Just as in wardrobe fashion sheer materials have enjoyed a comeback, so are soft and sheer materials having a comeback in interior design. Unlike the old sheers we remember in our grandmothers home, today the sheer materials have clean lines and are far more functional, giving us flexibility to control light and UV rays for interior protection. The trend is migrating from Asia, where sheer fabrics have long been favored by interior designers and the fashion world.

Sheer materials are soft in appearance, dreamy and allow lot’s of light to filter into our room. With today’s open window designs and the desire for open spacious rooms, these products complement with this is mind. Our most popular product line, where the sheer look is incorporated is Sheer Horizontal Shades. This elegant window shade features fabric vanes floating between two layers of knitted sheers. The product gives full functionality with a sheer view out when tilted in the open position, while giving privacy when the vanes are closed.

The sheer soft look can also be found in the roller shades category. Comfortex’ Shantung fabric features a satin inspired sheer fabric for example. Also following suit has been Hunter Douglas with their pleated shades fabrics “Shimmering Forest” or “Castille”, just to name a few. Even within the Duette honeycomb shade’s a sheer fabric “Whisper” can be found.

Sheer materials are elegant, luxurious and sensual and elevate the style of any room. In our online selection you will find many sheer fabrics across our product lines; enjoy browsing.   

Alright, you have made the decision: It will be new sheer horizontal shades for your windows. And now the questions come up: Which vane size? Should you go with the 2” or 3” vane? Is one better than the other? What are the advantages or disadvantages for choosing one over the other?

These questions have been posed to us many times. So here are some things to consider when making this decision:

Price. Even though that rarely will be the “decision-maker”, but the 3” vane size on the Comfortex’ Shangri-La Sheer Shades has a 10% higher price point. That being said, you want to consider your window size. For small and narrow windows, usually the smaller vane size will be great. On large windows or doors, it will be a personal decision. The The large size will complement your big, open windows, creating an open, modern. The 2” will complement with its more traditional, soft atmosphere. When looking for a modern look, a lot of times the 3” vane size will be great. Also to consider, when choosing the larger vane size, you will have less vanes and therefore a better view out. Off course, the 2” vane has one and one half times as many vanes “obstructing” the view when tilted in the open position for a screened view out. So, how important is your view?

Another technical aspect to consider, how much or little mounting surface is available; when you have limited mounting surface the 2” vane size will be the better choice. It can be paired with the UltraSleek low profile headrail, whereas the 3” sheer shade can be as well, but is not ideal for it.

Above and below are sets of pictures illustrating what the 2” versus 3” sheer shades will do in terms of view. Whatever you decide, please remember, there is no right or wrong here. Many things are preferences of YOUR taste. Make your decision, run with it and enjoy your home

As flat and big screen TV’s get bigger, so has the problem of glare control increased when trying to enjoy them. The best picture of a great Plasma TV can become pure annoyance, when the screen has turned into a mirror.

For a dedicated media room a blackout shade might work. We can work here with any cellular blackout shade, room-darkening roller or roman shade or any shade that offers a darkening liner. But when our living area has become a pitch-dark room we have not found the best window covering solution. Let’s talk sheer shades. Sheer horizontal shades will eliminate glare, but not block sunlight (unless a room-darkening material is chosen). The Hunter Douglas Silhouette is the most recognized sheer shade, however is restricted from being sold online. Therefore we will focus here on the beautiful Comfortex Shangri-La sheer shades only. Available in 2” or 3” vane size, the sophisticated product offers great glare control, but does not necessarily block light. While the suspended fabric vanes can be in light-filtering or room-darkening materials, the sheer fabric in front and back will give a screened view out when tilted in the open position. For hard to reach windows a motorized version is available for your convenience. When raised, the Shangri-La shades are fully tucked away in its headrail for an unobstructed view outside. We have here a perfectly versatile product that will work in any living area where light is welcome, while providing glare control for the media and entertainment system.

When finding the right window treatment one does not have to resort to an either or solution. In today’s market, the right window covering will provide functionality and a beautiful look at the same time.