Do Sheer Curtains Go Inside or Outside?

TLDR;

Sheer curtains are typically placed on the inside, closest to the window, to allow natural light while offering privacy. However, in some design setups, they can be layered outside other treatments for style or function.

What Are Sheer Curtains and Why They Matter in Your Space

Sheer curtains are made from lightweight, translucent fabric like voile, chiffon, or polyester. Their main function is to let in soft, filtered light while maintaining privacy during the daytime. They also play a role in protecting your interiors from sun damage—Do Sheer Curtains Stop Furniture Fading?

They're a go-to for homeowners who want to:

• Soften harsh sunlight
  
• Add texture to a room
  
• Maintain visibility without full exposure
  
• Layer with heavier curtains or blinds
  
  

At Love Is Blinds KY, we’ve seen how a simple sheer panel can completely change the feel of a room—adding softness, depth, and elegance.

Do Sheer Curtains Go Inside or Outside?

The Short Answer:

Sheer curtains typically go on the inside, closest to the window glass.

But why?

Because their job is to filter light and provide daytime privacy. Putting them inside lets them do that best. On the other hand, some design choices call for placing them outside—especially for aesthetic layering.



Let’s break both down in more detail.

Sheer Curtains Behind Blackout Curtains (Inside Placement)

When you place sheer curtains closest to the window, and layer blackout curtains or drapes on top:

• You control natural light throughout the day
  
• You maintain privacy without sacrificing sunlight
  
• You create a soft glow and light diffusion effect
  
  

This setup is ideal if:

• You want functional flexibility—open blackout curtains during the day, close them at night
  
• You value energy efficiency and insulation
  
• You want a clean, traditional look
  
  

Best for:

• Bedrooms
  
• Living rooms
  
• Offices
  
• Large glass doors or picture windows
  

Sheer Curtains Over Blinds or Shades (Outside Placement)

Sheers can also go on the outside—in front of blinds or shades. This design choice isn’t about function as much as it is about visual layering.

Benefits include:

• Hiding unattractive blinds when they're raised
  
• Adding elegance or softness to a space
  
• Creating a more inviting, romantic aesthetic
  
  

This setup works if:

• Your blinds provide enough privacy and light control
  
• You want to frame your windows with flowing fabric
  
• You're designing a more luxurious or decorative space
  
  

Popular pairings include:

• Sheer curtains + roller shades
  
• Sheer curtains + Roman shades
  
• Sheers over wooden or vinyl blinds
  

Room-by-Room Placement Strategy

Different rooms, different needs. Here's how we recommend you place sheer curtains depending on the space:

Living Room

• Go with inside placement to maximize daylight
  
• Combine with heavier drapes for evening privacy
  
• Try layering neutral sheers with rich-toned curtains for warmth
  
  

Bedroom

• Use a double curtain rod: sheers inside, blackout curtains outside
  
• Helps you shift between open and closed easily
  
• Offers privacy at night, daylight in the morning
  
  

Kitchen & Dining

• Stick with inside placement
  
• Use shorter sheer panels or café curtains for practicality
  
• Great for letting light in without overheating the space
  
  

Home Office

• Inside sheer placement softens glare on screens
  
• Use with blinds for more precise light control
  
  

Bathroom (if used)

• Only in non-window-facing walls
  
• Consider moisture-resistant sheers or layered with shutters
  

Factors to Consider Before Deciding Curtain Placement

When choosing where to hang your sheer curtains, ask yourself the following:

1. How Much Privacy Do You Need?

• Street-facing windows = more layers
  
• Backyards or upper floors = less concern
  
  

2. What’s the Sun Exposure?

• East-facing windows = strong morning light (sheers inside can diffuse)
  
• West-facing = hot afternoon glare (layer with blackout curtains)
  
  

3. Is Energy Efficiency Important?

• Sheers inside, heavier curtains outside = better insulation
  
• Multiple layers trap heat or cool air more effectively
  
  

4. What’s Your Aesthetic Style?

• Casual styles = sheer-only setups
  
• Formal or luxury = layered sheers outside or dramatic framing
  
• Minimalist = roller blinds with hidden sheer layers
  

How to Layer Sheer Curtains with Other Window Treatments

Want the best of both worlds? Layering is the key.

With Blackout Curtains

• Double rod setup: sheers inside, blackout outside
  
• Open blackout during the day, close for privacy and darkness
  
  

With Roman Shades or Roller Shades

• Hang sheers on an outer rod or ceiling mount
  
• Shades stay functional while sheers add softness
  
  

With Venetian or Vertical Blinds

• Mount sheers outside of the window frame
  
• Great for hiding harsh lines and adding dimension
  

Best Practices for Installing Sheer Curtains

Installation is where most people get tripped up. Here’s what to know:

Measure Twice

• Account for height and width beyond the window frame
  
• For inside placement, allow the fabric to gently kiss the floor
  
  

Choose the Right Rods

• Double rods if layering
  
• Tension rods for temporary or renter-friendly setups
  
• Use center support brackets for wide windows
  
  

Mount for Function

• Mount higher above the window for taller ceilings
  
• Extend rods beyond the frame for full coverage when open
  

Visual Design Inspiration: Inside vs. Outside Sheer Curtain Examples

Seeing it makes the choice clearer. Consider these setups:

Inside Placement Gallery

• Modern bedrooms with sheer curtains layered under blackout panels
  
• Bright living rooms using sheer curtains to let the sunlight in
  
• Kitchens with short sheer café curtains for charm and airiness
  
  

Outside Placement Gallery

• Romantic dining rooms with sheers draped over Roman shades
  
• Glamorous spaces using ceiling-to-floor sheers over blinds
  
• Entryways using sheers to soften bold window frames
  
  

(Tip: Use Love Is Blinds KY design consultation service to visualize it in your own space.)

Common Sheer Curtain Placement Questions Answered

Sheer Curtain Placement: What Works Best for You?

Choosing whether your sheer curtains go inside or outside depends on:

• Your privacy needs
  
• Desired light control
  
• Room function
  
• Style preferences
  
  

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule.

The most functional setups usually place sheer curtains inside, but style-forward designs may layer sheers outside for drama.

At Love Is Blinds KY, we help homeowners and designers across Kentucky find the perfect window treatment combinations for every room.