subject: Sheer Draperies - Providing Light Penetration And Corresponding Style [print this page] When used alone, sheer draperies tend to exhibit a light and airy feel that is soothing to your space. In going with draperies that contrast well with the color of the walls, you will have a less dramatic feel in general than if you go with colors that do contrast, regardless if they are corresponding.
You can also layer sheers beneath heavier fabric drapery. The heavier drapery is usually tied back while the sheered fabric remains closed, offering a more elegant and formal setting for a space.
Sheer Draperies: Items to Consider
Sheers are made of very light material, as such, they do a fantastic job in helping to soften sunlight and give an ambient feel to a room. However, they do not keep the sun out of a space entirely due to their slightly transparent qualities, and they do not provide any insulation as found in heavier designs of drapery. As such, if you are looking for drapery that will help in keeping the room in which they are being used in insulated from heat or cold, sheer draperies alone will not do the trick.
However, if you are looking for drapery that will simply soften up the sunlight filtering in through a window so a room is not completely closed off if the curtains are closed, then sheer might be an option to consider. Also, remember that sheer drapery is also somewhat transparent, so even when they are closed; outsiders will still be able to at least see your silhouette.
Finding the Right Size
Generally, it is recommended that when you are ordering sheers, you want to order fabric that is 2 to 2 1/2 times the width of your window. So if you have a 48 inch window that you would like to dress with sheers, you want to order a piece that is roughly 96 - 120 inches long. This is due to the fact that sheers are meant to be gathered, so you will need the extra material. In terms of length, sheers are commonly floor length, but can also be special ordered to fit the length of your window.
Determining the length you need is a quick and easy process; simply measure starting from the top of the rod or whatever hardware you plan to hang the drapery from to the point in which you want them to end; whether it is to the floor or bottom of your windowsill.
Sheer Draperies - Popular Styles and Accessorizing
Among the most popular types of fabrics are voile and lace. This is due in part to the fact these materials are extremely lightweight and allow the ease of gathering. Each type of fabric offers a different element that is exclusive to a particular theme. Generally, lace offers a more ambient and even romantic feel; while voile is a fantastic general fabric to use that melds well into a lot of modern and rustic styles.
Most commonly, sheers are available as rod packets that are panels meant to be hung on a drapery rod. If you are looking for a less traditional or more customizable way of hanging your drapery, sheers are also available as pinch-pleated panels. The pinch pleated packets can be hung in a number of different ways including traditionally on a rod or through various means incorporating rings or clips.
