Australians are buying ‘sheer’ DIY curtains for windows over blinds

Homeowners are ditching expensive blinds and shutters in favour of an on-trend, affordable option to let more light in at a fraction of the price.

The trend of vertical blinds and shutters is starting to wane as homeowners take a more DIY approach to home styling.

The renaissance in softer window treatments is down to a more “romantic” trend in interiors, but the popularity of curtains right now could also be attributed to the DIY aspect which is helping homeowners spruce up their home on a tight budget.

“I think what we’ve seen across the globe is that people are looking for a softer feel in their homes. In a move away from the vertical blinds and shutters, we’ve moved into a softer, more romantic sort of feel,” said Susan Kropp, Domayne’s Global Trends and Homewares Design Manager.

Let the light in. Sheer curtains add a “romantic” element to a room. Image: Domayne

Sheer curtains in particular have soared in popularity, in stark contrast to the heavy, draped patterned curtains that peaked in popularity in the 1970s.

“So many of us have been scarred over the years from our parents and daggy floral curtains that we all remember as a child with heavy backings on them. And now we’re seeing this soft, beautiful finish that we never saw as kids. So I think a lot of it’s about the generation that is starting to see curtains in a whole new light,” she said.

Susan said even our terminology is changing, with customers referring to today’s window treatments as “sheers” as opposed to curtains or drapes.

Lightweight, sheer curtains are now favoured by home decor stylists and renovators. Image: Domayne

Vesna Vasilevski, Domayne’s Product and Marketing Manager (Global Portfolio) explained sheer curtains are made from lightweight fabrics that filter sunlight and create a diffused glow in a space, but while creating a soft ambience, they offer limited privacy.

In bedrooms, they are often teamed with room darkening curtains to reduce incoming light.

“Room darkening curtains can provide some insulation benefits by reducing the amount of heat that enters or escapes through windows. They can help maintain a more stable indoor temperature,” she said.

“Room darkening curtains are an excellent choice for bedrooms, especially if you want to create a conducive sleep environment. They block out a significant amount of sunlight, helping you sleep better by keeping the room darker in the morning and reducing external light disturbances. If you have a dedicated media room, room darkening curtains are essential. They help reduce glare on screens and create a cinematic atmosphere by darkening the room for an optimal viewing experience.”

Blockout curtains are typically made from thicker and denser materials than standard curtains and can help reduce external noise by providing an additional layer of insulation and absorption, although their primary purpose is to control light and privacy rather than soundproofing. They also block a significant portion of harmful UV rays from the sun, which helps protect furniture, flooring, and interior decor from fading and damage.

“While not as effective as dedicated soundproofing measures, blockout curtains can help reduce external noise by providing an additional layer of insulation and absorption. This can create a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment,” said Vesna.“Due to their insulating properties, blockout curtains contribute to energy efficiency by reducing the need for cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. They can help lower energy bills in rooms where temperature control is a priority.”

Originally published as Australians are buying ‘sheer’ DIY curtains for windows over blinds