Sheer curtains are made with a variety of materials which are all lightweight. They include polyester, gauze, chiffon, silk, lace, cotton, and linen. They are available in solid colors as well as different prints and embroidered designs. Sheer drapes allow for very decorative styles to ensure each room in your home has its own motif. We will examine each type of sheer curtain to see how they differ.
Voile
A voile is a sheer fabric that is made of a blend of cotton with linen and polyester. The textiles are woven together to create a stronger fabric with a higher thread count. Voiles are accessible in almost every color including black. These drapes are very light weight and creates a breathable feel to your home. They are mostly used during the warmer seasons. They are used a window treatments for a layered when used with heavier or blackout drapes.
Semi-Sheer
Semi-sheer curtains provide a bit more privacy than standard sheer curtains. They do not block the sunlight from entering a room but they do prevent outsiders from seeing in. They are made with the same type of material but are more opaque in their coloring to lessen the transparency.
Linen
Linen is made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is a stronger material than cotton though it is similar to its lightweight and its ability to be breathable and cool. Sheer linen drapes require more maintenance as linen tends to wrinkle and get stiff when dirty. They are usually not machine washable and must be sent out for drying cleaning service.
Faux Linen
Faux linen is not made with any linen at all. It is instead a blend of mainly polyester with small amounts of cotton added to make it softer to the human touch. It is easier to care for than real linen and it is less expensive.