List of Fabric Types for Curtains

Probably the most compelling reason to make your own curtains -- other than the satisfaction that is included with completely customizing their design and execution -- is picking out fabric. Even though you are limited to woven fabrics, you have many more options at a well-stocked store you have for premade panels. While perusing fabrics, look beyond just the colour or print. Unwind some bolts and feel the fabric with your fingers -- don't be shy. See how it drapes and gathers, and assess the texture as well as transparency. All of these characteristics determine the finished look of your curtains, and they differ considerably by fabric type.

Decorator Fabrics

Decorator fabrics, which occupy their very own section of a fabric store, are generally the best choice for curtain-making, especially if your curtains will receive a lot of use in terms of opening and closing, and if you intend for them to last many years. Designer fabrics usually have a high thread count, which makes them more durable than other fabrics. The greater substantial weight of these fabrics also helps curtains hang nicely. Typical decorator materials that are suitable for curtains include linens; silks and faux silks; cotton and cotton-blend chintzes, which have a shiny coating; warp sateens, which are smooth and weighty; drapey antique satins with characteristic slubs; and brocades, with raised, tapestry-inspired motifs. Velvet is a nice choice for a traditional, regal look.


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Garment and Quilting Fabrics

Garment and quilting fabrics don't have the high thread count or even substantial weight of decorator fabrics, but don't eliminate them entirely being an option for curtains. They are suitable for more lightweight window treatments, particularly those that usually are meant to be decorative rather than functional. Examples include cafe curtains, which cover just the underside of a window; hourglass curtains, mounted at the top and bottom of a glass-paneled doorway and cinched in the middle; and simple, plain panels that will hang from clip bands. Use these fabrics also for curtains that will only be hung for a restricted time, such as in a short-term rental or the room of a child whose preferences will quickly change.

Sheer Fabrics

Sheer curtains offer some degree of privacy without fully blocking light, and they are used either alone or as a decorative accent layered over an funeste window treatment, such as blinds. These lightweight fabrics tend to appear delicate, matching a romantic or feminine style of decor. Laces and eyelet fabrics, most commonly within white, are easier to handle than you might think; often you can trim around their own design for a decorative, no-sew hem. Lightweight, transparent sheers, usually polyester, are available in a multitude of colors and sometimes prints. They are slippery, which can make them difficult to work with, but effective cutting and sewing is achievable with patience. For a more rustic edition of sheers, consider a loosely woven fabric, such as burlap, which is easy to arena at the edges if you want to create a fringe instead of hems.

Linings and Interlinings

Layered curtains, with the exception of sheers, have a more professional-looking finish, block more light and provide more insulation than unlined ones. They also resist fading and look more attractive externally of the house when drawn closed. White or unbleached cotton is typically used to collection curtains. Special blackout fabric is available specifically for lining curtains, and is a good choice with regard to bedrooms. Insulated lining is another specialist option, keeping a room warmer in winter, obstructing drafts and possibly lowering your heating bill. Interlining, an additional layer of fabric sandwiched between curtain fabric and lining, adds further insulation and more body.

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