Updated at: 09-12-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Most well-lived-in homes have at least one or two windows with fabric panels covered. When it comes to window coverings, there’s no need to be dull or plain just because curtains and drapes are the most popular options. Almost every day, I am astounded by the creative ways in which my coworkers in the interior design industry elevate the humble window treatment into a visual masterpiece.

In the beginning, it’s all about the cloth. Once you’ve figured out which fabric is perfect for drapes, the rest of your decorating decisions will be a piece of cake.

Why Does Fabric Matter?

Your drapes’ primary focus should be on function rather than aesthetics. Window treatment features like pleat style and decorations have considerably less of an impact on the overall design of your home and how happy you are with your window treatments than the sort of material you select. We’ve included a few curtain fabric statistics to assist you in better understanding the differences.

The best fabric for drapery will:

Hold up to wear and tear

For families, the importance of long-term use cannot be overstated. The stronger the cloth, the more active and exposed your window coverings will be. Sun damage and color fading are common problems with silk curtains, for example. Even if you take great care of your silk panels, they will eventually lose their brilliance.

Linen or linen that has been combined with rayon is your best bet. Wrinkle- and fade-resistant, these materials are far more long-lasting than their cheaper counterparts. The best option is to choose designer textiles like Everhem’s, which have already been treated to ensure their long-term viability. You’ll need to learn how to clean drapes, regardless of the fabric you choose. Taking care of your drapery will ensure that it lasts for many years.

The Best Types of Fabric Curtains for Your Home | Overstock.com

Not weigh on you

Because of their weight, some materials are more effective at blocking out light than others. As a classic example of a heavy-duty material, velvet is hard to beat. While you may be tempted to utilize velvet curtain panels for this purpose, velvet is actually designed to be used as upholstery fabric. Same holds true for chenille, which is too thick for drapery.

So, what are my options? Fabrics with a light to medium weight can effectively obstruct natural light while still preserving their billowy flow. Pure linen, on the other hand, provides some sun protection but does not completely block it. You’ll need to add a privacy or blackout lining if you want to change the level of opaqueness. All of Everhem’s drapery fabrics, save for sheer ones, can have a lining added for a custom fit (that would defeat the purpose of sheers, after all).

Will stand the test of time

You anticipate your drapes to last as long as you live in your house like any other investment piece. As much as we’d like to see homes replace their draperies on a yearly basis, the reality is that you’ll only have to do it once. Everhem understands this, which is why we only produce the highest-quality drapes that will last for many years to come.

We’re not simply referring about their long-term viability here. (For more information, see the first section.) To be timeless, something must be able to seamlessly transition from one era to the next. Linen drapery is so timeless that you won’t have to worry about it ever going out of style. Your draperies will reflect who you are and what’s going on in your life at the time.

Hang well

Your curtains and drapes can have a dramatic effect on the look of your room if they hang properly from the wall. Your window curtains may lose their shape if the cloth is too light. Consider, for example, a densely textured fabric. It’s easy to get folds that aren’t even, which gives the appearance of a sloppy room. Of course, the way your drapes hang will be determined by how long they are; if they are too long, they will pool on the floor and seem unpleasant. Following those first measurements, you’ll have more control over how your drapes flow based only on the fabric you choose.

Cotton is an excellent option once again. Your windows will look soft and flowy thanks to this sturdy fabric. Alternatively, you might choose a synthetic cloth, which is less expensive and more long-lasting. A linen or linen blend is the finest option for a more natural look. Linen is the ideal fabric for both traditional and contemporary curtains because of its ability to be both billowy and fitted.

What is the Best Fabric for Drapery?

From heavyweight brocade to light and airy lace, you have a wide variety of curtain alternatives. There is, however, a difference between different types of fabric. The following are the top three curtain materials in terms of both practicality and aesthetics:

1. 100% Linen

Linen fibers and only linen fibers are what you’ll find on a curtain fabric label that says “100 percent linen.” The flax plant yields these fibers, which are remarkable in that they are hollow. With an open interior, linen fibers maintain a firm but softening feel even after prolonged use.

Linoleum has a nice weight to it without being overly bulky. Linen is a year-round fabric because of its hollow core, which allows air and moisture to circulate freely. It works quite well.

your home during the colder months as well as during the hottest months

Given its reputation as one of nature’s toughest fibers, linen, you can expect your purchases to last a long time. Linen’s fine structure is also due to its strong fibers. With the correct amount of weight, linen drapery can maintain its shape from the top of your curtain rods to the top of your floor.

