6 Best Multi-layer Curtains Youtubers Recommend
Starting with an allusion to a stage curtain drawing back, I often imagine my living room as a little theater where light, texture, and privacy set the scene.
Why multi-layer curtains? (And why YouTubers swear by them)
I’ve watched dozens of room tours and decor deep dives from top YouTube channels, and one theme repeats: layered window treatments transform a space. Layering gives you light control, insulation, and a curated look without expensive renovations. Want soft morning light and total privacy at night? Layered curtains deliver that and more.
How I chose these 6 (criteria from the pros)
I used the same checklist many top YouTubers use when recommending window treatments:
- Fabric weight and weave for light filtration and insulation.
- Hardware compatibility — pinch pleat, grommet, rod pocket, or back-tab.
- Dimensions and standard drop lengths for quick ordering and minimal hemming.
- Colorways and texture that play well with modern, Scandinavian, and cottagecore aesthetics.
- Brand reputation and real customer reviews, including demo videos by creators. These are practical things I look for, and they’ll help you pick the right set, too.
1) Pottery Barn Emery Linen Blend Layered Curtain + Sheer Combo
Recommended by: Chris Loves Julia and House & Home influencer videos I follow.
Product overview The Pottery Barn Emery Linen Blend layered set typically pairs a medium-weight linen-blend blackout panel with a coordinating linen-sheer. Materials: 70% linen / 30% polyester blend blackout panel; sheer is 100% polyester voile. Colors: Cloud White, Stone, Charcoal, and Dusty Blue. Typical dimensions: sold in single panels — 50″ x 84″, 50″ x 96″, 50″ x 108″.
Why I like it The linen blend has that lived-in texture you see in high-end mood boards. The blackout panel has a soft matte finish and a tactile slub that reads cozy on camera. The sheer layer diffuses light like a soft photographic filter.
Features
- Linen-blend blackout fabric that blocks 85–95% of daylight depending on color.
- Thermal backing for insulation — helps with winter drafts.
- Available in both grommet and rod-pocket options for quick installation.
- Machine washable on gentle cycles; hang to dry preserves the linen texture.
How it fits your lifestyle If you love neutral palettes and rustic-modern styling, this combo feels curated. I used the Stone 50″ x 96″ panels in my bedroom and noticed softer morning light and better sleep quality with the blackout over the sheer.
Personal testimonial I followed a Pottery Barn Haul video and ordered Cloud White; the texture photographs beautifully and I get compliments every time guests arrive.
Value proposition Higher price point, but the linen texture, reliable blackout performance, and long-term durability make this a worthwhile investment for living rooms and bedrooms where style matters.
2) West Elm Cotton Voile Layered Curtain with Heavyweight Drapery Panel
Recommended by: Apartment Therapy’s video guides and several minimalist YouTubers.
Product overview West Elm pairs airy cotton voile sheers with a heavier cotton-linen drape. Materials: sheer — 100% cotton voile; panel — 60% cotton / 40% linen blend. Colors: Natural White, Oat, Charcoal, Terracotta. Dimensions: standard 50″ x 84″, 50″ x 96″, 50″ x 108″.
Why I like it The cotton voile has a soft, breezy movement that looks effortless in videos. The heavier drape creates substantial folds and shields light when needed.
Features
- Natural fiber composition for breathable, organic texture.
- Pinch pleat and grommet options for varied styling.
- Heavyweight panel improves thermal performance and sound dampening.
- Pre-washed finish so it arrives slightly relaxed, not stiff.
How it fits your lifestyle Perfect for people who prefer a natural, tactile aesthetic. I installed Oat panels in my home office and the layered look feels calm and curated.
Personal testimonial A YouTuber I follow compared these to cheaper polyester sets and said the West Elm pair “feels like real linen” — I agree; it’s plush and lived-in.
Value proposition Mid-to-high price; worth it for natural fiber lovers who want a balance of softness and structure.
3) IKEA HILJA / MAJGULL Combo (Sheer + Thermal)
Recommended by: Scandi-style and budget-savvy decor channels.
Product overview IKEA’s typical approach is a two-step system: a sheer like HILJA (voile) paired with the MAJGULL thermal curtain (polyester with thermal coating). Materials: HILJA — 100% polyester voile; MAJGULL — polyester with thermal coating. Colors: White, Light Beige, Dark Gray. Dimensions: HILJA 57″ x 98″; MAJGULL 57″ x 98″.
