Sheer vs lined curtains: what each one does in a room

Sheers, lined and blockout curtains each do a different job. Here is how to decide what your rooms need.

Most rooms need more than one thing from a window covering: light, privacy, warmth, darkness. Sheer and lined curtains each solve a different part of that.

Sheer curtains

Sheers filter daylight and soften a room while giving daytime privacy. They are often used on their own in living areas, or layered in front of a lined curtain.

Lined curtains

A lining adds body and protects the face fabric from sun. Interlining adds weight, drape and insulation — a noticeable difference in winter.

Blockout

Blockout linings stop light coming through the fabric, which is why they are the usual choice for bedrooms and media rooms. Side and top light can be managed with the track, returns and fit.

Layering

A double track with a sheer in front and a lined or blockout curtain behind gives you daytime light and night-time privacy in one window. We plan the track and stack space to suit both layers.