Sheer shades are made from horizontal fabric vanes that float between two layers of sheer fabric. The fabric slats tilt open and closed, and the shade can raise and lower. These shades can operate with a continuous cord loop, a retractable pull cord, a cordless mechanism or be motorized. The vanes can be 2”, 2 ½”, 3” or 4” in width. When open, these coverings bring soft-filtered light into the room. Sheer shades also go by the names Silhouette, Quartette, Nantucket, Shangri-la, soft shades, horizontal sheer shades, Sheer Elements, Overtones Sheers, Soft Tone Sheers, Overture Sheers, sheer shadings and window shadings.

Hunter Douglas introduced their sheer shade, the Silhouette, in 1991. Many manufacturers followed suit, introducing their own version of sheer shades. Sheer shades are a favorite choice because of the wide variety of available fabrics and daytime privacy their offer.