How to Choose the Right Curtain Fabric for Your Home

The fabric you choose for your curtains will be just as important as the design and colour of the curtains. A thick fabric will offer all the light blocking and privacy you need, along with added insulation against drafts and hot air coming into the home. You also want curtain fabric that will be durable and easy to clean. Note a few details you don't want to overlook when you're choosing curtain fabric for your home so you know you're happy with those curtains for years to come.

How much light the curtains block

The weave of fabric, not the colour, determines how much light it blocks. Sheers offer privacy while still allowing sunlight to pass through. Triple weave fabric will block lots of light but won't provide a blackout effect; these are good for living rooms where you may want to block lots of light, but not blacken the room entirely. For maximum light blockage, choose a coated fabric. This coating will cover any gaps in the weave of the fabric, so that it completely blocks light.

How durable the fabric is

For windows that get lots of light exposure, and for homes with children and pets, choose man-made fabrics such as polyester and nylon. These fabrics won't fade as easily as cotton and wool, and they are usually more stain resistant and easier to clean. Linen also holds wrinkles and creases very easily; if you love the look of linen but want to ensure your curtains always hang straight, opt for a linen-look polyester.

How the fabric matches the decor

Consider the decor of your home and the fabric of upholstered furniture. If you have a traditional home and a sofa upholstered in a thick corduroy fabric, light silk drapes may seem out of place. However, that silk material may fit a more modern home with glass and metal accents. If your home has very large and heavy furniture, oversized drapes may add to this heaviness of the room and make it seem very imposing and stuffy. Choose a lightweight cotton and layer curtain panels for volume.

How the curtains open

If you want roman shades, meaning that they open with an accordion fold that starts at the bottom, note that very heavy fabrics may not fold and crease so easily, and the curtains may need constant adjusting. On the other hand, if you want curtains that open and close from the side, a lightweight fabric may constantly billow and come out of place, so it's good to choose a heavier fabric that will stay in place for curtains that you want to ensure hang straight.


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