Have you ever tried to sleep when the bright sun shines into your room? Or have you ever felt scared at night because the windows looked too open? It can be annoying. Many people want their rooms to be dark when they sleep, but they also like sunlight during the day. If you only have thick, dark curtains, your room stays dark all the time. If you only have light, thin curtains, the bright sun wakes you up too early.
What a problem! Some people try to fix this by putting both sheer curtains and blackout curtains together, but that is when the real trouble starts. No matter your style, Top Notch offers custom-made curtains and expert advice to help you solve your problem.

Sheer as the Base Layer
Placing sheer curtains close to the window and blackout curtains on the inner side of the room provides privacy throughout the day and night. During the day, opening the blackout curtains allows natural light to brighten the room while the sheer curtains remain closed.
Their lightweight fabric softens harsh sunlight in summer, creating a comfortable ambiance. In colder months, you can open the sheer curtains fully to let in maximum daylight and warmth.
In the evening, closing the blackout curtains ensures privacy and helps retain warmth, making the space cozy. Both sheer and blackout curtains can be hung as single or multiple panels. Two panels create a classic center-opening design, while multiple panels can slide freely along the track to any position. A single panel, when open, will gather neatly to one side.
Sheer as the Top Layer
Blackout curtains can enhance sleep quality, but some may prefer the soft, elegant look of sheer curtains on the room’s interior. This layering style offers a modern look to classic window treatments, adding both function and style. It is also a favorite choice among the ToNotch team, as it beautifully showcases the delicate textures of sheer curtain fabrics.
Positioning sheer curtains on the inside brings a touch of elegance, helping to soften the room’s overall decor. S-fold sheer curtains can gracefully extend to the floor for a sleek, flowing look, or they can be tied back for a more dramatic and romantic effect.
Ceiling-Mounted Sheer and Blackout Curtains.
Hanging curtains from the ceiling adds height to the room and makes it stylish. The curtains can open from the left, right, middle or move freely, depending on what you like. If you want both sheer and blackout curtains to move separately, using two tracks works best. Our curtain tracks are small and blend into the ceiling, hiding the brackets for an elegant look.
Wall-Mounted Sheer and Blackout Curtains.
Wall-mounted curtains are fixed to the wall just above the window. With different bracket sizes, both sheer and blackout curtains can move easily without getting stuck. These curtains usually open in the middle, but you can also choose to have them stack to the left, right or move freely to match your room’s design.
Which Curtain Layer Should Be Longer?
Before ordering curtains you need to decide how long they should be. The total curtain length is called the ‘drop, which is the distance from the curtain track at the top to the floor.
When layering curtains, the sheer fabric can be slightly shorter than blackout curtains to allow easy movement. For example, sheer curtains might hang just above the floor, while blackout curtains can lightly touch it.
If sheer curtains are placed over blackout curtains, a longer length can create an elegant look. Blackout curtains may just touch the floor, while sheers can drape softly for a more luxurious feel.
In the end, the choice is yours! You can keep both the same length or make one longer. With custom-made curtains, you can get the exact style you want.
Benefits of Layering Curtains.
Combining sheer and blackout curtains offers many benefits. Some are
- Keeps the room comfortable: Layered curtains help control the temperature.
- Protect furniture: Curtains prevent sunlight from fading your decor.
- Reduces noise: Blackout curtains help block outside sounds.
- Controls light: Adjust the brightness in any room to match the season and your needs.
If you are unsure about layering sheer and blackout curtains correctly, don’t worry! In Australia, Top Notch can help you get the perfect fit. Simply provide your window measurements, and for a small fee, they will customize the curtains to the right size. Book a free consultation online or give us a call today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I layer sheer and blackout curtains?
Layering sheer and blackout curtains gives you control over light and privacy. Sheer curtains allow soft daylight, while blackout curtains block light for better sleep and privacy.
Should sheer curtains go in front or behind blackout curtains?
Sheer curtains should be placed closer to the window, with blackout curtains on the inside of the room. This setup lets in natural light while maintaining privacy.
Can I open the blackout curtains during the day?
Yes! Opening blackout curtains during the day lets sunlight brighten the room, while sheer curtains filter the light and reduce glare.
How do I hang both curtains together?
You can use a double curtain rod or dual curtain tracks to hang sheer and blackout curtains separately, allowing easy movement.
Will sheer curtains provide privacy at night?
Sheer curtains offer privacy during the day, but at night, they are see-through when lights are on. Closing blackout curtains ensures complete privacy.
Do blackout curtains help with temperature control?
Yes! Blackout curtains help keep the room cooler in summer by blocking heat and warmer in winter by keeping heat inside.
Can I adjust the curtain length?
Yes! You can customize the length of sheer and blackout curtains. Some prefer sheer curtains slightly shorter, while others like them longer for a flowing look.
What is the best way to style layered curtains?
You can tie back blackout curtains for a bright, airy feel during the day and close them at night for coziness and privacy.