Say Goodbye To Cotton And Linen Curtains: The Luxe Materials Taking Their Place

For years, linen and cotton have dominated curtains in many homes. This makes sense — they're timeless curtain materials that offer an elegant touch to any home space, and they're perfect for those who gravitate more towards an earthy, rustic feel with their design. These natural materials are matte, breezy, and slightly textured without being overbearing, so they're easy to style and true crowd pleasers. For these reasons, it's unlikely that we'll see them fully fade out of popularity any time soon, but for those who are looking to add more character and personality to their homes, a simple woven fabric like this might seem like it falls a little flat.

The "less is more" design style is being replaced in 2026, and we're already seeing this have a major impact on how people shop for furniture and decor. After years of stark minimalism, homeowners are craving pattern, texture, color, and personality, and one of the easiest ways to completely transform a room and give it a some extra oomph is to swap out bland curtains for something that makes more of a statement. "People are more into texture than ever before," designer Debbie Mathews shared in a Better Homes and Gardens interview. "I am seeing and designing drapery made of velvet, mohair, wool, sheer wool, silk, and raw silk — materials that add depth and luxury to a space." While these luxe materials might take a bit more work to incorporate into your space than plain cotton or linen, they might just be the touch you need to tie everything together.

In order to choose the perfect curtains for your space, you have to first consider your goals. Do you want your curtains to let in light and simply act as a privacy shield, or are you looking for something that will give you total darkness? What about your aesthetic goals? Is the plan for your room a luxe, soothing oasis, a bright and airy space to greet the morning, or a colorful showcase of your personality? Deciding on these factors ahead of time will help you narrow down your choice in fabric, color, and pattern.

For a light and breezy look that doesn't block out too much natural light, consider something sheer, like sheer wool or silk organza, in a light color. These fabrics offer a luxurious upgrade to typical polyester sheers, and even if it's subtle, those minor changes in texture can go a long way in adding depth to your design. For a heavier look, consider mohair, velvet, or wool — these are great for spaces like a bedroom or study where you want a dark, moody feel. Go all in by embracing deep colors and jewel tones, or balance things out with a solid wash of a lighter color. Heavier curtains like this are also great for temperature control in both the summer and the winter, especially if you have drafty windows.

The upgrades don't have to stop there, either. For even more interest, try out a layered look with both a sheer and heavy material. You'll get to enjoy the functionality of both, and the pairing is sure to bring plenty of texture and personality to your space. While these materials certainly don't come cheap, they're a long-term investment that will have a major impact on the look and feel of your home's design.