Sheers are back!

Silhouette sheer shadings; Source: Hunter Douglas

You might think that sheers are only for traditional homes or that they’re outdated, but they are definitely back in style, thanks in large part to the return to more traditional window treatments.

Sheer window treatments are unlined and made from lightweight fabrics to make the curtains or shades translucent. They are a simple, stylish way to upgrade your home, and they work well with any design style, from modern to traditional to anywhere in between.

Today, I'm sharing more about sheers, which can enhance any home without overpowering the intended look and feel of the space.

London shade; Source: Red River Interiors

Benefits of sheer window treatments

You’ll appreciate the many benefits and versatility sheers have to offer.

They add softness to any room

Sheers create a delicate look, giving the room a gauzy, breezy feeling. The way they soften a space makes the room feel cozier and more welcoming. Sheers also greatly enhance the ambiance by softening the incoming light and framing the windows.

Sheers diffuse light without blocking your views

Sheer window treatments allow soft light to enter a room. This creates a dreamy, airy atmosphere that maximizes the natural light while allowing you to still appreciate the views outside the window. The soft natural light that streams through the window can make the room feel bigger, brighter, and more comfortable.

Sheer window treatments offer UV protection

Because sheers diffuse sunlight, they act as a protective barrier between your home’s interior and damaging UV rays. They filter out the full force of harsh sunlight, so your paint, flooring, furniture, and decor will last longer. This can also help keep your rooms cooler in the summer because you're not experiencing the full force of the sun's heat.

They can reduce dust

Blinds and shutters have surfaces that can gather dust. That dust can then spread throughout your room. But with sheers, there is no surface for dust to collect.

Types & styles of sheers

Sheer Austrian shades

When you think about sheers, you might assume curtains are your only option. But sheers now come in an extensive range of products to fit any room and design style. 

Sheer curtains

Sheer curtains are a classic choice and can be fully customized. You can choose for them to be pleated, gathered, or have a ripplefold style. 

There are also endless fabric options for your sheer curtains. Sheer materials are so thin that you can see through them, and a few of the most common options include:

• Cotton and linen: These fabrics are soft and durable and can give a natural feel and look to your space.   

• Polyester: The most durable fabric for sheers.  It’s stain-resistant and can be cleaned easily.  It comes in different weaves and textures, from soft and thin voile to thicker, “nubbier” casement fabrics. 

• Lace and embroidered sheers: These can really add a decorative touch by creating visual interest and texture to your sheer curtains or shades.

Sheer shades

If you want the benefits of sheers but don’t want curtains, you can choose from many sheer shade options. Sheer shades combine the structure of more traditional shades with the softness of sheer fabrics. 

Roman shades; Source: Magnolia Lane Soft Home Furnishings

Some of my favorite custom sheer shades include Austrian or London shades and relaxed  Roman shades, but we can also provide custom light filtering roller shades like these from Arlington Shade by Pinnacle from United Supply and other specialized products from companies like Hunter Douglas and Lafayette.

Source: United Supply Company

• Luminette® by Hunter Douglas: Luminette panels are vertical sheers that combine the beauty of sheers with the privacy of soft draperies.

• Silhouette® by Hunter Douglas: These shades feature uniquely shaped S-vanes and are available in a wide range of beautiful sheer fabrics. 

• Pirouette® by Hunter Douglas: Pirouette shades are made of soft, horizontal fabric vanes attached to sheer backing to give you excellent light control.

• Tenera® by Lafayette: These shades offer exceptional UV protection and can be customized to fit any size or shape window.

Source: Layfette Interior Fashions

Things to consider when choosing sheers

While sheers look fantastic in any style of home, they might not fit into your lifestyle on their own. Thankfully, you can usually still include sheer window treatments by making a few adjustments and choosing the right fabric.

Pirouette sheer shades; Source: Hunter Douglas

Do you have pets?

If you have pets, they might damage long sheer curtains. Cats might play or climb your curtains, and dogs might rub on or lay up against them. Sheer shades may mitigate these potential issues.

Is there a vent near the window where the sheers will be installed?

Because sheers are unlined, they are incredibly lightweight and may billow if they are too close to a vent. If that’s the case, you can still get the softness and benefits of sheers by opting for sheer shades instead of sheer curtains or choosing a durable material that’s easy to clean.

Will the sheers be exposed to high humidity?  

In the case of linen sheers, the humidity in the environment can sometimes cause the linen to stretch considerably causing a hem that once skimmed the floor upon installation to drag the floor 2” a month later.  

Is there a need for privacy?

If the space calls for privacy, you might need another layer of window treatments over the sheers. An excellent choice is to pair sheers with draperies in front of them or shades underneath that can be closed for more privacy.

Luminette privacy sheers; Source: Hunter Douglas

If you want to brighten your home, add a layer of softness to your next design project, refresh your curtains, or add instant style to your space, contact me today!