Window Treatment Fabrics
Online Guide

Whether you're considering buying ready-made curtains, or making your own, get the low-down on suitable fabrics for your curtain ideas and designs.

It is actually very important that you choose the right weight and type of fabric, and curtain lining to suit your room and your style.

Your curtains will just look a mess otherwise.

So read this guide to learn about all the different window treatment fabric types and names - understand what it all means - and what you should do with it!

If you want to buy your fabric online, I know a really great online fabric store. They have a fantastic selection of all different types of fabric - be sure to check out the 'retro and cool fabrics' in the 'Home Decor Fabrics' section, where you can find some really 'cool' fabrics (like they said...!) and unusual designs. They have really fast delivery times, internationally too, and always have plenty of discounts, deals and a great clearance section. You can get swatches and samples before you put in a big order too. One of their current offers is discount shipping of only $2.95 for first time orders. Check it out at Fabric.com

In the meantime, check out exactly which fabric types you want to go for... Go ahead, unravel the mysteries...

Cotton
Calico
Muslin
Linen
Linen Mix
Jacquard
Chenille
Velvet
Tapestry
Toile de Jouy
Chintz
Gingham
Broderie Anglaise
Brocade
Crewelwork
Damask
Ticking
Paisley
Lawn
Silk
Moire
Satin
Sheers
Linings
Blackout Fabric

Window Treatment Fabrics Guide

• A natural fabric, plain woven.


• It can have a glazed surface, which makes it very practical, hard-wearing, and easy to work with.


• Cotton is actually one of the most commonly used window treatment fabrics, so you should have a fantastic choice of pattern and design.


• It is very often used for linings too, in cream or white.

• A firm cotton material.


• Can be bleached or unbleached.

• A very lightweight, loosely woven cotton.


• These window treatment fabrics are quite sheer, so they are a very good alternative to nets.


• White is the most common color, but these days muslin can come in lots of different patterns too.

• A natural fabric, made from flax.


• These window treatment fabrics are most often used for home furnishings in a heavy-weight linen, which is a great choice for curtains.


• Linen usually comes in neutral or natural colors - and mixes very well with other fabrics.


• The only real problem with linen is that it does crease quite easily.

• This is a mix of linen and cotton, or linen and a man-made material such as viscose or nylon.


• This mix makes the fabric much easier to use and handle, and it works really well for curtains.

• This is actually a type of weave rather than a fabric type in its own right.


• The fabric comes in different colors and its main feature is that the pattern shows in relief on the underside of the fabric.


• Patterns are usually flowers, foliage or other swirling patterns.

• This was commonly used in Victorian times as window treatment fabrics, to create quite heavy curtains.


• It is soft to touch, with a velvet-like texture/pile, and a luxury feel.

• A very soft fabric, but quite heavy in weight and thick. It has a thick brushed pile, with a luxury look (although it can, in fact, be bought quite inexpensively.


• Very commonly used for curtains, especially full-length curtains.

• Traditionally, this actually was a real, hand-worked tapestry. These days, it refers to heavy-weight fabrics, with a textured surface, and a pattern looking similar to old-style tapestries.

• This is a pattern on the fabric, and not a type of actual fabric.


• Toile de Jouy patterns are originally from 18th Century France. The background is white or cream, and has scenes printed on it in blue, red, pink, green or even black. The scenes show figures in small rural landscapes. They are a very distinctive design.


• Toile de Jouy window treatment fabrics would be ideally suited to country and traditional decorating styles.

• This is a quality cotton fabric, decorated with large, floral patterns.


• It works really well for curtains, and drapes really nicely.


• Glazed chintz is also available, but the glazed surface can wear over time, and does crease easily.


• It is best to use it in small amounts, just for trims.

• This is a light-weight, cotton, woven fabric with a pattern of small checks in white and one other color - red and white is the most common color choice for gingham fabrics.


• It is a great fabric to use in relaxed, country style decorating, kitchens and in Scandinavian inspired interior design.

• An embroidered fabric - commonly of a light-weight, pale, cotton denim, with white 'pretty' embroidery.

• A medium-weight fabric, with a raised pattern actually woven into the material. It can be one color, or more than one color.

