When you visit a well-furnished home or a high-end hotel, you’re sure to notice the curtains. Bright and gorgeous, these draperies are the focus of the room. Homeowners take a lot of care and consideration in choosing their curtain fabric and design. After all, it’s a costly investment that increases your home’s aesthetics and market value.
So many decisions are involved in choosing the right curtains, including their colour, design, pattern, and fabric. Selecting the best fabric is probably the most challenging task because it influences the way your curtains hang and drape. The fabric’s texture, its transparency, weave, and the way it falls are all vital considerations when choosing your curtain fabric. Here’s how to pick the right material for your dream window curtains.
Best Fabrics for Drapery
Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtains are mostly chosen for their aesthetics rather functionality. Light, flowy, and translucent, they soften the ambience of your room and make it more attractive. You can either use them alone or pair them with heavier curtains for better light control and energy efficiency. Apart from putting them in windows, you can use these draperies behind glass doors, in kids’ rooms, and even in bedrooms for a romantic feel. Here are a few common fabrics used for sheer curtains.
- Voile
Soft, lightweight, and transparent, voile is a woven fabric that can be made from cotton or polyester. It has a smooth texture and good drape, and offers just the right balance between light control and privacy.
- Lace
Featuring an open-weave and transparent design, lace lets in lots of natural light into the room. Usually available in ivory, white, and neutral shades, lace blends easily with various home designs and colour schemes.
- Nylon Net
Although not as fine as voile, nylon net is light, sheer, and offers many benefits. Regular curtains are thick, heavy, and often require professional cleaning. By contrast, net draperies are much thinner and are machine washable. They are also quite affordable.
- Muslin
Muslin is a lightweight, plain-weave cotton fabric. Their natural fibres and simple fabrication make them somewhat transparent, but they are not as sheer as other fabrics in this list. Muslin can be washed frequently and dries quickly. Since muslin is made from 100% cotton, it can also be dyed to the colour of your choice.
Regular Curtains
For regular curtains (that are not transparent), you need opaque fabrics with high thread counts and long thread lengths. They should be thick, durable, and have a great drape. There are many fabrics available for home décor, but not all of them are suitable for curtains. Instead they may be used for other household furnishings like bedsheets and sofa coverings. Below are a couple of fabrics suitable for regular curtains.
- Polyester
Polyester is the most widely-used fabric for draperies because of its durability, affordability, and ease of maintenance. Available in a range of colours, designs, and patterns, polyester is very versatile and perfect for window treatments. Unlike cotton, polyester is both wrinkle- and stretch-free. If you work night shifts, have kids at home, and lead a super busy lifestyle, polyester is a good option.
- Silk
When it comes to curtains, silk is the most elegant choice. Thicker and heavier than other common fabrics, they have a smooth finish and fall perfectly. Their flowy, dramatic look is ideal for guest rooms, dining rooms, and even bedrooms. Pure silk curtains need professional dry cleaning, whereas faux silk curtains are machine washable and require less maintenance. The curtain’s fabric plays a big role in improving your room’s style quotient. Choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and energy. Each fabric has its benefits and drawbacks, and comes with specific care instructions. Evaluate your needs and pick the one that suits you best.
