Do People Hang Curtains Anymore? The Truth About Window Treatments in 2026

Walk into any modern home today, and you might notice something missing: curtains. Not the old, heavy drapes that used to pool on the floor. Not the lace ones that yellowed over time. Just… nothing. Bare windows. Clean lines. Natural light pouring in. So, do people hang curtains anymore? The answer isn’t yes or no-it’s more complicated than that.

Curtains Aren’t Gone, They’re Evolving

Curtains haven’t disappeared. They’ve changed shape, material, and purpose. In homes built after 2020, you’re more likely to see sleek, floor-length panels in neutral tones-linen, cotton, or even technical blends that block light without looking bulky. These aren’t the same curtains your grandparents hung. They’re designed to blend in, not stand out. In Perth, where sunlight is fierce and summers hit 40°C, people still use curtains-but not for decoration. They use them as a tool. To keep heat out. To control glare. To protect furniture from UV damage.

A 2025 survey by the Australian Home Design Institute found that 68% of new homeowners in Western Australia still install window treatments, but only 22% called them "curtains." Most referred to them as "window panels" or "light filters." The language shifted because the function did.

Why the Shift Happened

It started with minimalism. Clean interiors. Open floor plans. Architects and designers pushed for unobstructed views. Windows became features, not just openings. Then came smart homes. Motorized blinds. Automated shading systems. People didn’t want to pull cords or adjust panels manually. They wanted apps, schedules, and sensors that respond to sunlight intensity.

But here’s the twist: people still want privacy. They still want to block the morning sun. They still want to soften a room. So instead of traditional curtains, they turned to alternatives that do the same job-better.

What Replaced Traditional Curtains

Here’s what you’re seeing now in modern homes:

• Blackout roller shades - Made from tightly woven polyester, they roll up into slim housings. No tracks. No tassels. Just clean functionality.
• Sheer vertical blinds - Used in living rooms and bedrooms. They diffuse light without blocking views. Easy to clean. No dust traps.
• Woven wood shades - Made from bamboo, jute, or rattan. Popular in coastal homes. They add texture without weight.
• Smart window films - These are glass coatings that turn opaque with a button press. No fabric at all. Used in condos and high-rises.
• Layered systems - A thin sheer panel + a blackout roller shade. This combo gives flexibility. You can let in soft light during the day and block everything at night.

These aren’t just trends. They’re solutions. And they’re cheaper to install, easier to maintain, and more energy-efficient than old-school curtains.

Where Curtains Still Win

Don’t write off curtains just yet. They’re still the top choice in certain situations:

• Traditional homes - Think Victorian, Edwardian, or heritage-listed properties. Curtains here aren’t optional-they’re part of the architecture.
• Bedrooms with light sensitivity - People with insomnia, shift workers, or parents of newborns still swear by thick, lined curtains. Nothing beats a true blackout.
• Sound insulation - Heavy velvet or double-layered curtains absorb noise. Useful in apartments near busy streets or noisy neighbors.
• Warmth in winter - In colder regions like Tasmania or the Blue Mountains, layered curtains reduce heat loss through windows by up to 25%, according to CSIRO studies.

So if you’re thinking about removing curtains because "everyone’s doing it," ask yourself: what problem are you trying to solve?

The Real Reason People Skip Curtains

There’s one big reason curtains are falling out of favor: they’re low-value in today’s homes.

Think about it. Curtains cost money. They need installing. They collect dust. They fade. They require cleaning. And if you live in a modern apartment with double-glazed windows, you don’t need them for insulation.

Meanwhile, alternatives are cheaper, more reliable, and require less upkeep. A motorized roller shade costs $120-$250 installed. A pair of heavy cotton curtains? $200-$400, plus lining, tracks, and professional fitting. The math doesn’t favor curtains anymore.

And let’s not forget aesthetics. In 2026, clutter is out. Curtains with fringes, tassels, or tiebacks look dated next to minimalist furniture. People want their windows to look like part of the room-not something added on.

When You Should Still Hang Curtains

If you’re wondering whether to hang curtains, here’s a simple rule:

1. If you need total darkness - go with lined blackout curtains.
2. If you need sound absorption - choose thick, floor-length fabric.
3. If your home has character - keep the curtains. They’re part of the story.
4. If you just want soft light - try a sheer panel or window film instead.
5. If you’re renting - stick with tension rods and removable shades. No drilling required.

There’s no universal answer. It depends on your climate, your windows, your lifestyle, and your tolerance for dusting.

The Future of Window Treatments

By 2030, most new homes in Australia will have integrated shading systems built into the window frame. No need to add anything. Just tap your phone. But in existing homes? People will keep choosing based on function, not fashion.

So, do people hang curtains anymore? Yes-but only when they need to. Not because it’s traditional. Not because it’s pretty. But because it works.

The real question isn’t whether curtains are outdated. It’s whether you’re solving the right problem. If you need privacy, light control, or warmth, there’s a solution. And it might not look like a curtain at all.