I often get asked these questions and I want to answer them for you today. I hear you, sheer curtains can be hard to get right if you’re feeling less ‘design eye’ and more ‘design cry.’ Sheer curtains are my favorite window treatment and they’re the first thing I reach for when designing a client’s home with a roller blind underneath. So let me share some of my knowledge with you to make the entire process easier.
7 Questions to Consider when Choosing a Sheer Curtain
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Sheer Curtain Heading Styles: S-Fold, Eyelet or Pleat?
You should start by looking at the heading of a sheer. It can make or break the overall appearance of the curtain more than any other element can. The following are general headings styles:
S-Fold Curtain Heading
This is my favorite shower curtain. I like it because the top of the curtain curves back and forth in an ‘S’ shape along the rod it’s fixed to. It’s a modern look with a sense of sophistication to it. The rod is barely visible, so it has a sort of minimalist look. It’s guaranteed to look good in any style home.
Eyelet Curtain Heading
Eyelet curtains curve back and forth, the way an S-fold curtain does, only there’s a rod fixed to each loop that’s in the top of the curtain. This style of curtain works best in a traditional home where you want the rod to be the focus.
Pleated Curtain Heading
It’s the best option if you want a traditionally sheer curtain. There are more pleats, with lots of detail at the top of the curtain. Again, that’s because there’s more fabric involved. It’s a little difficult to open and close them, given all the fabric, but if you’re looking for a sheer, traditional curtain, this is your best option. Pleated curtains are attached to a rod using small hooks or rings. There are different types of pleats, so make sure to ask your supplier what the best option for you is.
Best Sheer Curtain Colour and Material
Choosing the curtain fabric can be difficult, but we’re here to simplify it for you. In this article, we’ll explore some of the main options available for your specific need.
Colour
When choosing a fabric for the curtains, most people go with white or grey. The idea is that a white or grey fabric will help soften the room and filter the light. This is because you don’t want to make a dramatic color statement with the curtains. The fabric colour choices will depend on what your walls and flooring are. For example, if you want an effortless background vibe, choose a white fabric with white walls. If you want to add a little interest to the space, contrast a grey fabric against white walls.
Material
There is a wide range of sheer curtain materials available to you. Below are some of the most popular and their respective benefits. Voile curtains are light, smooth, and transparent, while linen curtains are heavier with a noticeable weave. On the Voile side of the spectrum, they’re usually cheaper and don’t offer much detail to the fabric. Linen curtains are more textured and present a noticeable weave in the fabric. These curtains work best with traditional homes that have more of a Hamptons or Provincial style, or in industrial spaces that feel cold and sterile. There are options in-between these two ends of the spectrum, so it’s best to ask your supplier to see what they’ve got in-person. You should always make sure you hold them up in the window against some daylight so you can see them the way they’ll look when hung up on the wall.
Should You Fix Sheers to the Wall or Ceiling?
There are a few things to consider when choosing where the curtain will be installed. Firstly, what sort of cornice do you have? If you have a modern square-set cornice, you can install the material midway between the ceiling and top of the window frame or on tracks installed from ceilings. If you want more of a contemporary look, I would recommend installing the track on the ceiling. After that, it’s all about preference. Does the sheer run the length of the window or door frame, or across the whole wall? I would recommend running the fabric across the whole wall for a more dramatic look and in smaller rooms.
Should Sheer Curtains Sit On or Off the Floor?
Window treatments can be a contentious decision. This is mostly due to personal style preferences and the type of vibe you want your home to have. Modern styles usually involve curtains that sit off the floor slightly so they don’t rub against the floors. I find this is the best option 90% of the time in residential homes because it provides easy open-close access, is clean, and feels modern. I’ve only used a different approach when doing a traditional-style home in the Hamptons. We opted for a heavier textured linen that pools on the floor about 10cm. You might also want to go with this option if you have a traditional home. It lends a sense of nostalgia and formality, but be aware that sheers that sit on the floor may not flip up as easily and are more prone to getting visibly dirty.
What Track Colour Should You Choose?
When deciding on what color to paint the curtain rod in your home, take into consideration whether or not you want the window to be the focal point. If you’re installing a sheer that covers the whole wall and drops down from the ceiling then it’s safe to say that the rod will be very transparent and not visible at all. But if you prefer a fancy installation above the windows then the rod will be noticeable and it should match the room’s look in terms of color. A chrome/silver is a safe option, and the least offensive. A brass curtain rod will certainly pop a lot and bring a sense of luxury (albeit with an outdated feel). A black rod is advisable for homes where the windows deserve a little more attention. The bedroom above has installed a black rod which draws attention to them and creates some drama. When deciding on what color to paint the curtains in your home, take into account how important the window is to the room’s look. If flooring or wall color are the focal points of the room then let the curtains be supporting players and paint them transparent or use a chrome rod that “whispers” instead of “yelling”.
What Direction Should the Sheers Open In?
Window treatments are a great way to keep your home looking sleek. The fabric is a large part of the look, and whether closed or open, it should be nicely stacked either side of the window. For example, when opened, most sheers would stack at the left and right side of the window. But this all depends on what kind of door or window you have. For double French doors, for example, you’d want the sheers to open in the centre and stack on each side of the door. For a back sliding or stacker door, where it opens from one side, you’d want the sheers to open from that side too, with the stack of fabric at the other end. A lot of people also find that what look best for their windows are curtains rather than blinds because there is more design flexibility. What fabric do you prefer for your windows?
Hand-Drawn or Cord-Drawn Opening?
The curtain debate. Whether to use hard-drawn or cord-drawn curtains has created many arguments in the design circles. There’s no right answer to this, but the preference will differ from person to person.
Sheer Curtains from Country Blinds
These top quality full length sheer curtains are the perfect way to add a touch of luxury to any room. Made from the finest materials, they drape beautifully and let in just the right amount of light.