit for your specific style while you’re living there, stagers say they likely won’t help you if your home is on the market.

Fringe and tassels aren’t as popular these days, so they could read as over-the-top and dated, according to Touhill. The same goes for valances, which can be clunky and add bulk to an already-small space. “Minimize the distraction from the windows,” Touhill says.

Although detailed curtains might look beautiful in person, small and intricate patterns in listing photos can really divert attention, says home stager Tola Oni, of Tola Decor in Maryland. “In today’s housing market, pictures and 3D tours are crucial.”

On the other hand, Oni says solid-colored panels, when they’re bright, can easily overpower and change the mood of the room. When you’re selling, you want your space to be universally appealing, rather than set one specific mood. Oni recommends adding pops of color with small accessories instead.

In general, Touhill says the thing to keep in mind when styling curtains is to not distract from the window or the light. Oni adds that overly trendy styles can become quickly dated. 

So in sum: Opt for timeless, translucent, neutral curtains, and be sure to keep your windows smudge- and streak-free and your window sills clear, too, to let them truly shine.