It would be traditional to have both (but not particularly "period", I don't think).

Sheers are almost an absolute necessity here (or venetian blinds) because of privacy issues.

I don't know how much privacy you need on your lot, but it does seem to make sense to have them in some parts of your house because of the large windows and their low sill placement.

I think it is nice to have sheers to modulate light during the day without blocking it, and to modulate views out. I don't find certain bleak periods of the year with mud, grey looking grass and dirty snow that attractive, even in a nice country setting.

And, a sheer can alleviate the black hole syndrome at night, without having to close the actual heavy drapery.

We have 9 acres, so lots of privacy, but I'd like sheers for the light modulation you describe. Any recs for nice brass traverse rods that accommodate both drapes and sheers? They all seem.....not right looking for our house.

I have seen traverse rods with a plain rod behind sort of with a U on the end that fits over the traverse rod bracket....(the U being upside down). The only thing is I am not sure if they have brass ones or not...I have only seen white. Try JCPenney.

When we had sheers under heavy curtains, the sheers were on separate, less heavy and less ornate rods than were the curtains. The curtain brackets extended far enough from the wall that there was no problem with the operation of the sheers.

Thanks, kitchendetective.

This site has a lot of options. Maybe something here will be useful.

Here is a link that might be useful: Curtain Rod Shop

I purchased this rod and just hung my sheers on a regular rod that I purchased separately.

http://www.draperyrodsdirect.com/Kirsch-Studio-Coordinates-Stock-Curtain-Rods-s/65.htm

Here is a link that might be helpful.

Here is a link that might be useful: Traverse rod double support rod

Thanks to both of you. Theresa, these are much more cost-effective than the $600 double traverse rods I've been seeing tonight, thanks.