How to Choose the Best Curtain Fabric
Curtains are a common element in the home, and people often underestimate their decorative power. However, for those who love decoration and take care of every detail of the house, choosing curtains for each room is almost a ceremony.
For others, it isn’t very easy. Expectations are often not met; we do not find the desired color or style we want to give the room, or they simply clash with the rest of the elements.
This complex task is no less important since a good curtain can change a room’s atmosphere and appeal. If the choice is inappropriate, it can make the room brighter, larger, or even smaller.
As we can see, being able to choose the right curtain is very important; we must consider the color, the ideal curtain fabric, the design, and the length.
This article will provide several tips for choosing fabric and mention the most common ones and their characteristics. Keep reading.
5 Tips for Choosing the Best Fabric
1. Privacy and visibility
This point is important. If the bedroom window faces the street or your neighbors, you probably want privacy, so choosing thick fabrics that do not show through is ideal. If, on the other hand, you do not want to stop, if the passage of light and the window faces the patio, you can use more transparent fabrics that ensure the natural flow of sunlight.
2. Light
Depending on the window’s location, it may receive too much light so that you can opt for coated or blackout fabrics. If the opposite is the case and the room is dark, you should choose light-colored fabrics that do not obstruct the passage of natural light; in this case, light fabrics such as linen and cotton are ideal.
3. Personality
If the space is ample and you want to add some personality, you can choose fabrics with patterned prints or play with bright colors, which will bring extra joy. But if the space is small, we recommend you be more careful with that choice and use smooth fabrics that work better.
4. Use and durability
You must choose a suitable fabric type for indoor or outdoor use, depending on where you plan to use it. Outdoor curtain fabrics must resist outdoor conditions and adverse weather conditions, such as exposure to UV rays, not fade easily, and dry quickly after rain. Interior curtains, such as those for bathrooms and kitchens, must have moisture-absorbing properties and not form mold. They must also be stain-resistant for kitchen curtains and easy to wash for bathroom curtains.
5. Elegance
If you want to add a touch of elegance to your environment, specialty fabrics like silk, linen, and velvet are available. The textures are varied depending on your decorating style—cons of using these high-maintenance fabrics.
Types of Fabrics and Their Features
Silk: We have already mentioned that this fabric is ideal for more elegant spaces. The curtains must be lined with another material to give the desired drape. The disadvantage of this fabric is its maintenance. Washing must be dry to avoid damaging it, and you should not put it in a window directly in the sun, or it will damage the fabric.
Cotton is a natural fabric with an excellent drape. It is soft to the touch, adapts perfectly to all spaces, and is super resistant. Its porous texture promotes good air circulation, which helps prevent the appearance of fungi. You can wash it in the washing machine without problems; avoid using hot water.
Polyester: This synthetic fiber can be molded into various shapes and colors, making it a good option for curtains. It is also very lightweight, affordable, and very durable. However, it is recommended not to be used in the kitchen as it is highly flammable, absorbs odors quickly, and makes stains more difficult to remove.
Linen: Similar to cotton, linen is a natural fiber fabric. It is instantly soft and provides a lot of presence in the room with an elegant touch and an excellent drape. The disadvantage is that it wrinkles easily, but many consider this to be the plus that linen provides. It is necessary to take great care when washing so the fabric does not shrink.
The selection of the right curtain material must involve the elements of privacy, light, durability, and fashion. These tips and the fabric features mentioned above will help you make a wise choice that fits your home’s style and meets practical needs. For most people, there is no question of choosing elegance, practicality, or a blend of both – the fabric could turn your space into an aesthetically balanced and appealing one.