2. Linen Blends

It is possible to enhance the qualities of linen by incorporating synthetic fibers into the fabric. Linole and rayon are very popular as a curtain fabric mix. For one thing, rayon is made from wood and other plant-based materials. Natural cellulose is used to make the product, thus some claim that it isn’t a real synthetic. With its capacity to mimic different materials, like silk, wool and cotton, rayon is a very flexible combination.

Both linen and rayon have their advantages and disadvantages, which makes them a good match. When it comes to window treatments, it’s extremely useful to have a blend of textiles.

The why: The best of each material is combined in a blended fabric. When linen and rayon are combined, the resulting fabric has a silkier feel and is easier to care for. Linen and cotton are both susceptible to wrinkling, which is why they are often combined with synthetic fibers. The extra structure helps to minimize wrinkles and moisture absorption when the two components are mixed properly.

3. 100% Linen Sheers

There is still linen in the making of linen sheers. Fibers are weaved together differently in the two examples. A looser weave allows the sun’s rays to nearly entirely shine through translucent fabrics.

Clearly, linen sheers don’t offer much privacy, and this is why. They do, however, provide a sense of openness that can have a significant impact on the overall design of your home. As an illustration, consider the design of a baby room. When lined up against Roman shades, linen sheers create a soothing atmosphere. To put your infant to sleep, you need a calm and peaceful environment.

Sheer cloth can be used in a variety of ways. Linen sheers can be used to balance a boldly patterned space or to offer depth to a more minimalist design. Sheers can also be used to help define areas in a large living room. Fortunately, sheers are so transparent that they won’t obscure any architectural features.

Customize Your Curtains & Drapes

Window treatments that are custom-designed cannot be compared to store-bought drapes, no matter how much you dislike them. A high thread count in custom drapes gives a more luxurious feel. A blackout curtain lining can be added to custom designs to provide as much privacy as desired.

Custom-made drapery, on the other hand, is always cut to the precise measurements of your windows. You can’t have a well-dressed window if you don’t add your own distinctive touches.

Whenever you want to create a statement with your windows, Everhem will be there to help. If you’re looking for drapery fabric for your house, we’ll do all in our power to help you find the right one. Please get in touch with us at [email protected] as soon as possible so that we can help you with the next stages!

What kind of fabric can be used for sheer curtains?

As you can see through these translucent curtains, sheer curtains are employed more for their aesthetics than their practicality. In most cases, it is employed as an underlayment rather than as a stand-alone product. With a thicker curtain in front, or with a blind behind them, they can be used as a combination.

To offer the appearance of privacy while only partially blocking out light, a sheer curtain might be utilized. These drapes can also be found behind glass doors, in wardrobes, over children’s beds, or as romantic draperies for beds.

2. Voile

Soft, lightweight, and sheer are the characteristics of voile. In most cases, it is made of 100 percent cotton, but polyester is also an option. With a fine surface and an excellent drape, it’s best for letting in just the right amount of light to provide you privacy while still being sheer enough to let in some light. Visit this page for additional information on voile.

3. Lace

It is possible to make sheer curtains out of lace, thanks to the open weave of the material. However, high-quality lace for dressmaking can be pricey. Most people opt for less expensive forms of lace since, as previously mentioned, curtains require a substantial amount of fabric. Curtain lace goes by the generic names Leavers lace and Calais lace.

4. Nylon net

A sheer curtain made of nylon net can be made for a reasonable price. It’s knitted from start to finish. Voile is a lot finer. For curtains, polyester voile is referred to as polyester net fabric.

Curtain nets should not stretch, therefore keep this in mind.

Point d’Esprit materials are nets with little satin feel circles sprinkled throughout (Also sometimes refered for lace curtains) It’s a work of art.

5. Eyelet cotton fabric

Cotton eyelet fabric is an open weave fabric with little eyelets all throughout the fabric.

6. Muslin

Although not as sheer as some of the others on our list, this is a cheap and light-weight cotton fabric that can be used as a sheer curtain. Muslin fabric can be found here.

7. Gauze

To get the open weave appearance of gauze, an unique weave called leno weave is used, which involves twisting two warp threads around weft yarns in an 8-shaft design.

Best materials for regular curtains

For opaque curtains, you need a fabric with a high thread count that drapes well and falls gracefully, as well as a high thread count that is durable and opaque. Decorator weight fabrics or drapery weight fabrics are commonly referred to in your store.

