Turning a house into a home takes multiple steps—you need the right furniture and furnishings, and the wall colours must complement everything in the room. And then you need to choose curtains wisely too, because curtains do more than just block light. Curtains, though simple, play a key role in shaping the mood, style, and functionality of your space.
While it is easy to just pick curtains that match your overall colour theme and hang them up, there is an art to stylish curtain layering. Curtain layering is more than just picking complementary curtains—it’s both an art and a science, and at The Yellow Dwelling, we can help you master it!
Let’s start with what stylish curtain layering is all about
When shopping for curtains, you’ll find plenty of options in terms of type, material, and function. There are colour options, material choices and of course, the purpose. However, there is no reason why you need to stick to only one kind. Layering curtains creates depth, adds flexibility, and enhances aesthetics, and we can help you get it right.
Double curtains consist of two layers that serve different functions:
-
Main Curtains: These are heavier, opaque fabrics designed to block light, provide insulation, and enhance privacy.
-
Sheer Curtains: These are lightweight, translucent fabrics that allow natural light to filter through while maintaining a level of privacy.
This combination gives you the best of both worlds—privacy and brightness during the day with sheers, and complete coverage when needed with the main curtains.
Tips on choosing curtain combinations that will work for your home spaces
Most people choose curtains based solely on colour—often opting for dark main curtains and lighter sheers—but there’s so much more to consider!
The main curtains are the foundation of the layered look, which is why you need to consider:
-
The fabric - Linen, heavy cotton curtains or blackout (wth or without lining) fabric curtains work well for insulation as well as aesthetics.
-
The colour and pattern - Neutral tones blend seamlessly, while bold hues or patterns make a statement, which is why you need to pick based on your design aesthetic.
-
The function – You also need to consider the function of the curtains – for the bedroom, you will want to pick blackout curtains to ensure proper sleep, but for the living room, you can go for more decorative drapes.
Moving onto the sheer curtains:
-
The fabric – The whole idea of sheer curtains is that they be light, so choose from voile, organza, chiffon, or lace to help create different levels of translucency. You can even find sheer curtains in cotton and other natural fabrics.
-
The colour and pattern - White or neutral sheers create a timeless look, while subtle pastels can add warmth.
-
The texture – When you are picking sheer curtains, you also get to pick from embroidered or textured versions, because they can offer a visual interest.
Choosing the right pairing enhances the overall aesthetic and functionality of your curtains and at The Yellow Dwelling, you will find the best curtains as well as the finest ideas.
Here is the ‘how-to’ of how to mix and match curtains!
When you come to shop for curtains at The Yellow Dwelling, you just might find yourself slightly overwhelmed, because there is so much to choose from. Understanding how to create the right pairs of main and sheer curtains is where the charm and elegance of your space lies! 
Here are some tried-and-tested combo curtain ideas for you to try:
-
Solid main curtains with minimally printed sheer curtains – A classic and sophisticated choice, this combination works well for modern and minimalistic spaces. The subtle print on the sheers adds a hint of personality without overwhelming the look.
-
Printed main curtains with solid sheer curtains – If you are looking for a way to introduce patterns into your space while keeping the layering effect balanced, then go for this option. This pairing ensures the main curtain remains the focal point while the sheer layer provides softness and light control.
-
Large printed main curtains with minimally printed sheer curtains – If you love bold designs, this is an ideal way to incorporate them without making the room look cluttered. A large floral or geometric print on the main curtains will pair beautifully with lightly patterned sheers, adding depth and dimension.
-
Floral printed main curtains with geometric sheer curtains (stripes or checks) – A striking and contemporary contrast that blends classic and modern styles, this is ideal for when you want to create a statement in your space. The floral print adds warmth and charm, while the geometric sheer curtains introduce a structured, balanced aesthetic.
-
Natural linen or neutral main curtains with embroidered or textured sheer curtains – This combination is perfect for creating a relaxed, elegant atmosphere. The neutral base allows the delicate embroidery or texture on the sheers to stand out, adding subtle sophistication.
A double curtain rod setup for a double curtain combo!
The most practical way to layer curtains is with a double rod setup – you would use the front rod to hold the main curtains, which would be heavier and more opaque, while the back rod would hold the sheer curtains, which would allow the light to filter through, when the main curtains are open.
You can consider using a single rod with double brackets too – this method allows both curtain types to be hung on one rod with separate tracks, creating a seamless appearance.
Now that you are armed with all these curtain pairing tips, it is time for you to come to The Yellow Dwelling and pick the best sheer and blackout curtain combos for your home!
