Curtains do more than complete the look of a room. When you choose the right curtain fabric, you can completely change the way your window treatments look and function.
Drawing on our experience designing and installing custom curtains for a wide range of interiors, we've learned that every fabric performs differently depending on the room and its purpose. We created this guide to walk you through the most popular curtain fabrics, the best ways to use them throughout your home, and tips for choosing the right one for your space.
Key Takeaways
- Every curtain fabric offers different benefits and features.
- Choose a curtain fabric based on the room's purpose, privacy needs, the amount of natural light it receives, and your daily routine.
- Fabric texture and weight influence how your curtains look, hang, and perform in your home.
- If possible, request fabric samples before ordering custom curtains so you can evaluate the color, texture, and light performance in your own space.
Table of Contents
- Most Popular Curtain Fabric Types
- How to Choose Curtain Fabrics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Transform Spaces With the Right Curtain Fabric
Most Popular Curtain Fabric Types
Below are the most widely chosen fabric types for curtains and drapes:
1. Linen
Linen is a natural textile made from the finest flax fibers and has been one of the most widely used materials for curtains for years.
Linen as a curtain fabric is popular because it is lightweight yet durable, which also makes it kid-friendly. It also has insulating properties, withstands humidity, and does not fade easily when exposed to sunlight for extended periods.
This fabric has a great texture and can be customized, which means it can be tailored to suit various window sizes and design preferences.
Modern, effortless, and made to impress.
EYELET CURTAINS
Add a refined touch to spaces while enjoying curtains that glide with ease.
2. Cotton
Cotton is a natural textile made from the soft, fluffy fibers surrounding the seeds of cotton plants. It is soft and breathable yet reasonably durable.
Cotton curtains offer great insulation, even if you keep your windows open. They are also easy to clean and maintain.
Curtains made of cotton create a beautiful drape over windows due to their weight, which makes them naturally appealing interior features. They come in different colors, designs, and styles, which is why they are the perfect window treatments for homes and commercial spaces.
3. Polyester
Polyester is a petroleum-based, synthetic textile used in garments and home furnishings. It is one of the toughest fabrics for curtains.
Curtains made of polyester can resist fading and wrinkling and are easy to clean and maintain.
Polyester curtains are available in different colors and patterns and are affordable, making them ideal for rental properties and busy households.
4. Nylon
Nylon is another synthetic fabric made from petrochemicals. It is strong and stretchy, making it highly resistant to wear and tear and long-lasting. This material is lightweight yet water-resistant and easy to clean, which makes it a suitable window covering for the kitchen.
Nylon is also known for its colorfastness; its color does not fade easily even when washed repeatedly and exposed to sunlight.
The durability of nylon makes it an ideal option for high-traffic areas.
5. Lace
This delicate, web-like fabric is traditionally made of silk or linen threads, but is now commonly produced from cotton, polyester, rayon, and other synthetic fibers.
It is a lightweight fabric that creates a soft and elegant look for your windows. This sheer curtain fabric lets natural light filter through while still adding a layer of privacy during the day.
Lace is also widely used as a curtain embroidery fabric. It complements any interior color scheme, making it a perfect material for trending curtain styles and designs.
You can hang lace curtains on their own for an airy, classy feel or layer them with heavier drapes for additional light control.
Light, airy, and effortlessly elegant.
SHEER CURTAINS
Let natural light shine through while creating a softer view outdoors.
6. Rayon
Rayon, a semi-synthetic fabric made from regenerated cellulose, offers a smooth appearance for curtains. This material feels like silk, but it is less expensive and easier to clean, making it an excellent option for high-traffic areas that need a touch of elegance.
This fabric blends well with other fibers to improve durability and texture.
Rayon curtains tend to be delicate, but with proper care, they can maintain their attractive finish for years while adding warmth and style to your living spaces every day.
7. Silk
Silk, a textile made of natural protein fiber, is one of the most luxurious window treatment fabrics around. Its smooth curtain fabric texture and natural shine add warmth and sophistication to any room.
Silk curtains create an elegant draping that works well in formal living rooms and bedrooms. However, it is a delicate fabric, which means it is best used in areas with limited direct sunlight.
You can also protect the fabric and prolong its lifespan by adding proper lining to the curtains.
8. Velvet
Velvet is a fabric made from warp-pile materials from natural protein, natural cellulose, and petroleum-based synthetic textiles. The result is a fabric with a short, dense pile.
Velvet as a curtain fabric adds depth and comfort to your interiors. Its thick construction helps reduce outside light while providing added privacy and insulation.
