How fabrics are compared
Compare fabrics on weight, drape, light control, heat, washing and cost. Hold a large sample up to the window and look at it from inside the room, in daytime and at night, with the lights you actually use. Ask whether the fabric is sold by the metre or ready-stitched, and what the width of the roll is, since a narrow roll needs more joins. A small swatch hides the pattern and the drape, so ask for a piece large enough to hang.
Velvet
Velvet hangs in deep folds, blocks light well and feels warm, so it suits bedrooms and formal lounges. It collects dust and needs careful cleaning. Choose a lined velvet for heat control, and a strong rod for the weight. See velvet curtains.
Cotton, linen look and polyester
Cotton and cotton blends are breathable and usually washable. Linen look fabrics give a relaxed texture but may crease. Polyester is strong, dries fast and resists fading, which makes it practical for kitchens and offices. Many ready-made curtains are polyester blends made to look like cotton or linen.
Sheer, net and lace
Sheers soften light and give daytime privacy, but they become see-through at night with lights on. Voile is smooth, net has a mesh and lace has a pattern. Layer sheers with a heavier curtain. See sheer and net curtains.
Blackout and lining
Lining adds weight, blocks light, protects the main fabric from sun and adds some insulation. A blackout lining is a coated or very dense layer that blocks almost all light. Check that the lining is stitched in and wide enough, and that light does not leak at the edges. See bedroom curtain design.
Heat, sun and fading
Dark fabrics absorb heat but hold it on the room side if lined well. Light colours reflect more. Strong sun fades fabrics, especially cotton and dyed polyester, so line curtains on sunny windows and close them in the strongest hours. Use blinds for extra control. See blinds and curtains.
Washing and care
Read the label before buying. Washable fabrics save cost over time, while dry-clean-only fabrics need planning. Dust curtains regularly, wash sheers more often and avoid shrinking by washing cool and drying in the shade. Iron on a low setting if the label allows, and steam velvet from the back to lift the pile. Hang curtains straight after washing so that they dry flat and keep their shape, and never store them damp. If a fabric has a stain, test any cleaner on a hidden corner before using it on the whole panel.
Buying checklist
- Room and use: sleep, living, kitchen or office.
- Light needed: blackout, filtering or sheer.
- Weight and hardware: match the rod or track.
- Care: washable or dry-clean.
- Sample: a large piece, seen in day and night light.
- Quote: fabric, lining and stitching listed separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
A heavy fabric with a blackout lining, such as lined velvet or a dense blend, blocks light and keeps the room cool and quiet. Add a sheer layer for daytime privacy. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Polyester and many cotton blends are washable. Velvet and heavy lined fabrics usually need dusting or dry-cleaning. Always read the label. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the supplier before ordering.
Yes, especially cotton and dyed polyester in strong sun. Use lining, choose fade-resistant fabrics and close the curtains in the strongest hours. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the supplier before ordering.
Plain lining adds weight and protects the fabric, and blackout lining is a coated layer that blocks almost all light. Choose blackout lining for bedrooms. If in doubt, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise.
About two to two and a half times the width of the rod or track, plus allowance for hems and headings. The supplier can calculate from your window size. If in doubt, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Send the window sizes and the fabric you prefer on WhatsApp. We confirm what we can supply and reply with a written rate that lists the fabric, lining and stitching. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Send the window width and height, the room and a photo of the space on WhatsApp. We confirm what we can supply and reply with a written rate that lists the fabric, the lining, the rod or track and the stitching, so you can compare quotes on the same scope.