Sheer Types of Window Coverings That Balance Design

Alexander Blank Fabrics • February 13, 2026

Do you remember those vintage sheer, lacy curtains on windows from years back? The fabric was stiff and sure, they were charming, but most were only for show or layering with other shades to get both the look and protection you want in every space—plus, they added a lot of bulk to the window design.

Hunter Douglas Silhouette® Sheer Shades near Lutherville, Maryland

Things changed for the better when Hunter Douglas created new and innovative sheer types of window coverings that give the benefits of a sheer in a low-profile modern shade footprint that work alone or when layered to create any style you’d like.

At Alexander Blank Fabrics & Design, we have exciting sheer window treatment ideas to share. And since these ingeniously designed sheers have hidden elements, they work like blinds. How cool is that?

Hunter Douglas Silhouette® Sheer Shades

Hunter Douglas Silhouette® Sheer Shades have a split personality, but in the best way possible. This horizontal style has floating fabric vanes suspended between two sheer panels, for a distinctive layered effect. This engineered construction lets you adjust the vanes to control light like vertical blinds. When the vanes are open, daylight filters through the sheer fabric, eliminating glare and protecting your privacy from the outside.

In the a.m., move the vanes to cut back the brightness without blocking your garden or street view. As the afternoon sun intensifies, tilt the vanes more to protect furniture and flooring from UV damage. The sheers diffuse light evenly throughout the room, giving the space a radiant glow. And don’t be fooled by the delicate appearance; the fabrics filter the sun’s rays.

We love how these sheer shades work in living rooms when homeowners want to highlight other elements and create an airy, elegant aesthetic. The soft fabric adds dimension to windows and works in contemporary and traditional interiors. Try pairing them with neutral wall colors to let the interplay of light and shadow become the focal point.

Pirouette® Sheer Shades

Pirouette® Sheer Shades also have a horizontal orientation, with integrated, contoured fabric vanes that seem to float on a single sheer backing. Whether the vanes are open or closed, they produce a three-dimensional quality that stands out compared to flat panels.

The fabric's gentle curves soften angular elements in a room, like rectangular dining room tables; the sophisticated profile also plays well with organic design elements like wooden furniture and natural fiber rugs. 

Operating Systems

  • UltraGlide® has a retractable cord system that maintains constant length while raising and lowering shades for smooth, tangle-free operation.
  • SoftTouch® is a battery-powered wand system. Simply pull down or push up on the wand for effortless touch-and-go control.
  • LiteRise® offers cordless convenience — raise or lower your shades with a gentle push or pull of your hand.
  • EasyRise™ uses a continuous cord loop engineered for smooth operation on large or hard-to-reach window treatments.
  • PowerView® Automation is a motorized system that moves shades via the PowerView® app, Pebble® Remote, or voice commands through smart-home integration. You can program them to set schedules to move when you’re at home or away.

Luminette® Sheer Panels

Especially well-suited for large windows and sliding glass doors, and with a vertical orientation. Luminette® Sheer Panels remind us of sheer drapery, with that extra special something: Its vertical fabric vanes offer reliable control and privacy for long, wide openings. Each fabric vane rotates 180 degrees, and the vertical orientation creates an illusion of height.

Luminette® Sheer Panels have a low-profile redesigned SofTrak™ 2.0 hardware system concealed by the fabric for a polished look when closed. That feature makes the operation streamlined and easy. As with the other types of sheer types of window coverings, this option works best in patios and sunrooms, and sliding glass doors.

Balance Light and Design With Sheer Types of Window Coverings

Our team knows how light affects different rooms throughout the day and recommends solutions tailored to homeowners' design challenges. We know you’ll be impressed by these stunning window treatments and look forward to meeting you. Visit our showroom or contact us for a consultation in Lutherville-Timonium and the greater Baltimore Metro area.

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