Window treatments shape a room’s atmosphere by controlling how much light they welcome in. They also protect our privacy. Some are heavy, others are airy; but most fall somewhere in between.

Our design experts at A Shade Above frequently field customer questions about how to best choose window covering fabric options, including questions about sheers or sheer cloth shades. Sheer materials suit many rooms, depending on the purposes served.

First things first: Fabric opacity determines how much light comes through your windows. Opaque, room-darkening, and blackout materials don’t let in much light, which is perfect for privacy in bedrooms and enclosing media rooms.

Sheer cloth filters sunlight gently, for a soft glow without fully obscuring views. These fabrics offer a middle ground, protecting privacy and diffusing light to create welcoming atmospheres. Homeowners often prefer sheer cloth window treatments for family rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, and offices.

Let’s explore a few options with different opacities.

Banded shades, sometimes called zebra shades, have alternating horizontal bands of sheer and solid fabrics. By adjusting the alignment, you control your privacy and light levels; the sheer bands let in diffused light, and the solid bands give you more coverage. This style suits interior spaces where light flexibility is key. Banded shades are modern and innovative—they’re real conversation starters.

Contemporary sheer shades blend elegance and function, with hybrid designs for light and privacy control flexibility. They have one or two sheer panels with integrated, soft fabric vanes that disperse and soften incoming light. You tilt the vanes as needed, reducing glare without sacrificing brightness. This refined design adds subtle sophistication to classic and modern interiors. Choose from horizontal or vertical orientations and a wide selection of fabrics.

One of my most popular forms of translucent shading, we have solar shades. They’re made with specialized light-filtering fabrics that guard against brightness; plus, you still have good outward visibility. The fabrics have different openness levels (choose from 1-14%) to control light, glare, and UV rays, protecting interiors and furnishings from fading and discoloration. These work beautifully in enclosed patios and other rooms that experience strong sunlight during the day and early evening.

Layering custom window treatments like these with drapery adds design points, with more light and privacy control options. We can suggest ways to do this that add texture and richness.

We can’t wait to show you fabric choices and inspire you to create a bright, welcoming space that reflects your style.

Visit A Shade Above in Charlotte and Cornelius, North Carolina, and North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina—as well as Diana’s Blinds by A Shade Above in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Contact us to schedule your appointment.

We feature Hunter Douglas window treatments and custom-made in-house shutters and look forward to meeting you.

A Shade Above – Charlotte Headquarters
& Temporary Showroom

1253 Matthews Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

By Appointment Only