Your window looks plain and your curtains don’t really match your decor! And you even see your furniture fading. So you thought about getting customized curtains but they’re expensive — and even more confusing to layer! And the wrong steps or poor curtain placement might even affect the whole look.
But you don’t need to worry at all because Fixit Dubai has created a simple guide to show you how to achieve that high-end, hotel-style curtain look on your own, without making a heavy investment in designer curtains. So let’s get started!
Why Do People Actually Layer Curtains Together?
You might have seen those fancy layered curtains at top rated restaurants and even in the movies, presenting a luxurious life? And you must be thinking why do they even layer those curtains? Well, this layering, besides offering a high end look, has many practical benefits.
1- Functional Perks
When it comes to functionality, layered curtains offer the most excellent performance. Because as you layer sheer transparent curtains with blackout curtains, they offer complete light control and privacy, along with superior thermal and sound insulation, ensuring you get a totally comfortable and peaceful environment.
2- Aesthetic Appeal
Layered curtains usually offer a high end look, changing the whole vibe of a space into a luxurious and magnificent one. Actually, the secret of this high appeal lies in their fabric choice. Because you see, when you put blackout curtains next to sheer ones, you have to get the blackout ones in a thicker or multi-layered material. Due to this, they present a thick dappery shape, elevating the complete window look.
So, What’s the Correct Order? Sheer or Blackout First?
When people decide to go with the layered curtains, they often get stuck at one point — which one to put on top, essentially what is the correct layering order? And when they search online, they get more confused because everyone has different opinions on which layer should be placed on top.
So, let’s break it to you that both of these options are the right layering order. And the major difference lies in the sort of look you want to achieve. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Option # 1: Sheer Up — Blackout Curtain Down
If you’re a fan of ventilated spaces or a soft glow, then you can place sheer as a top layer and customized curtains facing the window. This is the perfect style for a light and airy look that allows a soft light reflection. And when you want to control light and privacy, you can draw out the blackout ones. This style is usually used when the sheer curtains are the main feature of your layered curtain look.
Option # 2: Blackout Up — Sheer Curtains Down
Adding a blackout curtain on top and sheer curtains facing the window is another popular layering option which is usually used when your top curtain is the main feature. For instance, you have blackout curtains made out of velvet or triple weave fabrics, then you might want to place those on top — keeping your sheer ones behind. And whenever you want light or street view, you can, of course, pull out the sheer curtain layer.
How to Layer Sheer & Blackout Curtains: A Quick Guide
Layering sheer and blackout curtains is not just about the fabric or looks, it’s more about creating a balanced draping that offers aesthetic appeal along with comfort. In Dubai, where the heat is intense, people want the best solution to control it, along with privacy. So here’s a simple guide that would help you achieve a perfect dappery layer using sheer and blackout curtains.
Step 1: Choose the Right Hardware
For the layered curtain look, double curtain rods are the ideal hardware option to easily hang both curtain layers.
- While selecting both rods, make sure they are durable and sturdy enough to hold the heavy curtain fabric.
- For Dubai’s luxury villas and tall buildings, it is recommended to mount the curtain rods next to the ceiling.
- Plus, you can also match them with your room interior. They will add height and drama to your room’s look.
Step 2: Get Proper Height & Width
Just as the right hardware matters, getting the curtains in the right size matters a lot too. Therefore, to get the best curtain setup, measure your window and consider the following trend sizes:
- Height: Hang your curtains from a ceiling-to-floor height, and you can also let them slightly pool on the floor for a luxe look.
- Width: Add a wall-to-wall width for fuller drapes that will ensure total privacy, light and insulation control. It is recommended to add an extra two inches to the width for better coverage.
Step 3: Select the Right Fabric
After getting your window size, it’s time to choose the right fabric for your curtains. While selecting the fabric, you can consider these recommendations:
- For Sheer Curtains: Breathable fabrics like cotton, linen and voile are the ideal choice as they offer an airy look. Also, make sure to get sheer fabric curtains in a light color like ivory and white etc. to achieve the best sheer curtain look. And if you plan on hanging the sheer curtains on top, you can also get fabrics with fancy prints or embroidery.
- For Blackout Curtains: The blackout curtains are usually in the darker tones to darken the full room. For these, you can consider fabrics like polyester, velvet or suede to gain a luxury appearance. Plus, getting triple-weave curtains will also give a plush look to your room.
Step 4: Hang and Adjust
You got all the required things — curtain rods & both the curtains in the right size? Now let’s get started!
- Add Curtains to the inner Rod First: No matter which layer you’re using on top, make sure to put the curtain layer on the inner rod first. It will make curtain hanging easier.
- Now Hang Next Layer on the Outer Rod: When you are done hanging motorized curtains in the inner rod, it’s time for the outer rods. Whether it’s fancy sheer ones or the luxe blackout ones, add your featured curtains on top.
- Adjust Your Layers: After hanging both curtain panels, adjust their layers and pleats for a perfect draping. Style their pleats with your hands and your layered curtains are ready to shine!
Final Tips: Best Curtain Combinations for Dubai Homes
In Dubai, homes and villas have an upscale, high-end look that speaks of luxury. Therefore, when you’re choosing the color panel for your layered curtains, the secret to their magnificence lies in their color palette. The right color palette will complement your decor theme and wall mouldings. For instance, you can choose:
- Lighter palette as white sheers + beige blackouts for a coastal look
- Darker palette like black sheers + grey blackouts for modern appeal
Plus, you also need to consider Dubai’s heat while selecting the curtain fabric. To beat the harsh afternoon sun, make sure to get a heat-reflective blackout layer and UV-resistant sheer curtains. Getting the right fabric will have a visible impact on room temperature and prove to be highly energy efficient. They will even protect your furniture and floors from fading due to direct sunlight.
