Curtains Where? Gwyneth Paltrow Introduces Charming Fabric in an Unexpected Location, Kicking Off an Unorthodox 2026 Trend
Café curtains and mini ruffled curtains have been on the rise, but the actor puts them in an even more unorthodox part of the home – here's why it works
2025 has been the year of the curtain. From the return of lacy café curtains in our windows in a granny chic revival to the newfound popularity of curtains as cabinets, these pleated fabric accents have popped up in the most unexpected of locations throughout this year. Now, Gwyneth Paltrow is taking the trend to new heights.
In a recent Instagram post featuring her Montecito closet clean out with TheRealReal, we caught a glipmse of the curtain idea in her wardrobe. They are a pretty beige and white pleated curtain that sits at the top of the closet cabinet doors. The curtains are the perfect complement to the white painted doors and emphasized by gold hardware, similar to this set from Amazon.
Recreate Gwyneth's Look at Home
Available in yellow or a soft green, these woven striped curtains are perfect for adding a pop of color to your closet. They're made from 100% cotton that is light-filtering yet still offers privacy.
For a softer take on stripes, this semi-sheer pair has a delicate weave that feels airy and timeless. Perfect for brightening a small space, they add just the right touch of understated texture and are available in neutral or a classic blue stripe.
Whimsical yet refined, these organic cotton curtains feature a charming bird print that feels straight out of a storybook. They’re ideal for adding personality to a bedroom, dining area, or reading nook.
Carlin van Noppen, textile expert at Fig Linens and Home, explains: 'The cafe curtain trend and use of curtains in unexpected places tie into the larger push for more characterful and personalized interiors. As homeowners seek to integrate more patterns, fabrics, and colors into their spaces, curtains provide an easy way to achieve this. Rather than wallpapering an entire room, all you need to do for a curtain is to hang a tension rod. These drapings also add a pleated texture, which adds instant visual interest to an otherwise matte room.'
She continues: 'I especially love Gwyneth's use of unexpected curtains because it creates interest in an area that otherwise might be quite bland were it just painted white. Instead, it brings design into a small corner. If you are hoping to tap into this trend, consider how you might brighten forgotten corners in your home with the use of curtains.'
Integrating curtains in unexpected locations is a fun method to add a pop of color, texture, and trend-forward fun. If you want to try a low stakes location, Gwyneth's closet curtains are a great jumping off point.
