Journal · Expert advice
Sheer curtains vs blockout curtains: pros and cons
One of the most common questions we get in the showroom is whether to choose sheer or blockout curtains. The honest answer is that they solve different problems, and for a lot of rooms the best solution is both.
The short version
Key takeaways
- Sheer curtains filter light and add softness, while blockout curtains block light fully and improve insulation—they solve different problems, not the same one.
- Bedrooms and media rooms usually call for blockout, while living areas often work better with sheer or a layered combination.
- You don't have to choose one over the other. Running both on the same window is one of the most common setups we install.
- Fabric weight and lining make the real difference in performance, more than the heading style you choose.
What sheer curtains do well
Sheer curtains filter natural light rather than blocking it, softening harsh sun while still letting a room feel open and bright. They add privacy during the day without making a space feel closed in, which is why they work so well in living rooms, dining areas and anywhere you want light without being overlooked. Linen and linen-blend sheers are our most requested fabric for this reason, and you can see how they compare to other options in our guide to the best curtain fabrics for Australian homes.
Where sheers fall short
Sheers won't block light or noise at night, and they offer very little insulation on their own. If you need a dark room for sleep or a home theatre, a sheer alone won't get you there.
What blockout curtains do well
Blockout curtains fully block outside light and add a real layer of insulation, helping keep rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This makes them the right choice for bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms, or any north or west-facing window where heat gain is a real issue.
Where blockout falls short
A fully blocked-out room can feel heavy or closed off during the day, and the heavier lining that gives blockout curtains their performance also makes them less breathable in a casual living space.
Can you have both on one window?
Yes, and it's one of the most common combinations we install. Running a sheer on the inner track with a blockout or dimout on the outer gives you soft, filtered light by day and full privacy or darkness at night, without swapping curtains between seasons or moods. Once installed, sheer and blockout fabrics need slightly different care. Our curtain care guide covers how to look after each.
Which one should you choose?
- Living and dining rooms: sheer, or sheer layered with a lighter dimout
- Bedrooms and media rooms: blockout, for darkness and insulation
- North or west-facing windows: blockout or a heavier dimout, to manage heat gain
- Any room you want flexibility in: both, layered on separate tracks
The right answer depends on the room, the light it gets and what you actually need from it, and that's exactly what our team talks through in every consultation. Seeing both fabrics in person makes the decision far easier than picturing it at home. Book a free measure and quote and we'll help you work out what's right for each window in your home.
Helpful details
Frequently asked questions
Can you have sheer and blockout curtains on the same window?
Do sheer curtains block heat?
What curtains are best for a bedroom?
Are blockout curtains good for summer?
What's the difference between blockout and dimout curtains?
Ready when you are
See it, feel it and find the right finish for your home.
Visit Belrose or Moore Park, or invite our team to your home for a complimentary measure and consultation.