• This is a material with a plain background, with a raised pattern worked in chain stitch in white or colored wools.


• This is quite a hand-made, traditional and 'crafty' look - and would work really well in a rustic or country style decorating scheme.


• These days it commonly comes from India, and has quite an ethnic look and feel.

• A medium-weight woven fabric, made of linen, viscose, or other materials.


• It usually comes in just one color, with the design picked out in relief.


• It makes a really good choice for curtains and cushions, as well as other upholstery.


• Do take care - as this fabric frays very easily. (If you are sewing it yourself, overlock any seams.)

• This is a tightly woven fabric, in a herring-bone weave, with a striped pattern.


• This is a very popular choice for window treatment fabrics and other upholstery, and so comes in a whole array of colors.

• This has a very distinctive scroll design, and is very heavily patterned all over the fabric.


• Paisley designs originally came from India, and the pattern was woven in. These days paisley prints are actually very common too.

• A very soft, light-weight fabric, with a very fine, delicate weave.


• Good for draping!

• Mmmm, silk! A luxury, natural fabric - very beautiful but very expensive!


• Silk has a gorgeous shiny sheen to it, and a soft feel.


• It comes in lots of different weights of fabrics. Only the heavier weights would be suitable for full curtains (and would be a bit pricey!), but lighter weights would make fantastic drapes.


• If you do choose silk, be careful, as it marks very easily, and is not really hard-wearing if in a room that is used regularly - definitely one to be kept for best!

• Moire is actually a finish on the fabric. It is most commonly used on silk, but you can see it on other fabrics too, sometimes.


• The fabric has a 'rib' running across the fabric, and, most importantly, a 'watermark' in the fabric too.


• It makes really good window treatment fabrics for luxury, formal-style curtains.

• This is a very similar, soft, shiny surface to silk. But - it is a much more reasonable price.


• Do treat it a bit gently though - as it is still not that hard-wearing.

Watch the short video to find out the benefits of using sheer curtains on your home.

Simply click 'Play' to start the video clip...

• This refers to any window treatment fabrics that are very light-weight and see-through - lace, voiles, muslins, nets.


• They look great at windows during the daytime to let light through, but keep some privacy for you.


• Remember though, they are totally see-through at night, when the lights are on inside - so fit some heavier curtains too!


• Sheer curtains also look really good draped around curtain poles, or around beds, for a soft, romantic look.

Watch a short video on the benefits of using lined curtains in your home...

Just click 'Play' to start playing the clip...

• Not all curtains are lined, but lining your curtains is, pretty much, a good idea.


• Linings are good because they will protect your more delicate window treatment fabrics from being damaged by strong sunlight.


• Linings can also be good insulation in the winter.


• By making the fabric heavier, they make it drape, or hang, nicely.


• A soft fleecy lining, that fits in between the curtain and the lining, is called the interlining. This is great for keeping your room lovely and warm. Sometimes designers add it just to make the curtains look full, thick and luxurious. Interlining comes in lots of different thicknesses.

Watch a short video on the benefits of using insulated curtains in your home...

Just click 'Play' to start the video clip...






Return to the list of fabrics

Blackout Fabric

• A blackout fabric is most often used with other window treatment fabrics as a lining - (although it can be used as a fabric in its own right, and even comes in all different colors, patterns and designs.)


• Blackout fabric is fantastic as it really does block the light from your windows. This is definitely a must if you work nights and sleep during the day, have young kids, or if you have a street lamp right outside your house (like me!).


• It really does help, so make sure you consider using a blackout fabric or lining for your bedroom curtains.

I hope that this guide to window treatment fabrics will help you with making your decisions over your curtains, and buying or choosing the fabrics that will suit your needs best.

Ready to buy your fabrics now?

Do check out this simple guide to measuring for window treatments - don't make an expensive mistake!

Discover what you should consider to find out your ideal interior design window treatment style.

Look at the ideal curtain style for every type of window - useful window treatment tips.

Learn more about the different styles of curtain (and that confusing curtain terminology!) - and find your best curtain decorating idea and style.

Still need more info? Look at my selection of window treatment books here!

Return to the main window treatments guide page.

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