Curtain Fabrics on Show

Some people think so, and for a while so did I. But in the last few years the typical old fashion curtains have had some competition with new textures, produced with futurist and incredible techniques.

Add to that a consumer always interested in esthetic value as well as the comfort that curtains can add to a room, and manufacturers are happy to oblige with constantly evolving new collections. We must say that consumers are more daring today. They are for example willing to use brighter colors in their interior.

Today’s curtain fabric can be found with matching upholstery fabric in colors and designs. This is a trap easy to fall in, but it should be avoided. It may sound good at first to match furniture and curtains, but this type of uniformity in a room, become boring very quickly. A little contrast or even a discordant note will add more personality to the room.

This said you are now free to choose in a long line of fabrics, colors, patterns, textures, in the different categories of curtain fabrics.

The categories

Classic, traditional curtain fabrics, they remain popular and are still widely used by homeowners.

These curtains are made of printed cotton more or less heavy. You will also find linen, in one color or with prints or even embroidered. Many different threads can be used to accomplish the embroidery depending on the thickness of the basic material (silk, cotton, raphia). Each type and technique will produce a very different effect. Some are made the old fashion way on weaving looms, then these curtains are high end (see below) and expensive to buy.

There is a whole category of curtains that fall into the special fabrics category. For example the fire retardant fabrics have been treated before weaving. They are available in a variety of colors and textures and often seen in hotel rooms. Some countries like England require that such curtains be used in hotels and apartment buildings.

Another special fabric is one that block all light, they also have the advantage of being very good insulation from the cold.

Macrame is another fabric that can be used for curtain fabric.

High end fabrics

You will find in this category the most luxurious fabrics, silk, brocade, taffeta, and also wool and jacquard. 

Natural, cotton is still used as in the past, but the trend today is to ecological cotton, grown without pesticides and fertilizers, and dyed with natural colors.

Polyester, not the kitsch type of curtains of a few years back, but a choice of synthetic fabric that can simulate any material you want, but they are less expensive.

Voile, they are now available in avant-garde styles, they can dress your windows with fine textures, thanks to new laser technology that can produce amazing cuts.

The choice is really up to you, and depends on your personal taste, and the place where you will hang the curtains. That is why it is important to consult a professional, as some fabrics will shrink or get longer depending on the heat and humidity of the room.