Sheer Linen

Lightweight linen curtains let in plenty of light and provide soft privacy, but they are not completely transparent. The natural texture of the linen filters the light and reduces visibility into the room.

During the day, when it is brighter outside than inside, lightweight linen provides good privacy. You can see out, while others have difficulty seeing in. In the evening, when the lights are on inside, the room becomes more visible from outside. Light colours let in the most light, while warmer and darker shades filter more.

If you want privacy in the evening as well, you can combine lightweight linen with a heavier or blackout curtain in front.

Tip: Try the fabric sample in your window both during the day and in the evening with the lights on.

Sheer linen is lightweight and lets in plenty of light. Woven linen is denser, filters more light and has a fuller drape.

Sheer linen works well in rooms where you want to preserve the natural daylight, such as living rooms and kitchens. It creates a light, airy Scandinavian look and works beautifully as an inner layer combined with a heavier curtain.

Woven linen has a more pronounced weave and more weight. It provides greater privacy and creates a cosier feel, making it a good choice for bedrooms or rooms where you want the curtains to have more presence.

Choose sheer linen for light and airiness. Choose woven linen for texture, weight and greater privacy.

Tip: Order fabric samples of both and compare them side by side in your window.

Yes. Sheer linen is also available as a Roman blind, giving you the same soft light and natural texture in a more streamlined design.

A sheer linen Roman blind works well in kitchens, bathrooms and windows where traditional curtains take up too much space. It filters the light and provides privacy, and when raised, it gathers into soft folds at the top of the window.

You can also combine a sheer linen Roman blind with a curtain in front. This gives you one layer to control the light and another to frame the window.

Tip: Measure for your Roman blind. Follow our measuring guide step by step.

Yes, but usually together with a blackout curtain or Roman blind. On its own, sheer linen lets in the morning light.

In the bedroom, sheer linen creates a light, calm and natural look during the day. To sleep in darkness, you will need a denser layer. The sheer linen then works as the inner layer, closest to the window, with a blackout curtain in front. During the day, open the heavier curtain and let the linen filter the light.

A guest room or bedroom that is mainly used during the day, however, may work well with sheer linen alone.

Tip: Choose the outer layer in the same colour family as the linen for a calm and cohesive look.

Hang sheer linen closest to the window, with a heavier or blackout curtain in front. This gives you soft light during the day and darkness and privacy in the evening.

Sheer linen creates a natural, Scandinavian take on the hotel look. The linen hangs on the inner track and can remain closed throughout the day. The outer curtain is drawn in the evening. If you choose a denser linen for the outer layer, the result is light and tonal. Velvet creates a more classic contrast between the natural texture of linen and the softness of velvet.

Hang the curtains on a double curtain track, preferably ceiling-mounted so they run from ceiling to floor. Choose double width for full, generous folds.

Tip: Read more about how to combine curtains for a hotel-inspired look in Ask the Curtain Expert.