Sheer curtains have several varieties you can choose from based on the design and the materials used to make them. But firstly, what are sheer curtains?
Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtains are a type of curtain made of thin fabric, which makes them semi-transparent. They allow the passage of some light from outside the window, unlike other curtain types that block out the light completely.
In this guide, we’ll tell you more about sheer curtains and help you know if they’re the perfect curtains to match your windows.
Qualities of Sheer Curtains
How do you recognize sheer curtains?
The first quality you’ll notice is they’re see-through, but they’re definitely not transparent.
This means that they can still provide privacy to some extent, but it depends on their color and the materials used to make them.
Other than being see-through, their translucency also allows them to diffuse and soften the light that passes through.
By acting as natural light filters, they help protect you and your indoor decorations from harmful exposure to direct sunlight.
Sheer curtains are also made of lightweight materials, allowing them to move along with the airflow easily.
This adds a soft touch to their overall appeal.
Lastly, they work well with layers. Since they’re translucent, they can be layered with a thicker or block-out type of curtains.
This way, you’ll have the option to control the amount of light that comes in or shut it out completely.
Picking the Right Sheer Curtain
You must note some points to determine which sheer curtains fit your needs the best. Here are some factors to consider.
1. Color
Sheer curtains usually come in white or other light colors, especially when they’re layered with another curtain.
But they don’t always have to be layered, so choosing the right color is advisable.
For example, if you’re decorating the kids’ room, you can choose vibrant colors for a fun and light ambiance.
On the other hand, black or darker-colored ones can hang in the grown-ups’ rooms, depending on your taste.
Sheer curtains diffuse light and can also influence its color once it enters and spreads throughout the room.
For this reason, it’s important to consider the color of your sheer curtains to smoothly bring out the effect or ambiance you’re aiming for.
2. Length
Sheer curtains usually go with tall windows. There are two ideal sheer lengths you can consider depending on your window type.
A) Floor-Length Sheers
These are perfect for layering.
They look best when they hang about two inches above the floor, but it’s also not a problem if they’re longer.
Puddled sheers still look elegant because they’re thin and can gracefully fall to the floor.
This length gives off a more professional look.
B) Sill-Length Sheers
These are suitable for smaller windows and give off a casual look.
Just like the floor-length sheers, it doesn’t matter if they’re a bit shorter than the window.
They can end just above the sill or an inch or two over it.
If you intend to layer your sheers, always make sure that the top curtain is at least an inch longer.
These styles give off different looks but have their own set of charms.
Always refer to the ambiance you want to go for, the design of the room, and the window type before making a choice.
3. Heading Style
The heading of a curtain is the top piece where the rod goes through for the curtain to be set up.
There are different styles of heading that can determine the way that the curtain attaches to the rod or track.
They can also influence the draping style or general look of the curtain.
A) Pleated Headings
Pleats are the most traditional style of curtain headings.
Some of the most popular pleat headings are pencil pleats, pinch pleats—can either be a single, double, or triple pinch, and box pleats.
The heading is folded by section depending on the type of pleat and is secured in place.
This creates a stiff, fixed top and uniform flow on the sheers.
You can use hooks or rings to hang pleat curtains onto the rod to set them up.
B) S-Fold or Wave Headings
Compared to pleats, S-fold sheers are more modern-looking and versatile.
The waves that flow from the heading to the bottom give the design a laid-back yet sophisticated look.
They can also easily blend into any style you want to achieve.
You need curtain tracks to attach and put up S-fold sheers.
C) Eyelet
Eyelet curtains also create curves the same way S-fold headings do.
But since you need to slide the rod through the holes of the heading to put them up, the rod will be visible through the holes.
D) Tab Top
Tab top curtains can hang through their own loops.
They produce subtle waves on the sheers but are not as pronounced as the ones made with eyelets or S-fold headings.
They’re set up by passing the rod or pole through the loops of the heading.
Different Fabrics Used to Make Sheer Curtains
The most notable distinction of sheer curtains is their transparency.
This means they have to be made of cloth thin enough to allow the light to pass through.
Following are fabrics that are usually used to make sheers.
1. Linen
Linen is a fabric derived from the flax plant and made of very strong and fine fibers.
It has natural insect-repelling and temper-regulating properties.
Besides filtering light, linen sheers can help regulate the heat coming from outside the room.
The fabric’s durability, sustainability, and low-maintenance qualities are also very convenient.
Plus, sheers made of linen are easy to take care of and can last for a long time.
2. Voile
This is a thin and lightweight material that excellently delivers the purpose of sheer curtains.
It’s usually made of cotton but also has polyester and linen variations.
It’s also worth checking out since it’s cheaper than other materials.
Quality voile is tightly woven, making it durable while at the same time maintaining its silky texture.
It’s not as translucent as others, which means you can’t easily see through it.
Therefore, it can be a good fit if you want natural light to come in during the daytime but still wish for some privacy.
You should highly consider the color of voile sheers.
This is because the color of light that passes through them imitates their color.
This can entirely change the theme of your room.
3. Lace
Lace tops the list when it comes to sticking to the classic aesthetics of sheers.
It usually comes in a light color and has patterns all over it, adding to its delicate design.
Lace sheers bounce in and out of popularity now and then.
They’re not easy to fit with modern home styles and are more suitably associated with a cozy and casual mood.
Despite the beautiful open weave design, the downside of lace is that it’s prone to wear and tear.
Interstices or small openings of thread that don’t meet are part of the design.
They’re the opposite of tightly woven materials and require special treatment for them to last long.
Some other materials that can be used to make sheer curtains are cotton, silk, and polyester.
All of them are well known for being durable and versatile.
