Difference Between Sheer & Opaque Curtains

Sheer Curtains

• Sheer curtains are made of thin material that is transparent; the degree of transparency depends on the thickness of the fabric. Sheer curtains may be lacy and have detailed patterns on them; the fabric is typically very fine and lets light and air through. Sheer curtains can be used alone or they may be layered with other types of curtains to create a specific look or match a room.

Opaque Curtains

• Opaque curtains are essentially the opposite of sheer curtains. They are usually made of a heavy or thick fabric and are designed to prevent seeing through them from either side. Opaque curtains do not allow a significant amount of light or air through and are often lined with some type of light-blocking material.

Sheer Curtain Considerations

• Sheer curtains allow the maximum amount of light into your rooms; that can help create a bright and cheery decor but may also cause furniture and flooring to fade or become discolored over time due to ultraviolet light exposure. These curtains do not offer much in the way of privacy. Individuals outside your home may be able to view your comings and goings through the windows. You can layer sheer curtains to provide more privacy, but they will never provide the privacy of a thicker curtain.

Opaque Curtain Considerations

• Opaque curtains are not see-through and provide total privacy for your home by blocking the windows completely. The downside of the total opacity of these curtains is that they may make your rooms appear to be very dark due to the lack of natural lighting. Some opaque curtains are manufactured specifically to help insulate your home from heat and light, potentially lowering energy bills.