In a home decor store, not all the fabrics are the same. Curtains can be made from any fabric, not just those found in the home décor section. If you’re going to use it to make bed linens or to cover your sofa, it’s going to be labeled upholstery. Curtains cannot be made using them.

8. Cotton

To manufacture curtains, ordinary cotton fabrics in varying weights are utilized. Cotton is popular because it drapes beautifully, is pleasant to the touch, and has a clean, unadorned appearance. Drapery-weight cotton curtains have a thicker weave and are popular both for their aesthetics and practicality. Drapery weight cotton fabric may not need to be lined, although lining can improve its strength, durability, and appearance.

Which Fabric is Best for Your Curtains? | Wayfair.co.uk

When it comes to producing curtains, quilting and dressmaking cotton can also be used, but they tend to be quite thin and don’t provide enough protection from light because of their near-transparency. Line these fabrics if you want to use them as curtains that are both opaque and full-coverage.

In addition, they are not wide enough, necessitating the necessity of joining yardage to achieve the desired breadth. Even if they’re cheap by themselves, you’d be better off investing in a heavier-weight cloth that’s thicker to use as a lining.

Madras Cotton is a brightly colored, leno-weaved cotton that is used for festive, happy-feeling drapes. Cotton duck and twill cotton are ideal for constructing curtains since they are both thick and durable. The weaving of twill cotton creates a subtle pattern that is quite appealing. Despite its rough texture, cotton duck is a sturdy fabric. Curtains made from gingham cotton are a popular choice because of its checkered design. Polished cotton has a glazed finish added to the surface if you want a shiny effect in cotton.

Cotton, on the other hand, is prone to shrinkage.

9. Synthetic  fabrics

Curtains made of synthetic materials are a less expensive choice (Polyester, Nylon). On the face of high-quality materials, there is a satin-like sheen. Despite their light weight, they are strong enough to withstand a fall. In my opinion, the most appealing features of synthetic curtains are that they don’t wrinkle and are easier to wash and drape than cotton drapery fabrics because they are lighter. Depending on the quality of the fabric, they may only survive a few washes before they need to be replaced..

For those who live in places where sun protection is critical, synthetic materials that are also UV-blocking are a godsend. Here, you may learn more about various synthetic fabrics.

10. Linen

Because of its thickness, durability, and strength, medium weight linen/heavy weight linen (which is not intended for dressmaking) is an ideal curtain fabric.

Linen is prone to wrinkling quickly, and some of it hangs stiffly. Dry washing linen drapes is necessary to maintain their appearance.

The nicest part is that it becomes better and better looking and falling with each wash. With a linen blend, you may combine most of the beneficial properties of linen with some of the drawbacks, such as wrinkling and moisture absorption, to some extent. Linen can be found here.

11. Silk

The dazzling face of these materials lends them a luxurious air. However, if you seek privacy and protection from the sun’s rays, you should line your silk curtains. Due to the fact that most silks can only be cleaned with a dry cleaner, this adds to the overall cost of the fabric. For this reason, silk curtains are frequently utilized in rooms that are not exposed to sunlight.

12. Velvet

This is a luxurious-looking piled cloth that costs a lot of money. Because of its thickness, it is effective in blocking out the cold. Curtains can be made from the vast majority of velvet fabrics, but not all of them. You must ensure that the wall studs to which the curtain poles are mounted in your home are strong enough to support the weight of the velvet you choose.

13. Damask and Brocade

Floral and other motifs adorn the surface of these unique drapery fabrics. There are two shades of the same hue in a damask pattern. Patterns like these can be found in Brocade fabric in a variety of hues. Fibers like cotton and silk can be used. The patterns and drape of these fabrics, which are extremely expensive and opulent, may require lining.

14. Synthetic blends

It is my opinion that blended textiles are the ideal option for constructing curtains since they include the best features of both synthetic and natural fibers, such as cotton, linen and silk. Polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyamide are all viable options in the right weights.

Blended fabrics and synthetics should never be used in the kitchen or near a fireplace since they can easily catch fire. Cotton mixes don’t require a lot of upkeep. Unlike 100% cotton or linen, there is no wrinkling or fading with this fabric. They also tumble and stack easily, making them ideal for even the tiniest of windows.. Synthetic-cotton blends can appear as nice as any high-end curtain material if they are lined.

15. Lining material

You’ll need UV-blocking curtains if you have expensive artwork, wood furniture, or even books. You may wish to consider heavier drapery weight curtains if your windows are particularly vulnerable to the elements. To ensure complete seclusion and protection from the sun’s rays, even thin dressmaking cloth curtains need to be lined.

