Sheer curtains are a great way to make the most of the natural light and create a bright, soft, outdoorsy feeling, whilst maintain that much needed privacy and protecting against intrusive insects and dust. Most sheer curtains are made of polyester, which is a very friendly and cost effective fabric.

Cotton, chiffon, silk and voile are some of the most common types of sheer curtains. You'll want to select a fabric that aligns with the ambiance of your room. Materials like cotton are suited for simple, casual rooms whereas fabrics like silk would work better with more exquisite furniture or décor.

A broad average would be 12-15 years for good quality made-to-measure blackout blinds, and up to around 5 years for lower-end off-the-peg ready made blackout blinds.