Curtain fabric: advantages and disadvantages of types of curtain fabrics. Features of creating curtains with different designs and fastenings (photo + video)

Updated: 04/22/2021 17:09:36

Expert: Anna Maslova

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Curtains play an important role in the interior of a home, allowing you to create a unique interior. That is why, when choosing a suitable design for a window space, several nuances should be observed, which will be discussed in our rating of the best fabrics for curtains.

Fabric requirements for curtains

To choose the right textile fabric, it is necessary to take into account a number of parameters:

Fabric resistance to frequent washing and shrinkage.
Density of fabric.
The porosity of the structure, which determines air circulation.
Degree of protection from noise and sunlight.
The ratio of natural and synthetic fibers in the fabric.
Drawing and the presence of several layers.
Environmental indicators. The selected fabric should not contain toxic impurities, dyes or allergens.
If possible, focus on fabrics with an antistatic layer that will repel dust.
The presence or absence of special care requirements.
Cost of working material. Be sure to check the price per roll of curtain fabric before purchasing fabric.

In addition, you should definitely take into account the purpose of the future curtain - for the kitchen and dining area, for a child's or adult's bedroom. Sewing curtains from fabric can be made to order or sewn by hand, but the choice of material still falls on the shoulders of the housewife.

Types of material

Blackout

Read about: blackout curtains.

Blackout is a double material with a satin weave. There are several varieties of this fabric, but the original is considered the most popular. The original is made from polyester and has excellent characteristics.

Pros:

Does not allow light, sounds and heat to pass through;
Resistant to fading and stains;
Does not deform after washing;
High density up to 280 g per sq.m;
Holds thermal printing perfectly;
Pleasant to the touch surface;
Can be draped;
Suitable for allergy sufferers;
Durability and wear resistance.

Minuses:

High cost, which can reach 6000 for 1 pair of curtains;
Not suitable for lovers of everything natural, since blackout is synthetic;

Gozhka

Matting is easy to recognize by its rough texture, similar to burlap, and its checkerboard weave pattern. The surface can be either smooth or fleecy. The composition contains natural and synthetic fibers. Natural fibers include: linen, wool, silk, cotton. Synthetic: polyester and acrylic.

Pros:

Long service life due to durability. The matting is difficult to tear;
Keeps its shape well after washing and creasing;
Natural material that does not harm the environment and is suitable even for people prone to allergies;
Curtains made from this fabric look very original, despite their simple appearance;
The matting does not require delicate care, but it must be washed at a minimum temperature and without spinning;
Budget cost.

Minuses:

The edges are prone to fraying, so when purchasing and sewing yourself, you need to take allowances into account;
Despite the density, puffs easily remain on the fabric. You can avoid this by purchasing a matting with adhesive.

Gabardine

Gabardine is a fabric with a natural composition. Made from sheep wool, silk, cotton. The main feature is the diagonal weave, which gives density and relief.

Pros:

High strength and wear resistance. Thanks to this, it retains its appearance for a long time;
Good air permeability;
Does not wrinkle, drapes beautifully;
Well protects from light;
Does not stretch when washed;
Easy to care for;
Has water-repellent properties.

Minuses:

Flowability and the possibility of damage by a needle when sewing.

Linen

Read about: linen curtains for the living room.

Linen is a natural and environmentally friendly material. It is often used to create contrast in the interior, as it looks advantageous with velvet or silk.

Pros :

High fabric strength and, as a result, long service life;
Natural composition and hypoallergenic;
Simple, but at the same time interesting and expressive appearance.

Minuses:

Gives greater shrinkage after washing;
It wrinkles a lot if you dry it too much;
A special washing cycle is required.

Velvet

blue velvet for curtains

Read about: velvet curtains.

Material with thick short pile. More often, velvet is used for expensive and luxurious interiors. Due to its density, velvet does not allow light and extraneous sounds to pass through, and also retains heat well in the room. It is not subject to fading, so it is suitable for use even on the sunny side.

If you have chosen velvet, then you need to take into account some nuances:

Velvet is quite a heavy material, so the curtain rods must be durable
It is not recommended for use in small apartments, because instead of luxury and majesty, it will emphasize the limited space.

Jacquard

This material is distinguished by its complex weave, ornate patterns and small details. The composition contains synthetic and cotton threads. Jacquard is lightproof, does not require delicate care, and does not fade. It will look good in both minimalism and baroque, but the interior should have elements that resonate with the curtains. It is with this fabric that you can experiment: lambrequins, fringe, tassels will look appropriate.

We recommend

Jacquard should not be used in small spaces.

corduroy curtain fabric

Indian curtain fabrics

Types of fibers for curtains

All specified requirements and qualities of curtains depend on the type of fiber. Today in the textile industry all types of threads are divided into three groups:

Natural fabrics. Made from threads of plant or animal origin, they are absolutely safe for humans and do not contain allergens or toxins.

