When you’re living in Manhattan, every design decision matters — especially when it comes to light, space, and style. Sheer curtains are one of the most effective ways to elevate your apartment without overwhelming it. But how do you choose the right ones?
In this guide, we’ll show you how to select the perfect sheer curtains for your NYC home, with tips tailored to Manhattan apartments, whether you’re in SoHo, Chelsea, or the Upper East Side

1. Maximize Natural Light in Small Spaces
Manhattan apartments often have limited square footage and limited windows. That’s why light-filtering sheer curtains are an ideal solution — they allow natural light to filter in while maintaining your privacy.
Pro tip: Look for sheer fabrics in soft neutral tones to make your space feel larger and brighter.
2. Match Your Curtains to the Architecture
Is your apartment a historic pre-war unit or a modern high-rise loft?
- For classic brownstones, try white sheer curtains with elegant pinch pleats.
- In modern glass apartments, opt for ripple fold or grommet top panels for a sleek look.
Every Manhattan neighborhood has its own vibe — your window treatments should reflect that.
3. Layer for Style and Function
Combining sheer curtains with blackout shades gives you the best of both worlds: style by day and privacy by night.
Many of our clients in Manhattan choose:
- Roman shades + sheer panels
- Blackout roller shades + sheer side drapery
Layered looks are perfect for bedrooms and home offices where functionality and elegance must coexist.
4. Choose Fabrics That Fit NYC Living
New Yorkers value easy care and longevity. We recommend:
- Voile and linen blends for elegance and airflow
- Polyester sheers for durability and wrinkle resistance
Most of our custom sheer curtains are machine-washable or dry-clean safe — perfect for the NYC lifestyle.
5. Think Vertically: Floor-to-Ceiling Magic
If your apartment has tall ceilings or large windows, floor-length sheer curtains can add height and drama.
Whether you’re overlooking Central Park or a quiet courtyard, full-length sheers bring softness and sophistication to any view.

Visual Inspiration: Sheer Curtain Ideas for Manhattan Homes
Looking for design inspiration before choosing your sheer curtains? Here are a few ideas from our project portfolioand curated selections:
- Floor-length sheers in a modern Manhattan living room
- Layered sheer and blackout curtains in a high-rise apartment
- Elegant dining room curtains for NYC brownstones
- White sheers in Upper East Side bedrooms
- Patterned panels for minimalist spaces
Want to see more examples? Ask us to bring real-life samples and lookbooks to your in-home consultation.

Frequently Asked: What’s the Best Sheer Curtain for Manhattan?
What sheer curtain styles are best for NYC interiors?
Ripple fold, pinch pleat, and rod pocket styles are most popular. We help clients in Manhattan customize their curtain design to fit their space and lifestyle.
Are sheer curtains enough for privacy in NYC?
In many cases, yes — especially in upper-floor units. For street-level apartments, we recommend pairing with blackout panels or Roman shades.
Ready to Upgrade Your Manhattan Apartment?
Whether you’re decorating a loft in Tribeca or updating a bedroom on the Upper West Side, Professor Blinds offers fully tailored solutions for custom sheer curtains in Manhattan.
Free in-home consultation across Manhattan
Contact us or call (917)560-7268 to schedule your free consultation.