If you’re looking to soften your room while maintaining privacy, without blocking the light completely, Sheer and Voile curtains are a beautiful and practical solution.
What Are Voile Curtains?
Voile curtains – sometimes called sheer curtains – are made from lightweight, translucent fabric that softly filters natural light. They allow sunshine to filter into your room while offering privacy by distorting the view from outside. Think of them as the perfect balance between openness and privacy.
Typically made from cotton, polyester, or a blend, voiles have a light and airy texture that adds elegance and softness to any space. Voile curtains are especially popular for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms where you want brightness without the glare.
The Benefits of Sheer & Voile Curtains
- Soft, Natural Light: Voiles diffuse harsh sunlight, creating a warm, welcoming glow.
- Daytime Privacy: Distorts the view from outside without blocking your view inside.
- Elegant Design: The lightweight fabric brings a calm, refined feel to contemporary or classic interiors.
- Versatility: Available in countless colours, patterns, and heading styles (from pencil pleat, to wave headings)
Voile, Sheer, and Net Curtains – What’s the Difference?
Sheer curtains are the term for the overall category of lightweight translucent window coverings. Voile refers to a specific type of fabric used for sheer curtains – A soft, finely woven, lightweight fabric (traditionally cotton, now often polyester) used to create smooth, flowing sheer curtains.
Net curtains are made from a coarser, mesh-style fabric designed mainly designed for day time privacy. In many ways, voile curtains are a modern take on the traditional net curtain style.
Most voile fabrics are provided as a double width material – in most cases 300cm wide – allowing them to be used for much larger windows and bi fold doors, without the need for joins.
Design Ideas and Styling Tips
- Layer with Curtains: Combine voile panels with lined curtains for flexible light control and a luxurious layered look.
- Use with Curtain Poles or Tracks: Choose sleek curtain poles for a decorative statement finish, or opt for discreet tracks for a more minimalist look. A wave curtain heading works particularly well with voile curtains thanks to its soft, flowing appearance – just remember to use a dedicated wave track to achieve the desired effect.
- Play with Colour: Off White and cream are timeless choices, but soft darker naturals, earthy or blush tones can add gentle personality.
- Perfect for Large Windows: Voiles look stunning across French doors or bi‑fold windows, providing privacy without completely blocking the view outside.
FAQs About Voile Curtains
Are voile curtains see‑through at night?
Yes – if lights are on inside and it’s dark outside, voiles become more transparent. Pair them with lined curtains or blinds for complete evening privacy.
Can voile curtains help with insulation?
Typically, they are not designed for thermal insulation, they do add a small amount of warmth by reducing drafts. If you are seeking insulation, it would be best to pair voile curtains with heavier, lined curtains.
How do I clean voile curtains?
Most voile curtains include weighted hems to help them hang evenly and neatly, particularly on larger windows. For best results, professionally clean your voiles or hand wash them according to the fabric’s care instructions. Maintenance like gently vacuuming with a soft brush end to reduce dust build up will help keep your voiles looking fresh for longer.
Transform Your Home with Made‑to‑Measure Sheers & Voiles
Whether you’re updating a period property in Bath, styling a modern home in Somerset, or refreshing a cottage in Wiltshire, voile curtains are an elegant, versatile choice. They bring warmth, softness, and privacy to your living spaces, whilst still letting light flow into your space.
At Dible & Roy, based in Bradford on Avon, and serving customers across Wiltshire, Bath, and Somerset, we help homeowners choose elegant, made‑to‑measure voile curtains that complement every style of interior.
We offer a full measure and installation service, as well as helping you choose fabrics, headings, and finishes tailored to your home.
Get in touch today to book a free consultation or visit our showroom to explore our range of beautiful voile and sheer fabrics.