This group includes linen, cotton, wool and silk fabric. The presented fabrics are highly breathable, allowing the fabric to “breathe” and not absorb odors.

Synthetic fabrics made from polymer fibers. Among the representatives of this group, polyester, acrylic, and nylon fabrics should be noted. All artificial types of fabrics are characterized by increased strength, resistance to shrinkage and frequent washing.

Very often, such canvases are equipped with an antistatic coating. However, when sewing curtains, you should remember the poor porosity of the structure, which impedes natural air circulation.

Combined types of fabrics. One of the new, but very popular areas of textile production. The optimal ratio of natural and synthetic fibers allows you to combine the positive qualities of both groups: wear resistance, antistatic layer, sufficient strength and beautiful external decor.

Natural and combined fabrics are an excellent choice for bedrooms, especially children's bedrooms. Artificial canvases can be used in the living room, dining area, and for a residential loggia.

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Purpose of the room

When choosing curtains, harmony and functionality are important, so the type of room for which the materials are selected is a fundamental factor.

Living room. The living room is the main room of every apartment, so the interior and color scheme should be thought out to the smallest detail. For standard rooms with low ceilings, it is worth choosing lightweight fabrics made from natural fibers (possibly with a mixture of synthetics for easier care). Such fabrics will add volume, lightness and visually expand the space.

For larger rooms, you can choose denser textiles, such as jacquard and velvet. They will allow you to make beautiful drapery.

Bedroom. In this room, the choice of curtains also depends on the overall style of the room and your needs. Modern bedrooms are decorated with discreet but high-quality fabrics - linen, jacquard, cotton.

If the room is on the sunny side, then it is worth purchasing blackout curtains. For the north side, you can choose organza tulle or a light curtain.

Kitchen. For the kitchen, you should choose practical artificial fabrics, such as a translucent polyester curtain. It will last a long time and will not completely hide the sun. Avoid layering and cleaning will be quick and easy.

Children's room. Textiles in this room should be natural, breathable, but practical. Linen, cotton with a small admixture of synthetics are suitable. Thanks to this, the curtains will not wrinkle and will also increase their service life.

Choosing fabric for curtains

The textile market is constantly updating its range, expanding the volume of goods supplied. A variety of fabrics for curtains in Moscow can be found at very affordable prices. Curtains in the interior are an important attribute, so you should pay sufficient attention to the design.

The most popular types of fabrics for sewing curtains:

Velvet.
Jacquard fabric.
Satin.
Various types of tulle.
Blackout fabric for curtains.
Gabardine.
Fabric for roller blinds.

Each of the presented options has a set of advantages and disadvantages in practical application. Before you buy this or that type of fabric for curtains, you should carefully familiarize yourself with the composition and properties of the fabric.

Mixed

By definition, this includes fabrics with a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers. This combination takes the materials out of the economy class of the mass market, but gives them a more elegant appearance.

The advantages of natural and artificial fabrics are mutually summed up, and the disadvantages are eliminated.

Velvet for sewing

Textiles with rich decor that can decorate absolutely any room. In textile stores you can find fabrics with a soft monochromatic pattern or with a relief pattern. Curtains made of velvet are formed into original folds that fall to the floor.

The disadvantage of velvet is the excessive accumulation of dust between the folds and the lack of an antistatic layer.

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Expert advice

Decorative fabric for windows has more than a hundred options. It differs in structure, composition, density and color. When choosing fabric, it is important to consider the style of the room; they must be compatible. Therefore, at the first stage, you should study the style direction of the room in order to correctly select the appropriate model.

Textiles that match the same color scheme as the furniture, rather than the walls, look original. But the walls should also fit harmoniously into the selected interior.

In miniature rooms, it is recommended to abandon voluminous curtains with many decorative details; such a choice will make the room even smaller. A curtain secured with a tie on one side will visually add space. The opposite effect can be made to make a very wide wall smaller by decorating the window on both sides.

In winter, the fabric should not interfere with heating so that heat can freely penetrate into the room.

In a room with expensive furniture made of leather and velor, you should choose a dense material. So that the fabric can protect objects from exposure to the sun.

Satin and cashmere models are suitable for the bedroom so that the material can provide a restful sleep, protecting from street light.

Jacquard fabric

Excellent drapery fabric for curtains. Heavy night curtains are sewn from jacquard fabric, which are optimally combined with light transparent tulles. The advantage of practical use is the absence of special care requirements and resistance to shrinkage when washing.

Self-drying of the fabric after washing is another bonus from the manufacturer. Thanks to a special production technology, a relief pattern of incredible beauty is formed on the canvas.

Chenille

Chenille curtains are dense, heavy, with a soft fleecy texture. They can be made from either synthetic or natural fibers, with a solid or jacquard pattern. Pleasant to the touch, reminiscent of plush, velor or velvet. But unlike the latter, chenille’s pile is more heterogeneous and grainy.

