Last Updated on March 8, 2021 by
Sheer curtains are lightweight window coverings made of light fabric. They infuse a sense of style to your interior décor and soften the lighting in your space. Sheer curtains are translucent and can give you some bit of privacy when you draw solid curtains during the day. These curtains can be used in any room of your house.
Styling sheer curtains is easy; you only need to choose a lovely fabric and a color that suits your style. These curtains are versatile and easy to care for; they come in a variety of colors and patterns and are ideal window dressings for any business premises or home. You can use them to add elegance to your space, to give privacy without compromising on natural light and also to liven up outdoor spaces such as pergolas.
Can You See Through Sheer Curtains?
Yes, you can. Sheer curtains are made of see-through fabric that allows you to see silhouettes on the other side during the day. During the night when the lights are on, sheer curtains allow light to filter through, and you can see through them. For privacy during the night, sheer curtains are best layered with opaque curtains.
What Is The Difference Between Sheer And Voile Curtains?
Traditionally, sheers were made of knitted lace or net to allow light to pass between the knots while voile curtains were made of 100% woven cotton. Both curtains are lightweight, soft and transparent and are available in different colors and textures.
What Are Sheer Curtains Made Of?
Sheer curtains can be made from different lightweight and transparent fabrics, but the most popular material is polyester. Sheer curtains made of polyester are durable, easy to clean and retain color and shape for the longest time. With sheer curtains, there’s nothing like the best material. You only need to select a material that filters light through and looks elegant and durable.
How Do You Wash Sheer Curtains?
Sheers are made of lightweight fabric, making it easy to care and clean them. For ready-made sheer curtains, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean them. If you are making them, enquire about the specific cleaning instructions of your preferred fabric.
Some fabrics tend to shrink when washed and they should therefore be dry cleaned. Sheer curtains should be cleaned frequently to keep them from discolouring. You can choose to hand wash sheer curtains or machine wash on a gentle wash.
Soak your curtains for about ten minutes before washing to loosen dirt and make them easy to clean. For machine wash, load them into the machine with appropriate detergents and water being careful not to overload, run a wash cycle on gentle, rinse then dry your curtains. For handwashing, use cold water and a mild detergent then hang them outside to dry and regain their shape. It is advisable to iron your curtains after every wash to remove any wrinkles or frills.
Tips On How To Style Sheer Curtains And Make The Most Out Of Them
Sheer curtains are an effortless way to add a touch of style and elegance to your space. They are versatile and easy to style with a variety of materials, colour and textures to choose from. In this section, we take you through the basics and equip you with all the information you need to style sheer curtains like a pro.
1. Choose The Right Curtain Rod
A good curtain rod elevates the look and ambiance of a room in addition to supporting your curtains. The importance of choosing a curtain rod wisely is often underestimated yet it plays a crucial role in the final outlook of your house. When selecting a curtain rod, measure the size of your window and get a curtain rod that goes beyond your window by at least four inches. Doing this gives an illusion of a larger window and also allows more light into a room. Choose the perfect curtain rod color that is aesthetically appealing and adds a dash of style to your room. If you plan to layer your sheer curtain, go for a double rod.
2. Layer Your Curtains Correctly
Layering curtains beautifies your space by adding depth and color to your windows. Layering also provides extra insulation to keep your house warm and also adds on some bit of privacy. Choosing the right color and materials for layering can improve the appearance of the room significantly. Sheers go well with blackout drapes since they create colour contrast and also double up on privacy. If you want to create an elegant atmosphere, you can hang multiple panels of different colours to add some depth. If you are not a fan of drape curtains, you can choose a different shade of sheer curtain and have it double stitched. Layering your sheer with a different color that is double stitched gives you privacy and also looks elegant.
3. Add Some Sophistication By Creating A Window Scarf
Window scarfs make a room look expensive and also sets the mood for a party or occasion. When you want to spruce up your space, use different colored sheer curtains to create a window scarf. You can play around with angles for different looks.
4. Use Sheer Curtains To Liven Up Your Bedroom And Entryway
Sheer curtains are versatile and can be used on other spaces other than windows. You can use sheer curtains on doorways that lack doors to enhance privacy. You can also create a canopy to add a touch of luxury to your ceilings. If you have a poster bed, you can use a sheer curtain to create a beautiful oasis or as a backdrop on your accent wall.
Now that you know how to style sheer curtains and use them to elevate your space, its time to go curtain shopping. What do you look for in sheer curtains and other curtains in general? In this section, we look at the factors you should consider when buying curtains as well as the qualities of a good curtain.
What To Consider When Buying Curtains
Choosing the right curtains is key to making any room feel homely. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when selecting curtains since there are lots of options to choose from. You don’t need to worry anymore because our home décor expert will take you through the nitty-gritty of selecting curtains. Read on:
1. Fabric And Color
The right material of curtains will depend on what you need your curtain for. If your primary motivation towards buying curtains is to insulate your room, you need fabrics that retain heat. Suede, tapestry and velvet are best fabrics to keep cold out. Color is also an essential consideration when choosing curtains. Consider the color scheme of your room when choosing curtains and choose colors that blend in well. If your room gets much light, avoid colors that are prone to fading. Neutral colors are ideal since they blend in with almost all color schemes and are less prone to fading, making them useable for years. You should also consider a heavier fabric since curtains protect furniture from sun rays that may cause fading. We advise going for interlined curtains since they drape better,
2. Custom Made VS Off-Shelf Curtains
When buying curtains, you have the option to either customize them to your liking or purchase ready-made ones at the store. Customizing gives you flexibility to make one that’s perfect for your window and meets your desired style. Buying off-shelf curtains, on the other hand, is budget-friendly but limits you on the design. Whichever option you go for, ensure it fits into your style without straining your budget.
3. Length
Choosing the right length of curtains can be more confusing than it sounds. You need to consider your window frame type and the look you are going for. For an elegant and dramatic look, you need to choose floor-length curtains. For doors, avoid curtains that sweep the floor since they will get dirty faster and might also cause accidents. For kitchen windows, short curtains are ideal for preventing them from catching fire and also keep them dry.
4. Washing Instructions
When choosing curtains and fabrics for making them, ensure you enquire whether they should be dry cleaned or washed. Some materials shrink when washed and look quite unappealing, and they should, therefore be dry cleaned. Always ensure you follow manufacturers washing instructions to avoid ruining your curtains.
Conclusion
We hope this guide enlightens you on how to choose and care for curtains. Curtains are crucial in how your house looks. If you want to transform the outlook on space while on a tight budget, change up curtains. Choosing the right sheer curtains makes your home feel elegant and look expensive.
Always ensure you go for a curtain that blends in well with your design and is durable. You can experiment with prints and patterns for a different look and feel. Do not be afraid to experiment and play around with your space.
