How to choose a modern alternative to net curtains

Written by Yvonne Keal

Product Management specialist

Written: 16/12/2022

Updated: 10/07/2024

Say goodbye to old-fashioned net curtains

Wondering what to replace your old net curtains with? Let's show you some alternatives that'll provide all-important privacy and light control but keep your space modern and stylish.

New is always exciting. That’s why we’re pleased to introduce our new Roller blinds collection. It’s bursting with ideas to help transform your windows and doors, and in this series of articles we’ll take a closer look at some of the ways you can use them in your home.

Net curtains are useful for providing an extra layer of privacy at the window, especially during the day. But with many of us considering them outdated, we’re often asked for modern ways to provide that same effect. Our new shiny Roller blinds range includes a fantastic selection of new ideas to protect your modesty.

We’ve given lace the Roller blind treatment. Our Eltringham White fabric is a more modern alternative to traditional net curtains. Perfect for overlooked rooms, layer with sumptuous curtains to help take the look from day to night.

The attractive design of our Kimi White fabric is oh-so-clever, featuring a classic damask design cleverly made from small holes which allow ample light to flood into the room, while still maintaining your privacy. We’d layer with statement curtains featuring a blackout lining for the perfect bedroom look.

A 'burnout' fabric is one that has undergone a chemical transformation to dissolve some of the fibres, creating a semi-transparent pattern. This makes them a fantastic alternative to nets, as the blind adds privacy yet still allows light through. Our Gossamer White fabric features a pretty botanical design using this technique.

Of course, if you’re looking to inject a little colour into your home, burnout fabrics are also available in striking shades. Our Kinsley Bijoux Roller blind will keep peeping eyes out during the day, and will also cast an attractive colour-play design onto your walls for added interest.

Finally, if you’d like a little more protection at the window, opt for a white Roller blind in a non-sheer fabric. The light shade will still allow some light to filter through, creating a lovely glow at the window. Our Candra Kiwi Crush blind features a stylish mark-making pattern in green for added interest.

White Voile Roman blinds in large glass dining room expanse looking out to garden

1. Versatile voiles

For sheer elegance, Voile Roman blinds are a beautiful addition to any home. Creating a sleek and simple look, these stylish blinds are great for providing daytime privacy and are especially suited to wide windows.

We’ve chosen Clarity White for this minimal dining area. The lightweight, plain fabric creates a tailored finish at the window, while the sheer quality allows lots of light to filter into the room, creating a bright and airy space.

2. Serene sheers

a warm bedroom with a white and yellow blind and neutral furnishings

3. Perfect privacy

Of course, if you’re looking to inject a little colour into your home, our lighter-weight fabrics are also available in striking shades.

We've freshened up this bedroom by combining white and pastel blue with the cheery shade of yellow from the Polly Honey Roller blind. The pretty floral pattern on the creamy backdrop lets the natural light filter through into the room while still providing the privacy you'd expect in the most personal room of your home.

Layering a Roller blind with a Roman blind or lined curtains is a great way to maintain privacy once the sun goes down.

4. Lovely layers

Why not combine Voiles and curtains for a practical, yet stylish finish?

Not just for the summer months, Voiles pair wonderfully with curtains for a luxe, layered look that gives you flexible control over light, privacy and temperature all year round.

There are so many fabrics to choose from and all our curtains have standard linings, plus thermal or blackout options for extra warmth or darkness when you need it.

5. Best of both

For the ultimate in versatility and light control, look no further than Day and Night blinds. These clever blinds are made up of sheer and opaque panels that you can adjust to your desired level of privacy and light filtering.

Enjoy the soft light and airy feel of sheer fabric during the day, and simply switch to the opaque stripes for complete privacy and darkness at night.

 

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Astro ivory voile curtains layered with bailey taffy curtains across wide patio doors in living room with house plants and greenery

What are Voile curtains?

In this article we share our ideas for styling our new Voile curtains collection to suit your home décor