Sheer and blockout curtains

Hang a sheer for soft daylight and a blockout for dark rooms on two tracks. See how the layers sit, what they need and how they work together.

What it is

A sheer and a blockout curtain hang on one window, each on its own track.

Each layer has its own gliders and its own fixing.

The layers sit about 4 to 10 cm apart at the heading.

One fitting guide puts the sheer on the front track and the lining behind it.

A blockout curtain stops nearly all light when drawn. A thin edge of light can show at the top, sides and centre.

A sheer lets soft light through.

A sheer takes 2.5 to 3 times the track width in cloth.

A sheer is weighted at the hem so it hangs straight.

Wave and pencil pleat show sheers off well.

Two tracks need room to stand out from the wall. One maker's wall brackets hold the track 52 to 192 mm out.

A 10 cm bracket is sold for mounting two tracks side by side.

Measure the window for a track, step by step.

Sources

Written by Sill from makers' fitting guides and published safety guidance, and last read on 18 October 2026. Sources are listed below.