7 Best Fabric Types for Curtains and Drapes

Choosing the perfect drapes and curtains for your home can prove to be a very stiff challenge. Not only do they come in every color and every possible shades of those colors, but they also come in innumerable patterns and textures. It’s enough for anyone to seek the services of an interior decorator and just have the experts make the choice to save oneself of the headache.

However, if you’re set on making this decision for yourself, then one thing you can do to help narrow down your choices is to first pick the fabric type that you want or need. Here are some of the more popular and arguably better-quality fabric types that you should be looking at:

• Silk. Who doesn’t like silk? This particular fabric, made out of fine strands spun from silkworm cocoons, can be considered one of the most luxurious fabrics available today. It’s soft, it’s smooth—to the point that the expression ‘as smooth as silk’ has become part of our vocabulary—and the way it shines as it drapes beautifully due to its weight is worth every penny it costs. 

Be warned, however, that silk can be fragile and tough to maintain. Not only does it tear easily, but it’s also very susceptible to sun and moisture damage. If you’re really set to purchase silk curtains, choose a set that is lined with supporting fabrics because this help increase silk’s durability.

• Faux silk. If you’re looking to enjoy the look and tactile delight of having silk curtains but you’re not too eager about the asking price of real silk, then you might want to look at having faux silk curtains and drapes instead. Often made of synthetic materials like polyester, faux silk definitely looks and feels very similar to actual silk, but is much more durable and more resistant against degradation due to sun or moisture exposure. Faux silk is also machine- and hand-washable, so any cleanup involved will be a breeze. 

Perhaps, the only downside to faux silk is that it doesn’t have the same exact texture and quality as actual silk, so anybody experienced with fabrics will be able to tell right away. Faux silk can also be a fire hazard (burning polyester can melt and drip flames), so keep them away from the kitchen stove or any open flames like candles.

• Cotton. Cotton is a very versatile fabric, able to be tailored and fit for both traditional and modern styles, in addition to being easily dyed in every color imaginable. It’s also a great choice for those looking for window treatments that are a bit more on the affordable side but don’t compromise on quality. 

As cotton can be a very light material for curtains, they can give any room a nice and breezy feeling—but they won’t be able to do much when it comes to giving privacy or blocking out sunlight. If you need your cotton curtains or drapes to do these things, then choose a product that possesses a heavier and tighter weave.

• Linen. Linen is a natural fiber that has enough weight to it to drape naturally and beautifully while also being light enough that a breeze can make it billow out in a very appealing fashion. Its ability to look tailored makes it perfect for dining, bedroom, and living room areas that have a contemporary look, while also giving said rooms a light and airy feel. Linen curtains should be washed carefully when laundered, although dry-cleaning them is the best way to give them a good washing.

If you’ve already picked from the fabrics above, you should also know that curtains and drapes can likewise be classified according to construction or weave—each one geared toward a specific function or to cater to certain needs. If you’re looking to have your curtain do more than just look pretty, then you need to be discerning about the following as well.

• Sheer. Sheer fabrics are basically fabrics that are made to be very light and very thin, almost to the point of transparency. These are great for when you want a room to have a more feminine or airy atmosphere. They can also be used as an accompanying layer to firmer and more opaque window treatment options such as blinds, shades, or even heavier drapes.

• Velvet. Velvet is a fabric that’s specially woven to get a really smooth, soft and heavy consistency, almost like carpeting. For anyone who wants to truly make a luxurious statement, velvet curtains are where it’s at. Their thick and dense quality also make them a perfect insulator against the cold. Furthermore, they are no slouch when it comes to blocking out sun and sound as well. The only downside here is that velvet can be expensive.

• Blackout. Blackout fabrics are for people who really want their rooms quiet and dark no matter what time it is or what’s happening outside. Much like velvet, blackout fabrics are woven to be dense and thick, but definitely to a higher degree than actual velvet for better light and sound shielding properties. They also serve to protect floors and belongings from sun damage, as well as help bring electricity costs down by preventing the indoor environment from getting too hot or too cold.

By keeping these types of fabrics in mind, you’ll most likely have an easier time picking the perfect drapes or curtains for your room. Choose wisely, and if you’re really lost, you can always consult a professional to help you out.