Best Fabric for Window Treatments

We often associate curtains with long, luscious, opaque draperies. But aside from these materials, some window treatments look better when they are short, sheer, or scalloped. What is the best fabric for window treatments? Keep reading as I show you which material you should use for every window treatment.

Voile

Voile is a piece of plain, lightweight fabric from a cotton blend or 100% cotton. Its thread count is higher to result in a silky soft hand. While you’ll spot voile fabric in different pieces of clothing, it also looks excellent on sheet curtains and as a fabric for window treatments. 

The fine surface of voile makes it a good drape for letting just the right amount of light inside your home. Use it to keep your room airy and bright. 

Lace

Lace is a fabric that comes from natural fibers like silk and linen. This delicate material uses yarn or thread with open patterns and designs. Some lace fabrics are now made of synthetic fibers, and they are less prone to shrinking or fading.

Use lace fabric if you want sheer curtains at home. They are lovely transition pieces between your home’s indoor and outdoor spaces. Lace’s open patterns will create a gorgeous, picture-perfect shadow in your room. 

Nylon Net

A nylon net is a fabric that has a knitted construction. Unlike voile, nylon net does not have fine fibers. It also doesn’t stretch like other materials. You can turn this simple material into decorative crafts, costumes, petticoats, and home decor with the proper techniques.  

Nylon net is your cheapest option for a sheer curtain. Look for a polyester net fabric instead of other nylon net variants. Or you can also go for Point d’Esprit fabrics for net fabrics with a satin texture. 

Cotton

Cotton is soft and fluffy and comes from the cotton plant. The protective case around the seeds is gathered to create threads when mixed with fats, pectins, and waxes. 

Cotton is perfect for regular curtains because they offer your home a clean and crisp vibe. Whether you have a traditional or modern interior, cotton will drape well into your house without feeling out of place. 

Opt for cotton material with a tight weave if you’re looking to block sunlight or prioritize bedroom privacy. But if you want your room to be more breathable, there are also sheer cotton options for you.

Linen

Linen comes in medium to heavyweight, making it suitable for different kinds of window treatment. This thick and durable material protects you from the sun’s heat while providing privacy. But it won’t completely block sunlight. 

The only downside to linen is its susceptibility to winkling. The fibers of the flax plant are not naturally elastic, so they won’t bounce back when you fold them. 

Linen is perfect for Roman shades and valance because of its ideal weight and structure. It’s also available in different colors and textures to fit any design style. You can also use linen for regular drapes with pleats. Remember that 100% linen is different from dressmaking linen.

Silk 

Silk is a natural fiber with a unique sheen and appearance. It’s known for its strength, durability, and shine. But if you’re planning to use it as a window treatment, be sure to include a lining. Overexposure to the sun may cause fading and a lack of privacy. 

This fabric is best used for elegant drapes, such as Austrian blinds. They will always look luxurious when hanging over windows with only a few pleats.

Velvet

This fabric is an expensive piled material whose thickness can keep out the cold. Most velvet fabrics are perfect as window treatments, while others are best left for upholstery. The heavy type is the best, so you need tough wall studs that will hold the weight.

Velvet is best for statement curtains and drapery. It gives your home an expensive look, especially if it flows down to your floor. If you have a more traditional interior, don’t be afraid to add three inches more than your floor length.

Tulle

Tulle is another soft and light fabric that looks lovely when gathered in scrunches or scallops. This netting material comes from artificial fibers like nylon and polyester. More expensive tulle can be made of natural fibers like rayon or silk. 

Some tulle fabrics are sheer, while others are semi-opaque. Pick one which will suit your window’s needs. You can also embroider the material with decorations as it remains strong and flexible. 

This fabric is best used for Austrian shades, which are fabric shades gathered in scallops. You can pull this classic drapery up for tighter scallops for a luxurious look. 

Wool Serge

Serge has diagonal lines and ridges on both sides with a weave method of two-up, two-down. Aside from curtains, you’ll also find this fabric in military uniforms and trench coats. 

This fabric is best for blackout curtains which block the light and cold while offering privacy. However, heavy woolen twill is usually more expensive than multilayered synthetic curtains or blackout curtains with polymer coatings. 

Another alternative fabric for blackout curtains is the lined cotton twill or brocade.  

Synthetic Polyester Fabric

Polyester, aka polyethylene terephthalate, is a synthetic fabric that is inexpensive to produce. It has solid and resistant polymers that allow your window treatments to stay in shape without stretching out.

Polyester is perfect for vertical blinds and regular curtains. Most vertical blinds are made of PVC plastic. To make your space feel homier, switch to synthetic polyester fabric. It’s durable, fade-resistant, and easy to maintain compared to other materials. 

Verdict

Now you know which fabric to choose for every type of window treatment. If you want sheer curtains for your room, go for voile and lace. For sophisticated draperies, silk and velvet are your top choices.

Either way, mix and match these fabrics to create layers in your window. You can also experiment with other fabrics for cafe curtains, valance, and blinds.