The Trendsetter

Are you starting to plan your next renovation project or new build? If so, you've probably spent hours saving Pinterest pins, scrolling through Google, taking countless screenshots, following renovation accounts on social media, or flicking through glossy home design magazines—many of which seem to contain more advertisements than actual inspiration.

If your renovation or new build is on a tight budget, but you still want it to feel and look like you've been saving every spare dollar since you were 18, then it's important to understand where you can achieve the latest trends without unnecessarily stretching the budget.

One trend that's appearing everywhere right now—across social media, renovation shows, and those glossy magazines—is floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains.

The Trend – Floor-to-Ceiling Sheer Curtains

I can almost hear my mum saying, "Back in my day, we had lace curtains!" It seems an old trend has been given a modern refresh.

Image: Full height windows with four large fixed panes

The difference is that back then, the windows those lace curtains covered were generally no larger than 1500–1800mm wide and 1500–1800mm high. Today, windows and doors are getting larger in every direction. Homeowners are chasing expansive fixed glass panels, oversized sliding doors, and large openings that flood homes with natural light and maximise views.

While these features certainly look impressive, there's a catch. As the size of a fixed panel or door panel increases, so does the required thickness of the glass. In double-glazed applications, larger panels may also require larger air gaps between the panes. Both factors can significantly increase the cost of your windows and doors.

So why am I seeing so many large windows and doors being covered by these beautiful sheer curtains?

Don't get me wrong—they look fantastic. Floor-to-ceiling sheers can soften a room, create a sense of luxury, and add warmth and texture to a space. But if you're working to a budget, it's worth considering how practical your glazing design needs to be.

Image: Example on how adding more transoms

If your mood board is full of these stunning sheer curtains, consider designing your windows and doors with smaller glass panels rather than one oversized pane. Breaking large openings into multiple sections can often reduce the need for thicker glass and more expensive frame systems, helping keep your project on budget while still achieving the desired look.

After all, if those beautiful sheers are going to be drawn for much of the day, do you really need the largest possible pane of glass behind them?

Image: Example on adding high mullions

The key to a successful renovation or new build is finding the balance between design, functionality, and budget—so you can achieve the look you love without overspending where it may not be necessary.