Sheer Panel Curtains  

Window treatments have their practical uses but when most people are picking out some curtains they are usually choosing them for the way they look in the room.  Sheer panel curtains add a fabulous decorative element to your home and can be used in many different ways.

The sheer material doesn’t give a complete block of sun; it is best used to just take away the intensity of direct sun, which is why it’s a good fit for kitchen windows where the sunlight is always welcome.  The cafe curtain style is a common style for kitchens as you put the rod in the middle of the window and have the curtain hang over the bottom half of the window.  The technique works well to have some of the window covered either for privacy or for diffusing the sunlight but to have the top half of the window easy to look out of and allow a great amount of daylight in.  You can get valances that cover the top couple of inches for added visual appeal and curtain panels that will generally stay at the side for added fullness to the window treatment. 

Another common and elegant sheer curtain use is as an underlay to other more functional focussed curtains.  For a full window covering there would be a heavier material of any design and colour that you desire used especially for its benefits of completely blocking sun and visibility.  These curtain panels can certainly be decorative to some degree but you would want to put a jacquard panel or a silk taffeta as they are stunning designs on their own.  On a different rod you would hang the sheer panels that coordinate well with the top layer.  Sheer material comes in different fabrics and different colours so you have a wide selection of suitable choices.

Long sheer panels on their own, over a patio door or other large windows are especially appropriate for a decorative effect.  Having the panels a good couple of inches longer so that they flow onto the floor creates a soft casual feel and lends to the graceful nature of the sheer look.  Affixing permanent tie backs to the walls 3 or 4 inches from the window or door frame is a good idea to be able to get the panel completely out of the way, especially for a patio door.  This will also create the opportunity to loosen as much fabric from the side hold to create different decorative effects with the panel.

The variety of sheer curtains make it possible to create very different moods for a room depending on your choice.  With deep red shades, leopard prints, zebra prints, pleated panels and swag designs the wide array of choices will fit any décor.  Sheer panel curtains are a beautiful choice for the dramatic compliment that the sunlight adds a to the see-through material.