A Guide When Choosing Curtain Fabrics

    When picking curtain fabrics, don't just look at color or print. You should also touch its material to see how it drapes and gathers and evaluate texture and transparency. All of these properties determine the finished look of the curtain, and they vary by fabric type.

    Upholstery fabrics occupy an exclusive area of ​​the fabric store and are often the best choice for curtain making, especially if your curtains will get a lot of use in opening and closing, and if you plan to keep them going for years. Upholstery fabrics often have a high thread count, which makes them more durable than other fabrics. The greater weight of these fabrics also helps the curtains hang well. Typical upholstery fabrics for curtains include linen, silk and rayon, cotton and cotton-blend chintz, satin, velvet, and more.

    Sheer curtain fabrics provide a level of privacy without completely blocking light and can be used alone or as a decorative accent over opaque curtains. These lightweight fabrics tend to appear refined. Lace and eyelet fabrics, most commonly white, are easier to handle than you might think. Lightweight sheer tulle, usually polyester, is available in a variety of colors and sometimes prints. For a more rustic tulle version, consider a loose weave.