Sheer curtains, by nature, are lightweight and airy and allow you to benefit from natural light filtering through into your room, but what about when the night sets in and you want to have more privacy and block the light out?

Blackout curtains tend to be heavier and block out all the light from entering your room; despite being opposite to sheer curtains, they still work well together as a team, allowing you to benefit from the best of both worlds.

Choose Your Layering Order

There is more than one way to layer your blackout curtains and sheer curtains, and working out which way you want to do it is something you need to decide early on.

• Blackout curtains as a base layer

You can opt to have your blackout curtains as a base layer within your window space. By saying base layer, what we mean is, the blackout curtains will be the panels that are closest to your windows.

• Sheer curtains as a base layer

Probably the more popular option of the two, having your sheer curtains as the base layer is often seen as more practical. The sheer panels will always stay in place; all you have to do when you want less light and more privacy is pull the blackout curtains together.

How To Layer Your Curtains

Once you know which order your curtains will be in, you can then hang them — this will require two separate curtain poles.

For the base layer, use a curtain rod inside the recess of the window frame. For the outer layer, use a curtain road above the window frame.

Hang your outer layer around 10cm above the window to get the most privacy and light blockage.

What Length Should You Choose?

The length of your layered sheer curtains and blackout curtains is totally up to you, and what you prefer; many combinations are available that all look stunning when correctly executed.

For example, you could opt to have your sheer curtains and blackout curtains the same length, giving the maximum layering effect. However, having a sheer curtains base layer that just lines the inner recess of the window combined with longer-length blackout curtains as the outer layer brings a whole new focus to the room, adding an exciting finish to your window space.

What Curtain Style To Go For?

The beauty of having both sheer and blackout curtains is that you can play around with the designs to get the best of both worlds.

Sheer curtains come in many patterns and designs but look equally stunning when they are entirely plain against a patterned blackout curtain.

When deciding what style you like most, look at the fabrics that you can use to make your curtains and, if you can, physically put them together to see how they look. Don’t be scared to have a bit of fun; this layering style can really give your room the edge, so maximise on it!

To Tie Back, Or Not To Tie Back?

Tie-backs are a split decision; some people love them, and others hate them!

However, your tie-backs don’t have to match the curtain material. They can come in many unique and stylish designs that add drama to your sheer and blackout curtains, giving them an eye-catching but practical finishing touch.

At The Sewing House, we offer a one-stop shop for all your curtain layers – take a look at all of our blackout and sheer curtains in our huge range available online. Explore our exclusive collection of made-to-measure curtains at The Sewing House, ensuring a perfect fit for your windows while complementing the diverse styles of tie-backs we have to offer. Compliment your curtains with any of our Roman blinds, roller and wooden blinds for a touch of luxury in your home.