Choose the Best Fabric for Drapes for Your Home
Window treatments can change the entire mood in your home. They convey your style and taste as a homeowner. Whether you want to add more privacy or brightness to your space, choosing the right drapery instantly brings any room to life. While the color of your drapes is certainly important for the visual richness you’re looking for, the fabric also plays a key role in how your drapes function over time.
Perhaps your ideal window curtain fabric serves as a simple decorative backdrop or creates just the right amount of drama with rich textures. How do you choose the best one? We’ve narrowed down the best fabrics for drapes and how to determine your room’s drape requirements.
Why Does Fabric Choice Matter?
Ultimately, the window curtain fabric you choose will impact maintenance, darkening abilities and the room’s overall vibe. Whether you’re a homeowner or interior designer looking to spruce up a space, you should consider the following factors before making a decision:
1. The Feel of Your Space
For many homeowners, the style and aesthetic of a space makes the most impact. How do you want your room to look when you walk in? What do you envision it looking like at different times of the day?
Do you want to draw attention to luxurious drapes with perfect pleats or would you prefer light and airy fabrics that blend into the background? The type of fabric you choose will influence the overall feel of your space.
2. Darkening Level
The darkening capabilities of your drapes are an important consideration, especially in rooms where you want little or no light penetration at certain points of the day. For example, darkening curtains in your bedroom, nursery or home theater can keep the room as dark as possible for optimal rest and sleep.
Room-darkening curtains can also help reduce cooling costs in your home by preventing extreme temperatures from heating up your space during the day. Alternatively, light-filtering curtains allow the most natural light to come through your home’s windows while adding a bit of privacy. These types of drapes are perfect for creating a warm, inviting space.
3. Durability
Certain fabrics can have vulnerabilities that make them more likely to fade, wrinkle, and tear. Your drapes’ durability will affect the way they hang, look, feel and last over time while exposed to sunlight and other conditions. Each type of fabric has unique strengths and drawbacks that influence its performance.
Consider how much wear and tear your drapes will receive before choosing a fabric. For example, if your drapes will be exposed to direct sunlight every day, they should contain a more durable fabric to resist wear and tear. The thread count, weave and weight of the fabric can also affect its strength.
4. Washability
Unless you expect your interior design preferences to change in the near future, you’ll want to consider maintenance when choosing the right fabric for your drapes. Fabrics like cotton are machine-washable, which makes them relatively easy to clean. Other materials, like velvet, may require dry-cleaning, ironing and more upkeep.
You might prefer a more high-maintenance fabric that offers the perfect elegant look. However, less maintenance is more convenient. Determine how you will use your drapes and how often before you decide. If you have kids and pets in your home, fabrics that are washable at home will be much easier to maintain.
Types of Fabric for Drapes
With endless fabrics to choose from, how do you find the right one for your space? Check out the most popular types of fabric curtains for windows based on your design, practicality and lifestyle preferences:
1. Silk
Silk drapes are ideal for creating a romantic, elegant atmosphere. Silk tends to have a shiny, lustrous appearance and create softness in any space. This graceful fabric can block out high levels of light while enhancing your room’s aesthetic. Silk drapes can be lined or unlined to add different levels of strength and privacy.
Because silk is often a delicate fabric, it tends to be more susceptible to the sun. This type of fabric may require professional laundering services to maintain its integrity. Using faux silk or adding a barrier fabric can reduce maintenance and prevent color fading.
2. Cotton
Cotton drapes are known for being soft, versatile and highly functional. This practical fabric is made of natural fibers that provide a clean look in any home. Cotton drapes are popular because they can easily be made from a gentle, sheer weave or a sturdy, thick weave.
Whether your home is traditional or modern, this natural fabric provides just enough light while offering privacy and protection. Cotton is easy to clean and dries quickly, but it may shrink if washed improperly. You can iron cotton drapes to keep them looking pristine, as this fabric will hold its shape well.
3. Linen
Like silk, linen fabrics are elegant and luxurious. This timeless fabric comes in many colors and textures to complement your home’s interior design. If you prefer an earthy, natural aesthetic, linen may be your best fit. Linen drapes tend to be mediumweight or heavyweight, providing excellent durability. As a natural fiber, linen can also help insulate your home and promote energy efficiency.
Linen drapes do tend to wrinkle and will require some ironing. However, slight creases in this fabric can add a whimsical, relaxed feel. You may have to dry clean linen drapes depending on the weight and thickness. Fortunately, they soften after laundering, which means they won’t be stiff when hanging.
4. Polyester
As one of the most practical fabrics, polyester is a wonderful choice for its versatility, affordability and durability. This synthetic fiber is highly functional, making it ideal for almost any space. You can find polyester drapes in light, billowy materials or thick, sturdy drapes. Polyester fabric for drapes is great for shared spaces and bedrooms.
Keep in mind that polyester is highly flammable, so it’s not recommended for use in your kitchen. Polyester drapes also tend to hinder airflow and absorb scents, which can affect the feel of your space. Fortunately, polyester fabric is relatively low-maintenance and easy to wash.
Find Quality Drapes for Your Home With Shutter & Shade Shoppe
We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your choices for curtain or drape fabrics. If you want your window treatments to last for years to come, it’s important to strike a balance between style and maintenance. Store-bought drapes simply cannot compare to custom window drapes. At Shutter & Shade Shoppe, we’ll help you create the perfect custom drapes for every window in your home.
During our free in-home consultation, we’ll take care of the measurements and assist you with the design and selection process. Our team will even recommend certain textures, styles and fabrics that blend with your existing window treatments. As the premier custom drapery store in Orange County, we’re dedicated to helping you find a precise fit that adds value and practicality to your home. Schedule a free consultation with us or visit our showroom in Lake Forest, CA today!
