"Still got that airy farmhouse vibe during the day, but at night we weren't putting on a show for the neighbors anymore..."
That's a great point about layering curtains. I've seen similar setups work well in several farmhouse-style renovations I've handled. Sheer curtains alone definitely don't offer much privacy once the lights are on inside—it's almost like they're not even there. But pairing them with linen or even a lightweight cotton panel behind can really strike that balance between aesthetics and functionality.
One thing I'm curious about: did you notice any difference in temperature control after adding the extra layer? In my experience, even thin layers can sometimes help with insulation, especially around older windows. Either way, sounds like you've found a practical solution that doesn't compromise your design goals. Nicely done.
"Sheer curtains alone definitely don't offer much privacy once the lights are on inside—it's almost like they're not even there."
Haha, exactly my experience. We tried sheer curtains at first because they looked great in the daytime, but at night it felt like we were living in a fishbowl. Ended up adding some thicker cotton panels behind them, and it made a huge difference. Not sure about insulation though...maybe a tiny bit warmer? But honestly, I think you'd need something heavier to really notice a difference there.
We tried sheer curtains at first because they looked great in the daytime, but at night it felt like we were living in a fishbowl. Ended up adding some thicker cotton panels behind them, and it mad...
We went through the same thing—sheers looked perfect in daylight but nighttime was a different story, haha. Ended up layering thicker linen curtains behind them, and it helped privacy-wise. Curious though, has anyone tried bamboo shades or something similar for that farmhouse vibe?
We actually have bamboo shades in our living room right now. They look great and definitely add that farmhouse warmth, but heads up—they don't block out as much light as you'd think. Maybe pair them with curtains if privacy's a big concern?
"Maybe pair them with curtains if privacy's a big concern?"
Good call on pairing bamboo shades with curtains—seen it done and it looks cozy. Another option might be woven wood shades with liners...still farmhouse-y but better at blocking light and nosy neighbors. 😉
Pairing bamboo shades with curtains definitely adds warmth and texture—I've done it myself in our guest room, and it turned out super inviting. But honestly, woven wood shades with liners are a total game changer if you're worried about privacy or blocking out early morning sun. We put them in our bedroom last year, and the difference was night and day (literally, haha). They still have that rustic farmhouse charm, but they're way more practical for everyday use.
One thing I'd suggest is getting samples first. I ordered a few online before committing, and I'm glad I did because some looked totally different in person. Also, consider cordless options if you have pets or kids around—makes life easier and safer. Either way, you're on the right track...farmhouse style is all about mixing function with cozy vibes.
Bamboo and woven shades definitely nail the farmhouse aesthetic, but from an energy efficiency standpoint, cellular shades might be worth considering too. I swapped out woven shades for cellular ones in our living room last winter, and the difference in insulation was pretty noticeable. They trap air in those little honeycomb pockets, which helps keep rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer—cuts down on heating and cooling bills quite a bit.
I get that cellular shades don't have the same rustic texture as bamboo or woven wood, but pairing them with linen curtains or something similar can still give you that cozy farmhouse feel. Plus, they're available cordless and with blackout options, so privacy and safety aren't an issue either. Just another angle to think about if you're looking to balance style with practicality and energy savings...
"pairing them with linen curtains or something similar can still give you that cozy farmhouse feel."
That's a good point—I hadn't thought about layering shades with curtains. We're still figuring out window treatments for our first home... Did you find linen curtains easy to maintain, though?
We went with linen curtains in our living room about two years ago, and honestly, I was a bit skeptical at first. I thought they'd wrinkle easily or be a pain to clean, but they've actually held up surprisingly well. We chose a slightly heavier linen blend, which seems to help them hang nicely without needing constant ironing or steaming.
"pairing them with linen curtains or something similar can still give you that cozy farmhouse feel."
Totally agree with this—linen has that relaxed, natural vibe that just screams farmhouse. One thing I'd recommend, though, is going for curtains that are washable. Ours are machine washable on a gentle cycle, and I've only had to wash them a couple of times after accidental spills (thanks to kids and pets!). They came out looking great each time, and the slight wrinkles that remained afterward actually added to the charm—at least in my opinion.
Also, layering curtains with shades or blinds is a game changer. We paired ours with bamboo shades, and the combo really elevated the whole look. It gave us flexibility with privacy and light control, plus it just feels more complete and intentional.
Maintenance-wise, I'd say linen curtains are pretty forgiving overall. If you're someone who prefers a perfectly crisp look all the time, they might not be ideal. But if you're okay with a bit of casual imperfection (which I think suits farmhouse style perfectly), they're definitely worth considering.
We tried linen curtains too, and while I get the appeal, they just didn't work out for us. Maybe we picked the wrong blend or something, but ours ended up looking more "rumpled laundry pile" than "cozy farmhouse chic," haha. Switched to cotton canvas curtains instead—still casual enough for farmhouse vibes, but way easier to keep neat. Plus, they're super durable against our dog's constant window patrol...