What is the Best Fabric for Curtains?

Elle Decoration

Things to Bear in Mind

When deciding on the best fabric for curtains, the fabric you choose will dictate how your curtains perform and last, as well as how they look. Textured fabrics such as wool give a more luxury quality and natural feel, and will last longer, and there are lots of designs to choose from such as checks, plains, tartans, and herringbones, whereas synthetics or the current trend for prints and metallic thread have a more trendy, short term appeal.

Seeking only beauty?

You can get away with lighter weight fabrics such as lightweight linen and wool if you are looking purely for a nice set of curtains to brighten up a room and you don’t need to block out light or keep warm. There are so many beautiful fabrics from plain colours to checks and sheers. Choose a key colour and select from there.

Do you need to keep the cold out?

Wool, chenille or velvet are the warmest options. Lining or interlining will add further to the warmth value, and will also help with fading if the window is very sunny. It is always best to line curtains, but if you don’t want to line your curtains then go for a heavier wool, but bear in mind that the fabric will fade much quicker.

Need to block out the light?

Heavier weight fabrics will block out light, and you can add a blackout lining if you want total darkness. Sunlight fades all fabrics over time so if the room gets a lot of direct sunlight it may be best to go for neutral colours as these are will appear to fade less.

What is the best fabric weight to use?

If your fabric is too lightweight your curtains won’t hang well. You need a decent weight to create nice folds and drape. However, a fabric which is too heavy or stiff may not fold back nicely when you draw the curtains back. Just a note to add to this. If you are lining your curtains remember this will also add some body and smooth out the drape. You can, of course, vary the weight and stiffness of your lining. A good curtain maker will give you advice on this before you start.

Finally, any good curtain maker will be happy to use your own fabric.