Why I like it Affordable, clean-lined, and practical. The thermal MAJGULL adds insulation for cooler rooms while the HILJA sheer keeps daytime privacy.
Features
- Budget-friendly with consistent sizing for straightforward pairing.
- Thermal coating helps reduce heat loss by up to 20% in windowed rooms.
- Simple grommet/rod-pocket installation depending on item version.
- Machine washable and easy to interchange.
How it fits your lifestyle Great for renters, first apartments, or anyone redoing a room on a budget. I swapped colors seasonally without remorse.
Personal testimonial I bought the MAJGULL for our den after watching a room update video and was surprised how much warmer the room felt in winter.
Value proposition Best for affordability and functionality; not the most luxurious fabric, but great performance for the price.
4) Pottery Barn Emery Triple-Layer Acoustic Drapery System (Sheer + Blackout + Thermal Liner)
Recommended by: Soundproofing and decor YouTubers who stage apartments and studios.
Product overview This system expands the standard two layers into three: voile sheer, blackout drape, and an acoustic thermal liner. Materials: sheer — polyester voile; panel — 100% cotton-blend blackout; liner — foam-backed polyester acoustic layer. Colors: Linen White, Slate, Midnight. Dimensions: panels come in 50″ widths and multiple drops up to 120″.
Why I like it Combines visual softness with performance. The acoustic liner reduces echo in rooms with hardwood floors and high ceilings.
Features
- Triple-layer construction for light control, thermal efficiency, and sound dampening.
- Recommended for media rooms and bedrooms near busy streets.
- High-density backing improves privacy and blocks light leaks.
- Professional look with tailored pleating options.
How it fits your lifestyle If you work from home, livestream, or simply want a cinema-like bedroom, this is practical and beautiful. I used the acoustic liner in my media corner and noticed clearer audio recordings.
Personal testimonial A production designer I follow insisted on the acoustic liner for my small studio and the improvement in sound was real — less bounce, more clarity.
Value proposition Premium price, but if sound control and blackout performance are priorities, the triple-layer pays for itself in comfort and functionality.
5) Anthropologie Bellflower Layered Curtain Set (Sheer + Embroidered Panel)
Recommended by: Boho-chic YouTubers and textile-focused creators.
Product overview Anthropologie’s Bellflower set pairs a delicate embroidered panel over a cotton voile sheer. Materials: sheer — 100% polyester voile; main panel — 100% cotton with floral embroidery. Colors: Ivory with ivory thread, Cream with gold thread. Dimensions: 50″ x 96″, 50″ x 108″.
Why I like it This set is pure style. The embroidered motifs add artisanal charm and visual interest when light filters through the pattern.
Features
- Detailed floral embroidery that casts light patterns across a room.
- Soft cotton body gives structure but still hangs with movement.
- Available with hidden tab or rod pocket headings for streamlined looks.
- Hand-wash recommended to preserve embroidery.
How it fits your lifestyle If you want curtains to be a focal point, these are statement-making. I used the Ivory option in a guest room and the pattern reads like wallpaper when backlit.
Personal testimonial I ordered these after a boho decor deep dive and they changed the whole mood of the room — romantic, layered, and tactile.
Value proposition Higher price for unique design; ideal for rooms where you want a curated, handmade aesthetic.
6) Lush Decor Alexis Layered Grommet Curtain Set (Budget-Friendly Sheer + Blackout)
Recommended by: Budget home decor channels and DIYers.
Product overview Lush Decor Alexis sets are widely available on Amazon and pair a printed or solid blackout panel with a coordinating voile sheer. Materials: blackout panel — polyester with triple-weave blackout; sheer — 100% polyester voile. Colors/patterns: Solid White, Slate Gray, Blush, and popular stripes or botanical prints. Dimensions: 52″ x 84″, 52″ x 96″, 52″ x 108″.
Why I like it These give designer looks without the designer price tag. The triple-weave blackout performs better than typical cheap blackout curtains.
Features
- Triple-weave blackout fabric blocks most daytime light and reduces UV fading.
- Grommet top for easy installation and modern drape.
