Rod-Hung Sheers

• Carla Abreau, owner of D'Abreau Designs, says "You must first determine the function of the sheers. If they are to be used as an accessory to add color and texture to an existing window treatment, the installation should be discreet."
  
  According to Abreau, a standard return rod or a café rod hidden behind the outer drapes is the preferred technique. "Don't overpower the outer curtain by using an ornate rod that may compete with the window decor. For a multi-layered window treatment, use a double or triple rod for a simple installation behind outer curtains."
  
  Sheers are a see-thru fabric and by themselves are not meant to provide complete privacy, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be the main attraction. Abreau recommends using sheers as a main curtain if you want a lighter, more spacious décor, particularly if you're using a monochromatic color palatte.
  
  If sheers are the only curtain, to keep them from looking like an orphan curtain waiting for another layer, give them stand-alone importance by hanging them on decorative rods that coordinate with the style of the room. Attach clip-on rings at the top of the sheers, and slide the rings over the rod to allow the rod to become part of the décor.
  
  Abreau doesn't advise extending the rod more than two inches past the window casing. "Sheers are a see-thru fabric; the wall will behind them will show through and create a shift in color."
  
  

Draped Sheers

• Drape a sheer scarf over an outer curtain or a bare window to create a formal window treatment. Finals, hooks, sconces and corbels mounted on the wall on each side of the window will hold the sheer scarf and allow it to swag across the window.
  
  Abreau says, "Another technique for draping a sheer scarf is to use decorative hooks in the ceiling. Center the scarf over the window, then drape each end to the sides and loop it through hooks fastened to the wall or in the ceiling. Taking the sheer scarf up to the ceiling adds drama and height to the window. Be creative. Anything that will hold the scarf can become a part of the window dressing."
  
  

Pinch Pleated Sheers

• Pinch pleated sheers are installed the same as pinch pleated drapes: Hooks slide into the backside of the drape then onto a rod. "Pinch pleated sheers usually indicate a traditional theme and look best when mounted on traverse rods," says Abreau.
  
  

Considerations

• Although sheers are a lightweight fabric, any method used to hang them must be secure. Always screw any hardware directly into wood, or if there is no wood where you need the hardware attached, use a hollow wall anchor and refer to the manufacturer's recommended weight limit.