Choosing the Correct Fabric For Your Curtains

Curtains are one of the most popular window dressings available. Not only do they provide light control and privacy, but when made well, they can also offer an incredible window dressing that compliments a room’s decor perfectly.

When it comes to choosing the right curtains, the biggest choice comes down to the fabric itself. There are a multitude of different fabrics available out there, all with their own benefits, drawbacks and of course, unique features. to find the right one for you, you’ll need to consider a few different factors. 

Obviously the colour and style of the room is a big factor, as is the amount of privacy required, the upholstery on your existing furniture and which direction your window faces. Adding interlining to your curtains not only gives them body and fullness, it also protects the fabric against fading and provides extra insulation against both heat and cold. Lined, fine quality handmade curtains are an investment that can transform any room. 

Here are some criteria that will help you choose the right fabric for your curtains…

• Density – the density of the curtain material will go a long way to determining the privacy and light let into your room. If you’re looking for total privacy and a blackout effect, then choose a high-density material. the thicker it is, the better it will be at blocking out the light and increasing your privacy.
• Weight – How a fabric hangs depends on several variables. Too thick, and you may not get the crisp folds you desire. Too stiff, and it will flare out rather than pleat. a heavy fabric like velvet, can provide not only more privacy but insulation too. It will also stand strong with windows open, as opposed to lighter fabrics that find themselves being blown around. 
• Opacity – Opaque materials are usually on the slightly heavier side and are ideal for rooms that receive a large amount of sunlight and need help to tone it down, say for instance if you suffer with glare on your television.
• Colour – If your window gets a lot of sunlight, you may want avoid using dark or bright coloured materials, as they will fade quickly. Consider the room your window is in and what you’re likely to face in that room and add interlining if necessary to protect them.
• Pattern – The scale of your chosen pattern influences everything, from the room’s focal point to its sense of proportions. a vivid, large-scale design will transform a window into a show stopping focal point, offering a sense of play and drama. This is ideal for large windows where the repeat can be appreciated in all its glory. For a smaller window, a neater pattern is a better option. a smaller pattern repeat will create a more refined look, even in bright or contrasting colours, as the colours blend and unify to the eye. Vertical stripes can be used to create a feeling of height in a low-ceilinged room.

Once you’ve decided on the particular criteria above, it’s time to move on to the fabric itself. Here are just a few options for you to consider…

• Cotton – cotton is perhaps one of the most versatile options out there. It’s crisp, clean and ideal for both traditional and modern decor. There are also different variants available for those in need of certain levels of light control.
• Silk – Silk is without a doubt one of the most luxurious options and is perfect for those looking to upscale their home, providing a more opulent feel. It must be lined though, otherwise it will rot. They are also great for layering above roller blinds. Faux silk is another option as it tends to be more durable, and in a particularly sunny room, it doesn’t deteriorate as quickly as real silk.
• Linen – Linen is a natural fabric. It is super lightweight and favoured for it’s casual and laid-back appearance. It is also slightly sheer so it can help block that initial harshness of the sun while still allowing a lot of sunlight into the room. It can wrinkle quite easily however so if that’s something that would bother you, it’s worth considering whether you have time to wash and iron fairly frequently. 

The lists above are far from complete however they do give you valuable insight into the different options out there. They also show you the true importance of choosing the right fabric in order to achieve not only your desired look but the functionality you’re looking for.

If you’d like more help and advice choosing the right curtain fabric for your home, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Sarah Wooldridge Design today. Whether style or function is your main priority, we’ll find the perfect curtain fabrics and linings to suit. We source from a number of fabric houses to ensure a material that suits your vision and your budget. We’ll gently guide you through the process, explaining the benefits of materials and considering fabric options in front of us, to ensure we don’t just meet your expectations but surpass them completely. We’ll be only too happy to help you bring your vision to life and create your dream curtains with ease and efficiency every time. 

Call Sarah Wooldridge Design today on 01628 333 400.