Are you wondering about how to layer sheer and blackout curtains? Block-out or Blackout curtains are remarkable as they block both the noise and sunlight. However, when double curtains sheer and block-out combine these curtains let complete sunlight inside the room. On the other hand, not a single ray of light can pass through if these are closed. Thus, there is no intermediate option in between. Combining sheer and blackout curtains is one of the most recommended options to consider. In this blog, we will provide comprehensive guidance regarding how to layer sheer and blackout curtains.
Guide to Layering Sheer and Block-out Curtains Together
If you want to know how to layer sheer and blackout curtains for privacy and light, consider combining blackout curtains (block-out curtains) with sheer curtains. Furthermore, while doing so, you can also achieve a sophisticated and luxurious appearance, thus elevating the space. To double up curtains, there are various processes and steps you can take to achieve the desired outcomes. But for this purpose, you also need to consider the factors such as aesthetics, space, color combinations, and type of fabrics.
What Style of Curtain to Choose?
If you know how to layer sheer and blackout curtains together, you can enjoy the best of both worlds in terms of beauty and privacy. There are many designs and patterns available for sheer curtains. On the other hand, when these are paired with pattern block-out curtains, they act as plain fabric.
Options Galore: Layered Window Treatments
Double-layered drapery is not only rich in terms of aesthetics, but it also focuses on insulation, higher privacy, and versatility. Before diving deep into specifics regarding how to layer sheer and blackout (block-out) curtains, here are the following things you need to focus on:
- Valences for Layering Curtains:
The single and short panel drapes that cover a window’s top section are known as valances. Adding valances can give the room a more dressed-up appearance as a treatment for the top layer. These are designed to hide the hardware of the drapery when you think about how to layer sheer and blackout curtains together. The purpose of valances is more style rather than function. Contrary to belief, these are not useful choices for light blockage. But when you layer sheer and blackout curtains, these let you enjoy the function of curtains, and the style benefits from the valance.
- Layering Curtains with Blinds or Shades
If you are looking to layer block-out and sheer curtains together, then another compelling idea is to layer curtains on top of Roman shades or blinds. Thus, you can enjoy the traditional curtain look when they are closed, without using shades at all. But when you think of hanging them too far down they would expose the shade, while drawing the curtains back. On a sunny or bright day, you may block the position of the sun by pulling your shade down enough. You can take advantage of pairing sheer and blackout curtains with movement in an upward and downward direction. The curtains do not enjoy such functionality, as the shades do. When combining opaque drapes with sheer Roman shades on the front, provides higher privacy and light control.
Putting Sheer Curtain in front of the Blockout Curtain:
You can use double curtains sheer and block-out together in two ways. The first way to do so is to put sheer curtains in front of the Blockout Curtain. For durable curtains, this layering method is commonly used. When you put a sheer curtain in front of the block-out curtain, it paves the way for diffused and soft light throughout the day. Hence, it softens the window’s appearance and during the evening, block-out curtains provide total privacy when drawn close. The option of curtain layering is particularly common in coastal or contemporary homes. Sheer curtains feature achieving airy and bright ambiance.
Putting Block-out Curtain in front of the Sheer Curtain:
The alternative to the previous option is putting block-out curtains in front of sheer curtains. This type of layering of curtains uses heavy drapery such as barcode or velvet to achieve a luxurious appearance. This option for layering curtains is seen in traditional style interiors (Victorian and French Provincial) as well as in Hollywood Glam.
When you feature Block-out curtains for double curtains, you can see a choice of uncoated or coated fabrics. In coated fabrics, you can see the application of coating from behind. It helps in blocking out the light. On the other hand, uncoated fabrics have a separate line added to them. These create a Block-out Curtain, giving them a softer drape and look. The range of block-out fabrics includes extensive patterns and print selection in all colorways. Regardless of the choice you make, it is necessary to suit your lifestyle and aesthetic. The key to fabrics is the quality and every quality is known for its own levels of performance and characteristics.
Fabric Options for Sheer Curtains:
- Linen Blend or Natural Linen:
Linen blend or simply natural linen is the epitome of modern luxury. There are a variety of interior styles and settings in which you can use these sheer curtains. Whether beach-themed or coastal interior these work well for farmhouse-style homes, minimalist or Scandinavian interiors. Natural Linen Blend curtains are also the best choice for luxury homes. Here these are used for creating more natural aesthetics or approachable ambiance.
- Cotton Blend:
Cotton blend is considered the second natural fabric, ideally suited for contemporary homes and modern interiors. This fabric is composed mostly of polyester having high performance, considered as best choice for busy families.
- Synthetic Fiber:
The third most used material for sheer curtains is synthetic fiber, particularly polyester. Fabrics like these can mimic the beauty and texture of natural fibers. However, they are generally more affordable but have low maintenance.
Factors to Consider for Layering Block-out and Sheer Curtains:
When layering sheers and block-out curtains together, consider that it is not about fulfilling the aesthetic requirements. But it fulfills different functional roles as well besides that. Some of the considerations and advantages for the same are mentioned below:
- Privacy and Light Control
For homeowners, privacy is considered one of the premier concerns that needs addressing. For the sake of securing their homes, people take several measures to ensure they remain unharmed. These include the installation of CCTV cameras or using trusted VPN services to improve their privacy online. Yet a simple but effective way to do so is to focus on treating your windows correctly. Thus, doubling up décor elements and improving home aesthetics.
It is a greater opportunity to layer curtains to control the light inflow. Besides that, it is also helpful in managing a room’s privacy. For example, if you choose a single opaque curtain set, there are two real options you can choose i.e., closed or open. However, adding sheer drapes set behind the curtains gives you more control of outflow to manage a room’s light. Combining sheer and block-out curtains allows for complete privacy and filtration of soft light.
- More than Just a Functionality by Enhancing Aesthetics:
There are more than practical benefits to choosing layered curtains. These also help in improving your space’s aesthetics. The contrasting nature of block-out and sheer curtains adds texture and depth to any décor of the room. This duo is flexible for your mood and needs, whether you choose complete darkness or a gentle filtered light. This combination complements your living spaces beautifully with block-out and sheer curtains.
- Thermal Implications
Room temperature is also a factor to watch out for besides aesthetics while choosing layering choices. The block-out layer acts as significant insulation against temperature, light, and sound. If you want your room to remain cooler during summer and warmer during winter then you can use the double layer curtains to your advantage. Or if you want to dampen the inflow of light and noise in a media room or bedroom for instance. When you further layer it with another sheer set, the factor of insulation goes further high, binging your bills further down.
- Develop your Palette of Materials:
There is a choice of world out there and the ultimate thing to do in this regard is to get locked in your decisions before you know about the available options. Similar to fashion, certain fabrics go through ranges and trends including modern fabrics throughout the world. The performance of the fabric is also advancing continuously. So, choose a reliable company that can advise you to use appropriate fabrics according to the needs of your lifestyle.
Conclusion
The size has an instrumental role to play while choosing suitable block-out and sheer curtains. This combination works best to optimize functionality besides improving the aesthetic appeal. To transform the ambiance of the room, it is necessary to choose curtains with the appropriate color palette. Combining dark-toned block-out curtains with light-colored sheers can allow light control needs simultaneously. When you select the type of fabric, it directly impacts the maintenance requirements and durability of a curtain. For sheers, it is ideal to choose linen or breathable cotton, whereas polyester blackouts consist of unparalleled capabilities of light blockage.