Curtains made of velvet can create a cozy atmosphere in bedrooms and formal living spaces. They drape beautifully over windows and come in many colors, so you can easily find one that complements your home's overall design.
9. Voile
Voile is a sheer, lightweight fabric made of 99% cotton or cotton blended with linen, polyester, or other textile materials.
Voile curtains allow plenty of natural light to enter rooms while providing a subtle layer of privacy.
You can use voile curtains on their own to brighten a room or layer them with heavier drapes for greater light control. This fabric is easy to customize and suits many interior styles with a clean, elegant finish.
10. Blackout
Blackout curtains are specially designed window treatments that block most outside light when closed. They effectively reduce glare, improve privacy, and keep rooms cool. Depending on the fabric and construction, some blackout curtains can also reduce noise and feature fire-retardant properties.
Blackout curtain fabrics are densely woven, thick materials, such as suede, velvet, and felt, layered together to create the blackout curtain.
Blackout curtains are commonly installed in bedrooms and home theaters. They are also often installed in hotel rooms where greater light control and a more comfortable indoor environment are needed.
Built for comfort around the clock.
BLACKOUT CURTAINS
Keep light out and enjoy greater privacy whenever you need it.
How to Choose Curtain Fabrics
Understanding the various types of fabrics can help you narrow down your choices for your curtain material.
If you still need help with selecting the right fabric, follow these additional tips:
Consider the purpose of the room.
Think about the function of the room where you intend to install the curtains. If you need new curtains for your bedroom, choose a thick fabric that provides greater privacy and light control. If you're sprucing up your living room, opt for lighter fabrics so natural light can enter and create a cozier ambiance.
You should also consider how much sunlight your windows receive, as constant exposure can affect certain fabrics over time.
Think about how the fabric drapes.
The weight of the fabric affects how your curtains hang after installation. Heavier materials create fuller folds, while lighter fabrics produce a softer, more relaxed appearance.
Fabric weight can also influence how much space the curtains require when they are fully open.
Choose a fabric that fits your lifestyle.
Some fabrics are easy to clean and wrinkle-resistant while others need more careful handling to maintain their appearance. Selecting a material that matches your daily routine can help keep your curtains looking their best with less upkeep.
Consider layering and texture.
Texture influences the overall look of your interiors. If you want a polished finish, opt for smooth fabrics. Choose textured materials if you're looking to add warmth and visual interest to a room.
You can also layer sheer curtains with heavier drapes to enjoy natural light during the day and added privacy when needed.
Look at fabric samples.
If you are interested in custom-made curtains, ask for fabric samples before making your final choice. You can compare colors, textures, and light performance under real-world conditions when you view the material in your own home or office, making it easier to choose the perfect fabric.
Thoughtfully crafted for beautiful interiors.
DECORATIVE CURTAINS
Add depth and elegance that complements every room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover more helpful information about curtain fabrics and how to choose the right one below:
How do you measure curtain fabric?
Measure the width of your window or track first, then multiply by your desired fullness (usually 1.5 to 2.5x) to get total fabric width. Measure the drop from the top of the track to where you want the curtain to end, adding extra for hems and headings. You can have curtain specialists measure your windows for more accurate measurements.
How do you calculate curtain fabric in meters?
To calculate curtain fabric in meters, multiply the finished drop (plus hem and heading allowance) by the number of fabric widths needed to achieve your desired fullness. Add extra for pattern matching if using a patterned fabric like lace or voile. Your curtain supplier can help you determine how much fabric you need.
What is the best fabric for curtains?
The best fabric for curtains and drapes depends on the room's purpose. Linen and cotton suit everyday living spaces, velvet and blackout fabrics work well for bedrooms needing privacy, and voile or lace suit rooms where soft, filtered light is wanted.
How do you choose a curtain fabric for the living room?
Living rooms usually work best with lighter fabrics, such as linen, cotton, or voile, that let natural light filter through while creating a comfortable atmosphere. If you need more privacy or light control, layer sheers with heavier drapes, such as velvet.
How do you choose a curtain fabric for a bedroom?
Bedrooms typically need thicker fabrics, such as velvet or blackout curtains, that offer greater privacy and better light control. These materials also help block noise and insulate the room, creating a cozier, more restful space for sleeping.
Transform Spaces With the Right Curtain Fabric
Curtains are a long-term addition to your home, so selecting the right fabric is an investment in both comfort and style. Taking the time to understand your options today will help you enjoy beautiful and functional window treatments for many years.
Contact us to discuss your curtain requirements with our experts.
