The Right Way to Layer Sheer and Blackout Curtains: How to (2024)

Curtains play a multitude of roles: they block out or let in light as you need it, they look good, and they elevate the style of your space. They are a key tool in the interior design toolbox because they have significant form and function in the home. They are also one of the quickest ways to give your home a budget-friendly facelift or change up the colour scheme of a given room. Moreover, you can layer them to create custom window treatments that suit your needs! In this article, we’re exploring how to layer sheer and blackout curtains to customise your windows and filter out light the way you need 🌒✨.

Different Ways to Layer Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains are a great way to block more light from a particular room. If you work odd hours, do shifts, are a light sleeper or simply want to be able to sleep in with ease, blackout curtains are a must-have 😍. Something you might not know, though, is that you can layer sheer and blackout curtains to increase coverage and enhance the style of the room. Curtains don’t have to be boring! So let’s look at how to layer them effectively:

Blackout Curtains over Sheer Curtains

The most popular way to layer curtains is to place blackout curtains over sheer curtains. When you layer curtains like this, you give yourself greater control over the amount of light you want in that room ☀️.

For example, when the blackout curtains are closed, all daylight is blocked out. This is great if you work late, night shifts, or want a good sleep-in 😴. The room stays incredibly dark and comfortable.

When you draw the blackout curtains, you allow sunlight into the room but it is still filtered by the sheer curtains. This way, there is natural light in the room but still privacy from the outside world 👀

When the blackout and sheer curtains are open, you have maximum light and airflow in the space. Your privacy is compromised this way, but you have control over when and for how long your windows are totally open. As we said, you can always close the sheer curtains and still get a lot of natural light.

The Right Way to Layer Sheer and Blackout Curtains: How to (1)

Sheer Curtains over Blackout Curtains

The next most popular option is to layer the sheer curtains over the blackouts. In doing so, you soften the appearance of the blackouts, which can be a bit simplistic in a more luxurious or stylised space. Don’t take it the wrong way: blackout curtains can be beautiful, but if you want to create a really intricate look, you can layer them with sheer curtains for effect 🧵🪡. Sheer curtains have an awesome flowing character to them that can't be beaten.

Choose the Best Colour Scheme

The colour of your curtains matters, too! The colours you choose affect the look and feel of your room, so it takes some consideration. In the past, blackout curtains were made in dark colours whilst sheer curtains were made from light colours. These days, you can have custom blackout curtains made in a variety of colours! 🌈

You can try a traditional look with a set of neutral blackout curtains and light-coloured sheers. Or, you can try a more dramatic look, choosing a bold colour that accentuates your decor. You can even match your sheer and blackout curtains for a coordinated, understated look!

There are so many options available when you choose to create custom blackout curtains and sheers. The world is your oyster, particularly when you partner with custom window treatment specialists like us. Take your space to the next level and unlock your style potential with our great offering.

The Right Way to Layer Sheer and Blackout Curtains: How to (2024)

FAQs

The Right Way to Layer Sheer and Blackout Curtains: How to? ›

The most popular way to layer curtains is to place blackout curtains over sheer curtains. When you layer curtains like this, you give yourself greater control over the amount of light you want in that room ☀️. For example, when the blackout curtains are closed, all daylight is blocked out.

Do sheer curtains go in front or behind blackout? ›

Layering Blackouts with Sheer Curtains

Typically, the back layer is the light filtering, lightweight sheer, bringing natural light into the space when the front set of blackout curtains are pulled back. In other settings, this may be completely reversed to have blackouts as the base layer.

How to hang sheer curtains with blockout curtains? ›

Option 1 – Sheer Curtain in front of the Blockout Curtain.

Having a Sheer Curtain in front of a Blockout Curtain softens the appearance of the window, and allows for soft, diffused light to stream throughout the day. In the evening, the Blockout Curtain to be drawn closed for total privacy.

How to do sheers and curtains together? ›

Drapes should generally run along on a separate row of curtain tracks to sheer curtains. Using a second curtain track allows enough space for the sheer curtains to hang between the drapes and the window.

How do you line curtains with blackout lining? ›

One of the easiest ways to join your blackout lining to your curtains is with the help of something called fusible hemming web. This can be used for joining two fabrics together. Simply place the hemming web tape between the two fabrics and then using a standard iron press together until they are bonded.

Should you layer sheer curtains? ›

The sheer curtains are very light and hence can be layered up with any heavy curtains to add depth and enhance your space. For choosing the curtain layers, start with selecting the base layer and outer layer.

Can people see through sheer curtains at night? ›

Can people see through my curtains at night? Yes for sheer day curtains, people can see through your curtains at night when lights are turned on. This is because of the lighting contrast from outside (dark) and inside (bright). You will not have this problem by layering day curtains with night curtains.

How do you position blackout curtains? ›

The curtains' bottom edge should lightly graze the floor wherever it falls. Make sure your curtain rod is wide enough that when the curtains are pulled open, only their inner edges line up with the window frame—not including any glass surfaces. Eight to ten inches from either side of the window frame is ideal.

Do sheer curtains block view from outside? ›

Sheer curtains strike a balance between natural light and privacy. They filter the sunlight, diffusing it into a gentle glow, which can create a warm and inviting ambiance. At the same time, sheer curtains obscure the view from outside, providing a level of privacy during the day.

How much overhang do you need for blackout curtains? ›

That means you want to mount your rod high above your window casing (this often means close to the ceiling) and 8”-12” beyond the window casing on each side. This makes your window look larger, lets in the maximum amount of natural light (when desired!), and gives it all a designer polish.

How to make sheer curtains more private? ›

However, there are ways to enhance privacy with sheer curtains. Adding multiple layers, using thicker fabrics, or incorporating a blackout lining can increase the privacy level. Additionally, pairing sheer curtains with other window treatments such as blinds or shades can provide an added layer of privacy and security.

Do people still use sheers with curtains? ›

Think sheer draperies are just for Grandma's house? Not true. Here's proof that sheers can belong in any home — and never go out of style. Simple sheers are truly timeless and can work with modern or traditional looks, and anything in between.

How to fit voiles and curtains together? ›

Use curtain hooks or rings for easy adjustment and smooth movement. Once the voiles are in place, it's time to add the curtains. Hang them in front of the voiles, ensuring they are at the desired height and length. Adjust the curtain hooks or rings accordingly for a neat and balanced appearance.

Are curtains supposed to face in or out? ›

There are rational and practical arguments for choosing either side. One group feels that curtains should be hung facing out the window so people can see your lovely flower pattern while another group feels that pattern should face into the room so you see it and the people outside see the reverse side.

Do sheer curtains and blinds go together? ›

Sheer is a great curtain to pair with blinds as it adds just that bit more privacy to your room, as well as helps to add a soft glow to your space. Sheers are the most popular curtain used to hang over blinds as it lets in plenty of light without compromising on privacy.

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