The material is color-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, wear-resistant, absorbs sound and light, and drapes easily. It is worth considering that the fabric is highly hygroscopic, that is, it absorbs moisture very quickly and well. Requires gentle care. Fibers from the canvas are easily pulled out, and puffs can form.

Satin curtains

Satin is a representative of the natural group of fibers, characterized by strength, beautiful decor and absolute safety for humans. Thanks to its porous structure, the fabric maintains natural air circulation, allowing the air in the room to be constantly renewed.

The fabric has a pleasant glossy shine, formed due to the special weaving of fibers. Disadvantages of use are rapid color fading under the influence of sunlight and shrinkage with frequent washing.

Silk and satin

Silk curtains are thin, delicate, delicate to care for, but at the same time durable and wear-resistant. The fabric looks rich, drapes well, shines and shimmers beautifully. But natural silk is suitable for use in bedrooms or living rooms only with windows facing north. Ultraviolet radiation destroys the canvas and discolors it. The artificial analogue is less whimsical. In addition, products in cream and pastel colors are not so susceptible to fading.

Satin is a heavy silk or semi-silk fabric, even and smooth, with a shiny front side and a matte back. In addition to silk, the composition may contain natural cotton, artificial (viscose) or synthetic (acetate, nylon, polyester) fibers. The properties of the material depend on them. But in general, satin fabric:

strong and durable;
drapes well and keeps its shape;
hypoallergenic;
breathable;
does not fade;
protects the room from sunlight and keeps cool.

Tulle for sewing curtains

Tulle is often used in combination with heavy curtains and dense plain types of fabric. Thanks to special production technology, types of fabric with matte and glossy textures appear.

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It is convenient to form large folds from tulle to decorate the interior. These types of textiles are easy to care for, resistant to shrinkage, and dry quickly without additional ironing.

Linen

Environmentally friendly material with a unique texture, slightly rough to the touch. Suitable for any bedroom or children's room interior (mainly due to its natural origin), but will especially emphasize eco or rustic style.

Linen curtains are highly durable, do not electrify, do not accumulate dust, are resistant to dirt, and do not fade in the sun.

The main disadvantage of linen is its high wrinkleability, but the fabric can be smoothed out well with the “steam moistening” function. In addition, you must carefully select the washing mode; if the material has not been decatified, it will shrink in hot water.

Blackout curtains

This fabric has an original three-layer structure:

A thin layer that is the base.
Special sun protection layer.
Decorative fabric on the front side of the curtain.

Thanks to the presence of three layers, the material is characterized by increased strength and resistance to shrinkage. The curtain sufficiently protects the room from direct rays of the sun and street noise.

For different seasons

For the autumn-winter period, dense, rough fabrics in dark shades are suitable. It is better to refrain from bright patterns. Multi-layering will look good.
For the spring-summer season, light, translucent materials with ornaments are chosen. In summer, in a room where there is little sun, you can leave only tulle.

Correctly selected curtains can do a lot: visually expand the space and add volume, create a unified room style and the right atmosphere. By following the above recommendations, you will know exactly which curtain fabrics to choose.

Gabardine for sewing curtains

Dense and practical material, having a fabric with a diagonal weave of threads. Excellently repels water and dust, retains its shape well, and dries quickly without ironing.

To obtain the most practical qualities, wool fibers are combined in various proportions with synthetic threads.

Natural

These include cotton, linen, silk and wool fabrics. Designers prefer to use natural materials to create collections.

Pros:

aesthetic appearance;
hypoallergenic;
breathable;
drape beautifully;
give the room lightness, naturalness, and presentability.

Minuses:

subject to rapid burnout;
quickly wrinkle and lose their aesthetic appearance;
require special care.

Fabric for roller blinds

Natural, synthetic and combined fabrics are used to sew roller blinds. To improve the quality of textiles and the resistance of the fabric to fading, shrinkage and deformation, polyester, acrylic and fiberglass are added to natural threads (linen and cotton).

With an optimal combination, the canvas acquires not only a number of positive qualities, but also a pleasant decor, an original design, and a relief ornament.

Living room

The room is central; it is decorated in neutral colors, conducive to calm conversation. She will tell guests about the social status of the hosts and their taste preferences.

Textiles for curtains are selected carefully, matching the overall design of the room. It is appropriate to use light natural fabrics or, conversely, dense heavy ones and decorate them with draperies, folds and folds.

Photo of fabric for curtains

Bedroom

The most intimate room in the house, the choice of curtains is made based on personal preferences, without regard to the approval or censure of guests. This is not a room for visits, but for relaxation and sleep, so the owners should feel comfortable and cozy in it.

The room can be decorated in oriental or country style, using elements of Provence or shabby chic. In any case, it is appropriate for the bedroom to use heavy opaque drapery curtains, good-quality and laconic. They can be supplemented with translucent tulle.