Sheer Curtains – Decorating Ideas, Fabric Choices & More
If you have been watching ‘The Block’, or have simply visited any home or furniture store, you will see that sheer curtains are again becoming a very popular choice in Aussie homes.
The reason for this is quite simple. Sheer curtains allow light in, and allow you to see outside while still providing privacy. In short, they are a great invention.
If you are in the market for sheer curtains, but don’t know where to start, then this guide is for you. Below we provide everything you need to know, to make sure you find the right sheer curtains for your needs. Enjoy!
What fabric should you choose?
Sheer curtain fabric choices are somewhat limited. Because they are a see-through fabric, you can’t use textures or anything along those lines.
They do however come in a range of styles and designs that can match in with any room in your house.
Choose a light and simple fabric, and you can’t go wrong.
What colour should you choose for your sheer curtains?
While white sheer curtains and black sheer curtains are the most popular colours to choose from, you colour choices are really limitless.
The key is to go with colours that suit and match your room, and that also can complement the outside colours of your home.
It’s best not to go too bright as they can overpower the rest of the design in your room or home. If you are going with colours, then it is best to choice more natural and neutral colours.
The colour you choose really comes down to personal choice; however you need to consider the colour schemes in your room and home at the same time.
Where can you buy sheer curtains?
When it comes to buying sheer curtains, you have a choice between ready-made and custom-made. In addition, you have the choice between buying online or in a store. Details on these are provided below:
Ready made sheer curtains
The cheapest option for sheer curtains is, of course, ready made. With some simple measuring you can easily find out the size curtains you will need, then simply order that size.
Custom made sheer curtains
If your windows are not a standard size, then you made need custom made. Simply measure the window fittings and then order a relevant size accordingly.
Buy sheer curtains online
Consider buying sheer curtains online. You will find the best range, and also the best prices as online stores have less overheads. What’s more, you can also buy made to order sheer curtains as well.
Buying from brick and mortar stores
While there are several stores that sell sheer curtains, you are much more likely to get a better deal on-line. What’s more, you will also have much more choice.
As can be seen from above there are many options and choices available to you. It again comes down to your personal choice, as well as the size of your windows.
Where can sheer curtains be used in your home?
Sheer curtains can be used in just about any room of your home. The below examples show options for different rooms:
Dining room
Using sheer curtains in your dining room is a great way to allow light into the room while still having privacy. It is perfect for dining rooms that face a main road or street. When choosing fabric colours for the dining room go for neutral tones that match the existing curtains, as well as the furniture and features in your room. For a dining room, you want the sheer curtain to help create a more formal feel.
Bedroom
Using sheer curtains in your bedroom can provide an extra level of privacy, while still letting you see outside. Light colours that match in with your bedroom furniture and existing curtains work best. Dani Wales (former The Block contestant and author of The Home Journal) has a great read looking at options for sheer curtains in bedrooms were recently shown on the TV show here.
Living room
Using sheer curtains in your living room can again provide both light and privacy. In a living room you can get away with warm bright colours. that help to make the room and your home feel warm. Soft whites, peaches or yellows seem to work well. Remember to consider the colouring of your floor when matching sheer curtains in.
Other options for sheer curtains
Sheer curtains behind drapes
In most cases you will be matching in sheer curtains behind existing drapes. In these cases you need an additional curtain rod that is hidden behind the drapes. While matching the colour of the room is important, the most important part is to match in with the colour of the drapes. They don’t have to be exactly the same colour, but they do have to complement each other. Look at different shades of sheer and choose the colour that matches your drapes and your room the best.
Sheer curtains with blinds
A lot of people who have blinds are quite worried about adding sheer curtains behind the blinds – even though there are a lot of benefits. In many cases share curtains can be used over the top of the blinds to soften the look of the blinds themselves. From a colour perspective, both sheer curtains and blinds need to complement each other. Equally as important, you need to carefully consider how both the blinds and the curtains will be hung. Get this wrong, and it won’t look aesthetically pleasing.
The image below shows a good example of sheer curtains and blinds been hung together.
Source: www.prettyhandygirl.com
While most people go for just simple and plain materials with their sheer curtains, there are actually a lot of decorating ideas you can consider. These can be in the form of patterns, or even linking to furniture in your home.
In summary, sheer curtains can add a lot of value to your home. While most people consider them just for their bedroom, they are also suitable for dining, living and family rooms as well.
While there are a lot of choices in terms of style, colour and to some degree materials, you really need to consider the colour scheme in your home and room when making a purchase. What’s more, you also need to ensure that they match with existing curtains, drapes or blinds.
When installed and matched correctly, they can add an aesthetically pleasing element to your home while providing more privacy without compromising natural light.
