I wouldn't call them dated, they are classic rather then trendy. Use them if they make sense.

I have blinds in most of my windows but I have 3 windows together in my living room that I have sheers layered under drapes. I have both on traverse rods. I can open everything for light and view, just the drapes for light with privacy during the day, or close the drapes at night for total privacy.

You can get very pretty decorative traverse rods now.

Blinds, shutters, sheers (think lace curtains) have been around forever. They'll each continue on, maybe reinterpreted. They can look stylish or out of style, depending. Sheers make such great sense in some situations, like yours, that I don't see how you can go wrong. Well, maybe it could happen...

Here is a link that might be useful: sheer ugly

Thanks for the input. I do truly need them, so I think maybe I will add some trim to spruce them up a bit. Went to the sheer ugly link, and spent some time there. I thought my house was bad!!!!

I love my sheers. I just added them to our windows last year and I love the way they look and filter light, no they are not dated, they are functional and classic. The bonus is they are also affordable! (IMHO) :c)

Just changed out my heavier drapery to the JCP Lisette pinch pleat sheers for Spring/Summer. Love them. Since our first floor rooms are all pretty much open to one another, I used the same color throughout - aquamist IIRC. Was rather uncertain having SW Blonde walls, but they arrived, I pressed and hung them. Voila - a totally different look for a tiny bit of $$.

Sheers will never be dated.

I do not think that sheers are dated.
I have them layered under full length silk drapes
in my two formal, west facing rooms (dining and living room)
and love the formality and light control they provide.
They don't seem dated to me.

All the major mass market design stores -- Pottery barn, RH, Bed,
Bath and Beyond, Crate and Barrel, etc. still sell sheers.

The Shade Store is still showing sheers
under heavier drapes as in this picture:

{{!gwi}}

Perhaps if it feels like you are seeing fewer sheers
it is because they are often replaced by shades - roman shades or woven shades --
as in this picture from The Shade Store:

{{!gwi}}

Sheers may be in that category of "too classic to look dated,"
even if they are not an of-the-moment, "fashion forward" look.

I should have added, to answer your question more precisely,
I am seeing plenty of pictures in shelter magazines
of windows covered with sheers alone.
So not out of style at all.

{{!gwi}}

I agree, all the catalogs and major stores still show LOTS of choices with sheers. I think they are timeless!

hmmm I don't notice them much in magazines I read. I've never been one much for sheers, but that's my own personal opinion. I do see them somewhat in cottage style looks - alone - not under something. I can only think of the sheers still hanging in my grandmother's house, the only house I can think of at the moment that has sheers! Have you thought of woven shades?

My opinion means nothing of course (but you asked LOL), if YOU like sheers.

I use sheers and lace panels. No curtains or drapes in any of my rooms except the library but I add lace panels under the velvet drapes in summer. I only use the vinyl roll up blinds in the livingroom and kitchen.

This is the bedroom window with the breeze blowing the sheer.
{{!gwi}}

This is the schoolhouse door off the bedroom with sheer in summer.
{{!gwi}}

And I tried to photograph the tall bedroom window awhile ago but it's hard to get a good one.