- Machine washable and wrinkle-resistant.
- Multiple prints that blend well with contemporary rooms.
How it fits your lifestyle Good for families who need practical, washable treatments that still look pulled together. I put the Slate Gray set in my child’s room and appreciated the durability.
Personal testimonial A decor vlogger recommended Alexis for renters, and the set exceeded expectations — good blackout, modern look, low fuss.
Value proposition Excellent balance of cost and performance; ideal if you want layered looks without breaking the bank.
What to look for when buying multi-layer curtains (YouTuber-tested checklist)
- Fabric composition: natural fibers (linen/cotton) feel luxe; polyester blends are durable and easy-care.
- Opacity: sheers (translucent), room-darkening (filtered), or blackout (opaque). Choose based on need for privacy vs. natural light.
- Lining: thermal/insulating backs help with energy bills; acoustic liners reduce echo.
- Heading style: grommet — modern, big waves; pinch pleat — tailored and formal; rod pocket — casual and easy.
- Width: to get full, gathered pleats, order panels that total 2x–3x the window width.
- Length: standard drops often 84″, 96″, 108″ — choose based on floor clearance and radiators.
- Hardware: double rods or traverse tracks are necessary for true layered looks.
- Care instructions: machine wash vs. dry clean — think about lifestyle (kids/pets vs. low-maintenance rooms).
Sizing guide (simple math many creators show)
- Measure your window width edge-to-edge.
- Multiply by 2–3 for fullness: e.g., a 60″ window -> panels should total 120–180″ across.
- Panels usually come in 50–60″ widths; select number of panels accordingly.
- For length, measure from rod to floor and decide if you want a 1″ break, puddle, or hovering look.
Installation tips from channels I follow
- Use a double rod to hang sheer on the wall-mount inner rod and the main drape on the front rod.
- Mount rods 4–6″ above the window frame to create taller proportions.
- Let curtains extend 3–6″ beyond the sides of the window to maximize light blocking and create a wider visual.
- Steam panels after hanging to remove packaging creases; avoid high heat on delicate embroidery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need professional installation for layered curtains? A: Not usually. Most sets are DIY-friendly if you have a level, drill, and basic hardware. For very heavy acoustic liners or long drops, a pro might be safer.
Q: Will layered curtains really save energy? A: Yes. Thermal-lined panels can reduce heat loss by roughly 10–25% at windows, depending on window quality and seal.
Q: Can I use blinds with layered curtains? A: Absolutely. Many YouTubers pair roller shades or wooden blinds with layered curtains for maximum light control and privacy.
Q: How do I clean embroidered or linen panels? A: Follow care labels. Many embroidered panels recommend hand wash or gentle cycles; linen blends often tolerate machine wash on delicate, air-dry for best texture.
Q: Are blackout curtains safe for bedrooms with babies? A: Yes, as long as hardware is secure and long cords (like from blinds) are out of reach. Many parents use blackout layers to improve infant sleep.
My top recommendation by lifestyle
- For luxury natural texture: Pottery Barn Emery Linen Blend.
- For natural, breathable everyday style: West Elm Cotton Voile + Heavy Drape.
- For budget practicality: IKEA HILJA + MAJGULL.
- For media rooms / recording: Pottery Barn Emery Triple-Layer Acoustic System.
- For statement, artisanal looks: Anthropologie Bellflower.
- For affordable, reliable performance: Lush Decor Alexis Set.
Real-life pairing ideas (visual styling tips)
- Soft Scandinavian living room: Stone linen panel + white cotton voile, brass rod, woven jute rug.
- Cozy bedroom retreat: Cloud White blackout linen, charcoal velvet throw, bedside lamps with warm bulbs.
- Boho guest room: Bellflower embroidery, rattan headboard, plants, and layered rugs.
- Minimalist office: West Elm Oat panels for light control, desk facing window for diffused natural light.
Final thoughts (friendly advice)
I recommend starting with your top priority: is it light control, insulation, sound dampening, or visual impact? Once you know that, pick a system that fits your budget and aesthetic. I’ve followed these YouTube experts and tested several of these products myself; layering always makes a room feel more finished. Choose fabrics that feel good to touch and look good in photos — that’s the sweet spot for visual shoppers.