The best way to layer sheer and blackout curtains are by placing the blackout curtains over the sheer curtains or by placing sheer curtains over the blackout curtains. The pole must be longer than the window by 10 inches and the height of the pole should be 8 – 12 inches above the window frame.
Curtains are very important in the interior design of the room. Not only do they add beauty to the room, but they are also used to regulate the temperature in the room.
When it comes to curtains, people try to be creative. They try to make the color blend with the colors of the walls and furniture. Curtains have different types based on different uses.
Can I Combine Sheer and Blackout Curtains for my Window?
You can combine the sheer curtains with the blackout curtains to enhance the room style and coverage. The combination of the two curtains will help you control the light that comes into your room.
Sheer curtains are lighter and even when they are closed, light can still pass through. They are often used in living rooms and kitchens where light is needed to brighten the room. With the sheer curtains closed, no one can see into your room.
Blackout curtains on the other hand are made of heavier materials. Once closed, light cannot penetrate into the room. These curtains are used in rooms where you want to block out light completely, like the bedroom, theatres, and so on.
There are different ways to combine the two curtains and still make your room beautiful.
How to Layer Sheer and Blackout Curtains?
To layer sheer and blackout curtains, you should:
1. Place the Blackout Curtains over the Sheer Curtains
When you layer the curtains this way, the blackout curtains block the light from entering the room. When the blackout curtains are opened, the sheer curtains underneath will allow light to come in.
Opening the two curtains allows for light and a free flow of air.
This kind of layer is good for you if you don’t really like to be distracted by movements outside the window whenever you open the blackout curtains.
2. Place the Sheer Curtains over the Blackout Curtains
This is the other way round. You can also layer the two curtains by placing the sheer curtains over the blackout curtains.
With this style, you reduce the dark effects of the blackout curtains. The curtains don’t appear darker and the light color of the sheer curtains will soften it.
However, while layering the sheer curtains with the blackout curtains, the height of the pole should be 8 – 12 inches above the window frame. This will hinder light from coming in through the top.
At each side, the pole should be longer than the window by 10 inches. This will stop the light from entering the room by the sides. Remember, your bedroom needs to have a window to be able to layer sheer and blackout curtains.
Also, the heading style used for each of the curtains can affect the layout of the curtains.
If the sheer curtain is above the blackout curtains, the heading styles should be the same. But if it’s the other way round, the heading style might not be the same with the blackout curtains since the sheer curtains are underneath.
Do Sheer Curtains Go in front or behind?
Sheer curtains can go in front or behind. It depends on the style you want for your room. If you want there to be something in between your blackout curtains and the window, then the sheer curtains would be behind.
Even when you open the blackout curtains, the light would be in the room but your privacy is secured.
This is even more beautiful especially when the blackout curtains are plain while the sheer curtains are patterned. You can place the sheer curtains anyway you want.
Benefits of Layering Sheer and Blackout Curtains
The benefits of layering sheer and blackout curtains are:
Privacy
If you are just using sheer curtains, your privacy is intact. Light still comes into the room. While if you only have the blackout curtains, you won’t have your privacy when you open the curtains.
Layering the two curtains will give you the balance you want. If you are still not satisfied, you can read about other things to put behind sheer curtains for privacy.
Depending on the kind of layering, you can open the blackout curtains and have the sheer curtains underneath blocking the light, giving you privacy and still giving your room that bright look.
Control of Lighting
When you layer the two curtains, you can control the light that comes into the room. If you are tired of the darkroom and you want to enjoy sunlight a little, you can decide to open the blackout curtains and leave the sheer curtains closed.
Insulation
One of each curtain provides insulation. Adding the other curtain will increase the insulation of the room. The layering of the two curtains will help you to really be isolated.
If you are someone that gets more ideas in the dark, you’ll love it. You’ll be free from distractions outside.
Protection
When you layer the two curtains, you are protecting certain things in the house when you open the blackout curtains. The sheer curtains will protect the room from sun rays that enter the room.
Also, layering will help to regulate room temperature during winter. With the two curtains closed, your room will be warm.
Conclusion
Sheer curtains and blackout curtains have different designs and colors, you don’t have to stay with the traditional style of dark-colored blackout curtains with white sheer curtains.
There are different kinds to pick from. You can play with colors. As much as you are trying to have your privacy, you can still make your room beautiful and cool with the colors of the curtains. Try layering the two curtains and enjoy the benefits attached to them.
