It may be a little overwhelming for some do-it-yourself decorators to decide what type of curtain fabric they would like to use for their window treatments. This article will help you understand the various qualities of different types of curtain material, which will help you to make a decision with more comfort and confidence.
Silk is often referred to as the “king of fabrics.” This is due to its refined quality, not to mention its more expensive price tag. If you would like to have silk draperies then a good weave to choose is called a crisp taffeta. This type of weave is used to make beautiful full-length panels, roman shades, and balloon shades. An advantage that silk fabric offers is that it retains color well during the dyeing or weaving process. One disadvantage about having silk window treatments is that direct sunlight can deteriorate the material. This can happen very quickly if it does not have a protective lining behind it. This vintage fabric is highly sought after in traditional and retro styles.
Cotton is possibly the most versatile material available. It is a great choice for curtains because it can be used in a wide variety of settings and designs. Cotton draperies provide two main advantages in that they are affordable and easy to clean. For the best effect, you should hang a lining behind your cotton draperies to protect them from fading as well as to help in blocking out excessive light intrusion. Although cotton is easily cleaned in a home washer it is best not to expose it to very hot water or a dryer to avoid any chance of shrinkage that may effect the way the material hangs as a window dressing.
Linen fabric is a popular choice in many homes. Linen makes wonderful sheers when it is light weight. When a heavier weave is used this curtain material can successfully be used to make full-length panels, soft shades, or roman shades. It is advised to put a lining behind your linen draperies, which will help them to retain their shape and flowing appearance. It is also advised to dry clean this type of material rather than machine washing it at home.
Wool panels offer many advantages including an increased ability for handling embellishments and trimmings that may be hung on its heavy fabric for decorative purposes. Wool is also available in a thinner, more light-weight weave, which makes the curtain fabric more suitable to be used all year long. Just like silk, wool is able to absorb colors very well in the dyeing process. Like linen, it is advised that wool be dry cleaned as excessive machine agitation can cause misshaping or shrinkage. It is also not a good choice if you live in a humid climate, due to its moisture absorbent qualities. And of course, there is always the possibility of damage due to the presence of moths.
A good choice of material to use for your window treatments may be found in many of the synthetic blends. This is because these materials are often a bit more stable because of their tighter weave and hang very nicely. A few examples of synthetic blends can be found in nylon, polyester, and acetate materials. Synthetic blends are good to use in humid climates, and are wonderful choices for use as curtain linings for the less stable natural fibers.
The overall choice of your curtain fabric depends on what style and look you want to achieve. The most important thing to know is what types of materials are available and what each type offers.
