Which is the Best Fabric for Curtains

What is the Best Fabric for Curtains?

While fabric might not be the first thing you think of when you’re choosing new window treatments, finding the best fabric for curtains is a must when it comes to making your vision a reality. There are a few things to consider when you begin looking for fabric for your curtains.

Why does fabric matter?

Choosing the right fabric is an important part in making sure your new curtains meet your needs. Certain fabric types are a better match for different styles and aesthetics than others.

Some curtains can better withstand damage from the sun, water and other potential issues. Your final decision will likely be based on your personal preferences about the appearance of the fabric, its capabilities and its durability.

What to consider when choosing fabric for curtains

Although the kind of fabric you select for your curtains is a personal preference, there are multiple different factors to consider when thinking about what type of fabric to select for your window treatments.

Create various aesthetics

The type of curtains you choose has a significant impact on the overall appearance of your home. Whether you’re interested in  dramatic, heavy drapes or flowing drapery panels, choosing a material that matches the tone and style of your room can go a long way toward determining whether a specific type of fabric is right for the needs of a particular room. 

Impact of fabric texture

In addition to affecting the overall appearance of your room, the type of fabric your curtains are made from affects how the curtains look. Curtains that are smooth, textured, thick, thin, single-layer or multilayer all look distinct, and it is important to consider the textures and thicknesses of various types of fabrics, which will affect how your curtains hang and drape.

Certain patterns also tend to look better on some types of fabric than others, because the texture of some fabrics can clash with certain prints. This makes the texture of fabric a particularly important consideration if you are interested in patterned curtains.

Certain styles require high-quality fabrics

Many curtain styles do not work as well if they are made with the wrong type of fabric. It’s important to make sure the thickness, durability and other aspects of the fabric are appropriate for the style of curtains to ensure that you will get the most out of your purchase.

Selecting curtains that are made from a fabric that is not a good match for your desired style can result in curtains that flare and don't drape into neat folds or look too skimpy for the space.

Are natural-fiber curtains better than polyester?

Curtains made from natural fibers are extremely versatile and can be purchased in a variety of colors and patterns. They’re also biodegradable and more eco-friendly than polyester curtains. Their natural texture and appearance make them a popular choice despite their slightly higher price point.

Polyester curtains are more budget-friendly and are generally less prone to sun damage, mold and mildew, wrinkles and other problems that can affect their appearance and maintenance. However, their shiny appearance is less popular with those preferring the more organic look of linen, cotton or other natural fibers. Today’s blends of natural fibers, such as linen with poly, give you the best of both worlds — durability, ease of cleaning and a natural appearance.

Should curtains be lighter or darker than walls?

Determining an appropriate range of colors for your new curtains starts with taking a close look at the color of your walls. To create the most aesthetically pleasing contrast in shades, your curtains should generally be at least one full shade lighter or darker than your walls and contain similar color undertones.

Choosing curtains that are an exact match to your furniture, decorative pillows or other accent colors in the room can work well if this color coordinates with your walls, as can creating a palette of tone-on tone-color. What it comes down to is whether you want your curtains to blend in with the walls or contrast with the walls as more of an accent.

How to choose the best fabric for curtains

Choosing the best curtains for your home involves considering both aesthetics and functionality and finding the best possible combination of the two.

Delicate, sheer curtains won’t do much good if your space needs blackout curtains that are designed to  block sunlight and increase privacy. Likewise, thick, heavy curtains likely aren’t the best option if you’re trying to make your room feel larger and more open.

Your ideal curtains should match both aesthetic and realistic needs and determining whether the appearance or functionality of your new curtains is most important to you is a good starting point. With so many options and choices, it is best to consult a professional — like the experts at your local Budget Blinds.

At Budget Blinds, we are passionate about helping our customers choose the perfect window treatments to complement their homes. 

The type of fabric your curtains are made from is just one of several factors to consider before purchasing window treatments for your living room, bedroom or other parts of your home, but it is an important factor that should not be overlooked. 

Schedule your free consultation to learn more about choosing the best curtain fabric types or to discuss your ideas with your local Budget Blinds design experts.