Online, these curtains looked like they might have a sheen, but they do not. The weave is a bit open, meaning that light shows through. However, they are opaque enough for privacy. My one disappointment: Online description says bronze grommets, but they just look gold to me. Color is rust/paprika as described. I did not like the valance shown for these cafe curtains (which is just a smaller version of the curtain), so ordered another curtain to cut and sew a different sort of valance.