The most common lining materials are blackout, thermal, and poly-cotton in white and ivory. In order to achieve complete opacity, blackout is the tool of choice. One side of the thermal liner is coated with a material that prevents heat from escaping.

Using a darker inner fabric for darkening curtains results in a darker curtain. The majority of people buy lining fabric that matches the main curtain fabric, however there are instances when a different aesthetic is required. A poor quality lining might detract from the overall appearance of the curtain. Choosing a low-cost, low-quality lining fabric may lead to unexpected bleeding of the outside fabric.

So, now that you’re familiar with the most common varieties of fabric, it’s time to think about how each space in your house might benefit from a certain fabric!

Living Room

Living Room Curtains

The design of a living room might be drastically different from one house to the next. A lot of individuals believe that flexible cotton curtains are perfect for a living room. When the thread count is low and the weave is light, cotton has the ability to float or hang heavy. It’s available in an array of styles and hues.

Velvet is likely to be the secondary fabric of choice for a more formal living room. You may use velvet to provide depth and richness to any window, as well as a beautiful contrast to your beautiful furniture. For a place where you spend a significant amount of time, velvet can offer a warm and jewel-toned feel.

Kitchen

In the kitchen, you’ll find warmth, fun, and a lot of activity! Swags and valances are popular choices for kitchen window coverings because they don’t cover the entire window.

Cotton or gingham will look great in a traditional or farmhouse kitchen because of their warm, woven appearance. Ruffled voile cafe tablecloths or even striped silk could be ideal for a more bohemian kitchen. A simple lace panel would be a great addition to a kitchen decorated in the country style.

Dining Room

Dining Room

The dining room is no longer a standard fixture in many homes today. Elegant and structured draperies are often used to complement the costly table and chairs in these rooms, which lean toward the formal end of design.

Most popular materials for dining room curtains are heavy silk, taffeta, brocade, and damask textiles with a velvety sheen.

Bedroom

Bedroom

In terms of personal space, bedrooms take the cake. Use a bold, vibrant material like printed polyester if you want to make a statement in this area.

Instead of curtains, some individuals prefer to hang sheer muslin or gauze in their bedrooms to let in as much natural light as possible.

How to Choose Curtain Fabric

Before making a final decision on whether or not a cloth would go well with your personal style, you should pay attention to its texture, color, feel, and weight. That’s a good starting point, but you should also keep in mind the following:

  • How it looks in your house.
  • How well it serves your purposes.
  • How much you can spend on it.
  • How fashionable it appears.

The first thing to keep in mind is that you want your curtains to match the rest of your decor. It’s important that window treatments stand out from the rest of the decor. They can be an excellent furniture backsplash and work well with carpets and rugs as well.

It’s also important to make sure the curtains are in keeping with your own particular style. You might not want to use pink polka-dotted polyester drapes in an industrial-chic home that features exposed brick and shelving constructed from rusty pipes.

Consider your needs before making a purchase. Consider thermal curtains if you live in a chilly climate. To allow light into the windows of your artist’s studio, choose sheer textiles and have a convenient method of looping them aside when you need it.

To put it another way, the price of each type of material is a critical factor to consider. Muslin is less expensive than velvet. Fabrics that don’t cost much may be necessary if you’re on a limited budget.

Finally, bear in mind that fashions shift on a regular basis. There are times when blinds are all the rage, and other times when reused saris are in style. The latest window trends can be found on Pinterest, magazines like Southern Living, or any home-decorating blog.

How to Choose the Color of Your Curtains

Finally, what about the color? Choosing curtains for each room based on color would have been a consideration for you. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve compiled this fast guide to curtain color schemes:

  • Decor in the remainder of the room should either harmonize or contrast with this color.
  • Choose a color that is a couple of shades darker than the walls if you’re going for a calm or minimalist look.
  • Lighten or darken the room, depending on the color. Many people opt for a darker color for their bedrooms in order to keep out light.
  • Bright colors in the kitchen enhance the room’s overall feeling of friendliness and coziness.
  • Formal hues and thicker draperies are preferred by many people for their living and dining rooms.

Conclusion

Does your understanding of curtain fabrics make you confident enough to go out and buy exactly what you need for your home? Each sort of material has distinct qualities and functions, and you should be able to identify the one that best fits your needs.

What kind of cloth are you considering, and what do you like best about your current curtains?