What are the Pros and Cons of Sheer Curtain Panels?

Sheer curtain panels are delicate window or glass coverings made of somewhat transparent materials. They may serve to bring a light, breezy feel to a room, or serve as an additional layer of concealment under heavier curtains.

Price can be an excellent advantage of sheer curtain panels. Typically far less expensive than traditional curtains, panels are found at nearly every home decor or home supply store, and can be easily ordered online. The low cost of many types of these panels allows the smart decorator to have the option of changing them frequently; some people have several sets that can be switched out seasonally, turning a summery sage into a fiery autumn orange into a lovely pine green for the holidays.

Sheer curtain panels are often easy to install and fit to any window size. Many simply hang on a central bar much like a shower curtain, though more elaborate models may have pleats or draping. Most come in standardized sizes, making it easy to choose the right fit by a simple measurement. If no exact fit exists, the simple design of a panel can allow it to be easily cut and re-hemmed to suit a custom or unusually sized window. Redecorating by adding sheer curtain panels can be the work of only a few minutes, and may change the look of a whole room.

Though breezy and casual alone, sheer curtain panels can add drama to a room by providing a multi-layered effect under regular curtains. By creating a curtain set that can pull back or be tied off to reveal the sheer panel, a more formal and color-coordinated look can be achieved. Having a dual layer of curtains also allows more light to spill in by pulling back only the top layer, or allows more heat to be retained by closing both layers.

The cons of sheer curtain panels depend on the situation. As they are made of light fabrics, they are very poor insulators and may allow rooms to grow much hotter in warm weather or chillier in cool weather. This may be a problem for those with poor insulation systems to begin with, or for those who try to reduce heating and cooling costs by mitigating insulation problems.

As they are sheer, the panels do not usually provide much privacy. While this may not matter in a kitchen or living room, sheer panels in a bathroom or bedroom may be a problem for some. This matter is often solved by using a second layer of thicker curtains to provide additional privacy.

Sheer panels are also not very good at blocking out light. This may be a blessing to sun lovers, but for anyone trying to watch television during the day, it may become a glare nightmare. Avoid placing sheer panels in rooms where low light may be necessary, such as in a television or computer room.