Different Curtain Fabrics

Nowadays, there is not only a plethora of fabrics used to make your curtains; there are also many different designs, styles and prints that can be used on them as well. Below we have listed some of the most common fabrics used in making curtains.

Acrylic: is considered ideal for those rooms that require a nice, "warm" atmosphere to it. It is lightweight and soft to the touch.

Chintz: these are not only ideal for curtains, but popular for other items such as bed covers and quilts. These come in different designs, usually flower print, which are then finished off with starch and max.

Cotton: is probably the most common of all fabrics used throughout the home for both furnishings and clothing items. It is comfortable, but more importantly is durable and versatile and can have many different finishes, designs or patterns, and colour.

Brocade: used to be made from silk but today is made from linen, wool, cotton, and synthetic fibres. It is classed as a luxury fabric and can have silver or gold threads intertwined in it. Usually a favourite with the well-off, it has an elegant, rich look to it.

Damask: can be made from cotton, wool, linen, synthetic or silk and has a distinctive weave pattern to it. There is an array of designs and colours this fabric can come in.

Calico: is available in solid colours or in print form and is made from cotton.

Lace: having a mesh or net appearance, it can be either solid or patterned when it comes to design. Today lace is made from cotton threads but traditionally it was woven by hand using silk.

Satin: is a fabric having a dull back but shiny front and has been made from polyester, nylon or silk.

Gingham: is of Indonesian origin and this fabric is made from fine yarn which has been carded or combed. They are usually chequered in design and are made from cotton.

Silk: was originally a Chinese discovery and is a material naturally produced by silkworms.

Obviously the above are only a very few of the huge number of fabrics that are available commercially today. On the whole, fabric is usually divided into three main categories and these are synthetic, natural or a combination of both. And because of all these different types of fabric in abundance today, the styles, designs, patterns and colours that are available offer the consumer an almost impossible choice when it comes to deciding what is right for their home.

For a more luxurious style of curtain, satin, brocade or silk fabric is the best to go for, although they are usually the more expensive. For a more relaxed look, then cotton or gingham may be the best choice.

Try to choose curtains that will not only go with the general décor or ambience of the room they will be in, but will also reflect your own personality. At the end of the day, curtains are as much an investment as any piece of furniture in your home is.