Sheers and Shadings
Sheer fabric is eye-catching and alluring on its own, but when used for window shades it really comes alive through its interaction with natural light. Sunlight filters through transparent or semi-transparent sheer fabrics to create glowing interior effects, and the diaphanous treatments seemingly float in place giving the illusion of an airy open interior even when used in small rooms and spaces. Modern window shades that use sheer fabrics range from simple, timeless sheer shades to innovative window sheers with state-of-the-art features and chic design styles.
Our team would love to help you pick the perfect sheers and shadings!
Window Sheers by Hunter Douglas
Modern style and intuitive design unite in the collection of Hunter Douglas products that use sheer materials. From horizontal sheer shadings to vertical blind hybrids and free-flowing window shades, Hunter Douglas has a selection of sheer shades to choose from, all of which can be customized to suit individual tastes and match existing home decor. Hunter Douglas window sheers are also compatible with several styles of operating systems including traditional manual systems; cordless, child-safe systems; and motorized systems like PowerView® Automation that offers user-friendly interfaces from handheld remotes and an online app to voice control and automated scheduling through smart home systems.
Silhouette® Window Shadings
Silhouette® Window Shadings use front and back sheer panels with s-shaped vanes of opaque fabric suspended between the two to create sophisticated window sheers that operate like a shutter with the fabric vane tilting up or down to control sunlight. Silhouette® Window Shadings are also available with the Duolite® system that adds an independently controlled room-darkening roller shade to the back of the sheer shade to increase the treatment’s overall ability to block sunlight and create darker interiors.
Pirouette® Window Shadings
Pirouette® Window Shadings use both opaque and sheer materials in a one-of-a-kind design with strong, clean lines and a light, weightless aesthetic. Floating vanes of opaque fabric are attached to a sheer backing and can be opened or closed in tandem, or the entire window shade can be raised much like blinds. Pirouette® Window Shadings are known for their incredible view-through properties, especially ClearView® window shades that let homeowners enjoy their views and control the light with ease.
Luminette® Privacy Sheers
Luminette® Privacy Sheers are vertical window shades and so suitable for treatments on sliding glass doors and broad windows that are too wide for horizontal treatments. Like traditional vertical blinds, Luminette® Privacy Sheers utilize vertically hung vanes that block light, and on Luminette® sheer shades those vanes can rotate up to 180° for wide-ranging control and privacy.
Design Studio® Window Shades
Another option for those looking for sheer shades for their home are drapes or side panels crafted from sheer or semi-opaque materials. Sheer shades that are designed like drapery inherit the flow and rich feel of drapery but with a decidedly airier and more delicate overall feel. Sheer window shades can be floor-length (sheer drapery) or similar in length to the window (sheer curtains) and used either independently for a simple yet elegant window treatment or in versatile layered looks for multi-dimensional design.
Benefits of Sheer Shades
There are many different styles of sheer shades on the market today that use sheer or semi-opaque materials for light control. One reason the translucent material is so popular in window shades is that it offers a variety of benefits for homeowners. So, no matter if you prefer the structured innovation of sheer shadings like Silhouette® or Pirouette® Window Shadings or the flowing aesthetic of Luminette® Privacy Sheers you’ll enjoy aspects that this unique material brings to window treatments.
Diffuse Sunlight
Warm welcoming light with a soft, diffused glow; that’s what raw natural light is transformed into when passing through sheer materials. So, in rooms with sheer shades, the natural illumination adds a beautiful and enchanting aesthetic. And while the soft lighting is bewitching in a design sense, it is also useful for the practicality of everyday life. Filtered light creates less glare and less reflection on monitors so it’s great in family rooms or media rooms, and it's easier on our eyes and wallets as natural illumination is far cheaper than artificial light. Additionally, the light-control versatility found in window sheers that use both sheer and opaque fabrics makes them ideal for additional rooms throughout the home including bedrooms, dining rooms, formal living rooms, entryways, guest rooms, home offices, and kitchens.
Hide Unsightly Views
There are many gorgeous views in Pennsylvania. Obscuring the view without blocking the view entirely using sheer window shades is one technique that works for many design styles. Sheer shades partially block views with grace and subtle softness that reads well in large or small spaces. The openness of sheer materials helps prevent the rooms from feeling completely closed off even when the sheer window shades are closed.
Guard against UV
Sunlight is beautiful, but sun damage is not. UV rays in natural sunlight can cause irrevocable damage to the items in your home including your flooring, furniture, décor, and even the walls themselves. Sun damage can look like faded color, cracking, peeling, warping, bubbling, or the disintegration of some materials due to sun rot. Window shades can protect your home if they are able to block or absorb UV rays; sheer shades have that ability. In fact, window sheers can filter out the UV rays while allowing the harmless spectrum of natural light to pass through. So, homeowners get beautiful, filtered light while their household items remain protected. Hunter Douglas window shadings are especially astute at blocking UV rays:
Silhouette® Window Shadings – blocks up to 88% of UV rays
Pirouette® Window Shadings – blocks up to 81% of UV rays with vanes open / blocks up to 99% of UV rays with vanes closed
Provide Privacy
The semi-transparent nature of sheer materials used in window shades by Hunter Douglas is innovative in that it allows natural light in but obscures the view in. So, in the middle of the day or night you can rest assured that your privacy is protected when inside your home. This is also one reason that sheer shades are a popular addition to layered treatments because they allow the other window treatments to be fully opened without compromising privacy.
Neutral Versatility
Sheer is a deceptively simple material because not only does its delicate aesthetic hide a stockpile of functional benefits, but its simple look can also conceal a considerable measure of versatility and usefulness in interior design. Window sheers work in most styles of interior design, and with plentiful fabric choices, these shades are highly customizable. The soft aesthetic of sheer shades is also a useful tool for interior design because it can balance hard elements in the room like hardwood floors or the strong lines of modern design.
Ready for sheer window shades in your home? Contact the design team at Window Concepts to discuss your options today. Our helpful team can walk you through the many choices for sheer shades from Hunter Douglas and the available customizations for each style. Then, when you’re ready, arrange for measuring and installation as well. Window Concepts is located near Paoli, Pennsylvania, and serves regions in southeast Pennsylvania including Malvern, Chester Springs, Gladwyne, Radner, Berwyn, and Paoli, PA. Request a consultation online or stop by the Paoli location today.