How to Choose the Right Curtain Fabrics for Every Room

Curtains play a significant role in any space, both functionally and aesthetically. The perfect curtains and drapes add elegance and interest, provide the right levels of light and privacy, and help maintain a comfortable temperature.

Your choice of fabric is key to achieving all this. With a vast array of beautiful curtain fabric available, you might feel spoiled for choice. However, beware that the different properties of fabrics can make one an ideal choice for one room but disastrous in another. 

Here, our expert home decor consultants share their advice for choosing the ideal curtain fabric for your space. 

How to Choose Curtain Fabric for Any Space

No matter what space you are choosing curtain fabric for, there are some general principles that will help you transform your room without regrets. 

Curtain fabric types can be thick and heavy, or lightweight and even sheer. You may or may not want to add a curtain lining fabric. The right choice of fabric will depend on these factors that always vary from room to room.  

Function

You need to choose a curtain fabric that suits your lifestyle and how you use each room. Think about:

• Would you benefit from an easy-to-clean or washable fabric?
• Do you need to maximize privacy? 
• Do you need a lightweight fabric that will make opening and closing the curtains easy? 

Heat, Light and Sound

Curtains are, in many ways, a barrier, protecting you from the extremes of temperature and bright light outside. Think about:

• Do you need to shade from glare? 
• Do you need to block out light completely? 
• Do you need your curtains to help keep your room cool?
• Would you like them to help maintain warmth?
• Do you need extra help insulating your room for sound? 

If the answer to any or all of these questions is yes, then you will need a thicker fabric and possibly a blackout curtain lining fabric as well. 

Ambiance and Decor

Your curtains need to be pleasing to the eye, too, so that you can enjoy the space and relax. Think about:

• What kind of atmosphere or look do you want to create? Homely or cozy? Luxurious? Minimalist or pared back? 
• What is your color scheme?
• What other fabrics will your curtains share the room with?
• What type and size of windows do you need to dress? 

Kitchen and Open-Plan Dining Areas

In busy areas like kitchens, roller blinds may represent a safer and more hygienic choice. Whether it's part of curtains or blinds, any fabric or material you use in these parts of the kitchen needs to be easy to clean because sooner or later, it’ll get splashed, splattered or greasy, no matter how careful you are. 

You need to consider odors, too. Some fabrics hold unpleasant or stale cooking odors more than others.

Open-plan or combined kitchen and dining areas need special consideration. Curtains can help break up the room, create a different atmosphere in the dining space, and soften that area for a more relaxed feel. 

Curtain Ideas for Kitchen and Dining Spaces 

• Cotton is breathable and easy to wash, making it a practical choice for kitchens and dining areas. 
• Polyester or a cotton-polyester mix is also washable, affordable and holds odors less than purely natural fabrics. 
• Cotton and cotton-polyester curtain fabric designs are available in a wide range of colors and styles. 
• Consider colors and patterns that are less likely to show dirt and grease, which means avoiding very light or dark colors. 

Living Rooms 

In areas that are designed for relaxing, you can worry less about stains and odors, although you may need to consider light levels and privacy. 

Often, aesthetics are important in these spaces. Indulge yourself in curtain fabrics that look and feel wonderful, and that will enhance the space overall. 

Curtain Ideas for Living Room and Relaxed Spaces 

• Light curtain fabric, like linen, allows light to enter the room, and its flowing appearance is more romantic, especially when hung to floor length. 
• Voile is a sheer option, adding a whimsical, decorative touch. 
• Sheer curtain fabric designs tend to be more muted or minimalist, but silk curtain fabric can carry bold colors and prints, and is still lightweight. 
• Heavy fabrics, like wool, help insulate the room and provide a cozy feel.
• Velvet curtain fabric will help you achieve a more indulgent and sumptuous look while maintaining coziness and privacy. 
• Mid-thickness cotton or cotton-polyester curtains are a popular and affordable option in countless colors and patterns. 
• A curtain lining fabric can add weight and thickness to any material, improving its ability to block light and insulate. 

Bedrooms

Light and privacy levels will be important to you in bedrooms. For a good night’s sleep, blocking out light and as much noise as possible will help you. 

Curtain Ideas for Bedroom and Nursery Spaces

• Thick fabrics, such as wool and velvet, help block light, maintain a comfortable temperature, and reduce noise levels, creating a comfortable sleeping environment.
• Consider blackout curtains for optimal light blocking. 
• A blackout lining can improve the ability of any fabric to block light. 

The Finishing Touches

A few final tips:

• In addition to selecting a fabric for your curtains, you will also need to choose a style of pleat, such as a pinch pleat or a goblet pleat. You can use our guide to curtain types to help inform your choice of style. 
• You can customize most fabrics with embroidery or add stunning touches, such as Swarovski crystals.
• Learn how to care for curtain fabrics with this useful guide to washing blinds and curtains. 

For more expert advice on curtain fabric, including what to choose and how to care for it, contact us at Sedar Global for a free consultation.