Curtains are a key component of any room

Curtains are a key component of any room, softening the architecture and providing warmth and light filtration. The choice of fabric is important, and should be based on aesthetic, performance and budget requirements. The most basic consideration is the level of privacy you wish to enjoy in a room - this will dictate the thickness and density of the fabric. For rooms that require a high level of privacy, thicker fabrics such as velvet or canvas are ideal to provide insulation and block out sunlight.

Another important factor is how easily the fabric will fade – fabrics such as silk and linen can easily deteriorate after a long period of exposure to sunlight, while polyester blends can be more durable. In addition to fading, you also need to consider the fabric’s colour and design style to ensure it matches the overall look of your room.

Linen fabrics are a classic choice for curtains, bringing a relaxed, comfortable and airy feel to rooms. They are lightweight and drape well. If you’re looking for something that will hold up to the test of time, opt for a linen fabric in a timeless shade like grey or ivory, as they are unlikely to go out of fashion.

Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon are a good choice for curtains as they’re comparatively inexpensive and offer a wide range of colours and designs. These fabrics are easy to maintain as they don’t wrinkle as easily and can be washed more often. However, they are not as insulative as cotton or linen and do not block out heat or sunlight.

There are also a number of sheer fabrics that are a popular option for curtains. These include chiffon (a sheer, lightweight woven fabric with small satin feel rounds) and muslin (an open weave fabric with two warp yarns twisted around weft yarn in an 8 construction). There are also embroidered voile fabrics that add a touch of glam to any space. These feature a thread embroidery stitched on a tulle base fabric.

A lined curtain is the next step up in terms of thermal and light absorption qualities. These fabrics typically consist of an uncoated fabric at the front to provide the look and feel of the curtain, and a coated fabric attached at the back to provide the insulating properties. Lining is also a good choice for those who want to limit the amount of sunlight that passes through their windows as it can help keep the room cool and reduce UV penetration.