It goes without saying that come summer, we're all looking for ways to bring some of that daylight and warmth indoors. Letting in an abundance of natural light, and providing a breezy, elegant look, sheer window treatments remain a staple in most interior designers' arsenals.
So when it comes to refreshing your home for summer, sheer window treatments stand out as a rather stylish and practical choice. These light-filtering, airy drapes, blinds, and curtains not only let in the perfect amount of natural sunlight but also help to soften the look of a space while maintaining an open, welcoming feel.
If that sounds appealing, we've sat down with the experts to find out why they love sheers so much, and their favorite ways of introducing these traditional window treatments into your home.
Switching out heavier drapes and fabrics for sheer materials for your curtain ideas and window blind ideas can transform your space for summer with minimal effort.
The delicate fabric filters sunlight, reducing glare while allowing a warm, diffused glow to fill your rooms. Sheers offer a sophisticated way to play with light and privacy, adding layers of fabric without overwhelming or darkening the room.
And while you may still see sheer curtains and voiles as traditional, today interior designers are using them in much more modern capacities that suit a range of rooms – from bathroom window treatments, to kitchen window curtains, and bedroom window treatment ideas. They also work particularly well in sunrooms and garden rooms, providing a better connection to the outdoors.
Their ability to blend seamlessly with various interior design styles also makes them a favorite among homeowners and designers alike.
Sheer curtains are the epitome of understated. They provide a subtle backdrop that complements rather than competes with your existing decor, meaning they will work with your personal style whether you fall on the side of traditional or modern, minimal or maximal.
With their combination of beauty, functionality, and ease of use, it's no wonder sheer window treatments are a go-to recommendation from interior designers. Here, they share their favorite ways to work with sheer treatments.
4 Ways To Use Sheer Window Treatments In Your Home
1. Sheer roman blinds
Unlike traditional Roman blinds, which can be quite heavy and opaque, sheer Roman blinds are made from light, airy fabrics. They can be customized to fit any window size or shape, making them suitable for a variety of spaces, from small kitchen windows to large bay windows.
'Sheers are fantastic for filtering light through a bright window, adding a bit of privacy if your neighbors are a bit too close for comfort (common in city dwellings), or just adding a bit of extra "oomph" to your window dressing which can be called for in a more formal room,' explains interior designer Bethany Adams. 'I like to add sheer soft romans behind drapery if there's an obstruction beneath, like a radiator, or piece of furniture, especially in living rooms.'
Tanner Morgan, of Morgan Madison Design, is also a fan. 'A space is hardly complete without a luxe set of over-and-under curtains or a soft Roman shade in a sheer fabric. One of our favorite tricks from our design playbook is a double Roman shade with a motorized sheer below either a fixed or operational opaque over-Roman.'
2. Sheer cafe curtain
A trending alternative would be the vintage-inspired cafe curtain. Typically covering the lower half of a window, these charming curtains provide privacy while still allowing an abundance of sunlight to filter through the upper portion and softly through the sheer half-curtain.
Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL, creates aged brass cafe curtain rails for this purpose. 'We love these deVOL rails and cannot stop thinking of the endless fabrics and places we can use them,' says Helen. 'Find a window, find a delicate piece of sheer wispy fabric, and attach one of our brass rails to create a vignette of beauty.'
'In bedrooms, I'll often use a sheer pinch pleat drapery panel, while kitchens and bathrooms usually get a sheer cafe curtain,' adds Bethany Adams. Perfect for kitchens and breakfast nooks, they add a touch of vintage charm and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
3. Sheer curtains and drapes
'We're all about ensuring a home is cozy and inviting and I think people often underestimate how impactful sheer drapes can be to accomplish this,' says Alex Azat, founder of Plaster & Patina.
'They add warmth, texture, and interest to a space, and oftentimes, if the space receives sunlight, amplifies and diffuses the incoming light, making it softer but more evenly spread throughout a space. We absolutely love introducing sheer drapes to our spaces and feel their impact is paid back tenfold.'
One of the primary advantages of sheer curtains is their versatility. They can be layered with heavier drapes or blinds to create a multi-dimensional window treatment that offers both privacy and light control.
For example, for bedroom curtain ideas, sheer curtains can be paired with blackout drapes to provide a serene, light-filled environment during the day and complete darkness at night. While in a bathroom, privacy can be provided with a blind or shutters.
4. Sheer natural or bamboo blinds
Blinds made from natural materials like bamboo, reeds, or grasses, will not only add texture and warmth to a space but also allow for a gentle diffusion of light. They provide a unique blend of rustic charm and modern organic style.
Offering more privacy than sheer drapes and fabric blinds, they create a warm, dappled effect that still feels light and bright. This makes them an ideal choice for living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms.
'In this room, we wanted the warmth of woven window treatments without blocking any light,' explains interior designer Alexandra Kaehler who designed the traditional sunroom space above.
They are also a fantastic option for eco-conscious homeowners who want to reduce their impact on the environment. Additionally, the natural tones and textures of bamboo or rattan can complement a wide range of interior styles, from traditional to coastal decor ideas to bohemian or retro.
Whether you opt for the elegance of Roman blinds, the charm of cafe curtains, the versatility of sheer curtains and drapes, or the natural allure of woven blinds, each option brings its own unique blend of style and functionality that is loved by interior designers.
By embracing the art of sheer window treatments, you can be sure to enjoy a season filled with brightness, warmth, and style in your living spaces.
