Sheer Curtains
Custom sheer curtains made to measure for New Zealand homes. Light filtering, privacy and a softer finish for every room.
Custom Sheer Curtains for New Zealand Homes
We make custom sheer curtains for homes across New Zealand, each made to measure in our Christchurch workroom. Sheer curtains filter natural light while maintaining privacy during the day, creating a bright, open feel without leaving windows exposed. They also help protect your furnishings from UV, reducing fading over time. Whether used on their own or layered with a separate lining on a double track, sheers are a versatile, lightweight option for a wide range of interiors. Unlined sheer curtains are also surprisingly affordable, with custom-made sheers starting from just $150 per metre of window width, and our consultants will help you find the right fabric for your home.
Sheer Curtain Fabrics
Sheer curtains are available in a range of fabrics, with polyester the most common, alongside linen and a variety of polyester-based blends. Each fabric handles light, UV and drapes differently:
Natural Sheers
Linen or linen mix sheer curtains have a natural, textured finish with a relaxed, contemporary drape. The fabric filters light beautifully and will develop character over time. Linen sheers suit living rooms, bedrooms and open plan spaces where a natural, understated look is important. However, with linen being a natural fibre, the sun will have an effect, and the fabric may not last as long at the window as a synthetic fibre.
Synthetic Sheers
Polyester is ideal for sheer fabrics, due to its higher resistance to damage from UV rays. Polyesters and fabrics with a mix of fibres including a high percentage of polyester, come in a wide range of textures and styles, from open weaves through to those with a smooth, uniform finish. Most polyester based sheers are woven as continuous fabric, meaning no joins across wide windows, making them perfectly suited for sun-filtering curtains We source our sheer fabrics from leading design houses, including our own 1906 range, with the full range available to view in any of our showrooms.
How Sheer Curtains Work
Sheer fabrics are lightweight and semi-transparent, allowing natural light to pass through while softening glare. The folds in the curtains diffuse the light and UV, meaning they offer some protection for precious interior furnishings. During the day, sheers provide a level of privacy by obscuring the view from outside without darkening the room. At night, sheers alone do not offer full privacy or light control, which is why many homeowners choose to layer them with a blackout lining or lined curtain on a double track.
Where to Use Sheer Curtains
Living Rooms
Sheer curtains are a popular choice for living areas, where natural light and an open, relaxed atmosphere are important. They soften harsh sunlight, reduce glare on screens, reduce sun damage on furnishings, and add texture and movement to the space. In living areas with large windows or glass doors, sheers help maintain a connection with the outdoors while providing daytime privacy.
Bedrooms
In bedrooms, sheer curtains work best when layered with a blackout curtain on a double track, or a blackout blind sitting into the window behind. The sheer provides filtered light and softness during the day, while the blackout lining, or blind, offers complete darkness at night. This combination is one of the most popular window furnishing solutions for New Zealand homes.
Layering Sheer Curtains with Blockout or Thermal Linings
A double track system allows you to hang a sheer curtain at the rear with a fully lined curtain on the front, thus creating a truly layered and luxurious look. The curtain can be lined using blackout, dimout, sateen or a combination interlined with bumph. With two options in one window - filtered natural light and daytime privacy with the sheer, and warmth, insulation and added luxury with the curtains drawn closed. Layering in this way allows the look of a room to transform from day to night, and we have an extensive fabric library in store to choose from to find the perfect fabrics for your home. Another advantage is most heading styles can be used when creating lined curtains with a sheer behind, and your consultant can recommend the best combination for your fabric choice and space.
Heading Styles for Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtains can be made in many of our heading styles. The heading you choose affects how the fabric falls and moves. From the fullness of a Pencil Pleat, the elegance of a Serpentine Wave, or the tailored finish of an Inverted Pleat, your consultant will advise on the best style to suit both the fabric and your home.
