Nothing says summer like soft sheer draperies billowing in the wind; it just makes you feel cooler.   Sheers, as they are referred to, are most often used as a second layer to draperies.  They soften the light, provide a small amount of privacy and can hide an ugly view outside.  The fabrics used are soft and drapey and include cotton, silk, linen, voile and even polyester.  However, today’s sheers are not the ordinary white curtains your grandmother used.  Far from it!  The selection available today feature patterns that range from soft florals to bold geometrics in colors or tone on tone embroidery.  See if any of these decorating ideas will work in your home.

• Consider using a sheer fabric with a golden tone to cast a lovely glow in a dark room.
• Drape fabric over a pole for a simple, no-sew window treatment.
• Sheers added to a four poster bed (or just two posts) will create a cozy and romantic spot.
• Replace those heavy winter drapes with lightweight sheers for the summer months and don’t worry about privacy.  Throw the doors open and let the sun shine in !
• A sheer overlay makes a pretty tablecloth.
• Add an extra layer to your shower curtain.  This will hide the tub enclosure but still let the light in.
• Use the leftover fabric to wrap a winebottle.  Simply tie a ribbon around the neck of the bottle and you have a beautiful gift presentation.

Sheers are an affordable way to change the look of your room in minutes.  Enjoy the soft breezes of summer now and, when fall arrives, choose a fabric with subtle embroidered leaves, for instance.