10 factors to consider for choosing the right curtain fabric
Curtains are an essential part of the home decor. It defines a room. Fabric influence the look and life of your curtain. There is a wide variety of fabrics to choose from like cotton, linen, silk, velvet, brocade and chintz.
Apart from your personal choice and taste, here are some tips to choose the right fabric for your curtains:
Durability:Although some fabrics look very attractive, they are not durable. It is very important to choose the fabrics which have a long life. However, if you believe in change, you can go for any fabric you like.
Ease To Maintain:Many fabrics like silk and velvet requires dry cleaning. Some fabrics can be washed and dried at home like linen and synthetic fabrics. Choose fabric according to use and maintenance.
Size and Style:The size and style of curtain influence the choice of fabric. Light weight fabrics are better for tab top style of curtain. However, heavy fabrics curtains are required for large doors and windows which are airy, so that the curtains do not keep flying.
Affordable:Always choose the fabric keeping in mind your budget. Different fabrics are of different price. While silk is very expensive, cotton is one of the least expensive fabric. The amount of fabric needed also vary with curtain.
Function:You cannot use same fabric for every room. Different fabric serves different functions. For casual rooms, you can use bright and delicate fabrics as they are used just for decoration. However, in the bedroom, you need fabric neither very light nor very dark and dreary.
Natural Lighting:Choose the fabric of curtain on the basis of natural lighting in that area. Some fabrics fade or get damaged due to regular exposure to sun, so avoid such fabrics in sunny rooms.
Temperature Moderation:Some fabrics help in moderating the temperature of the room and keep the heat in. Suede, velvet and tweed are such fabrics which keep the cold out. If you want the room to be cool, go for linen or cotton.
Weave: Loosely woven fabric lets the light pass through it. Similarly, a higher thread count means less light will pass through. If you want the room to be dark, go for tightly woven fabric. However, if you want the room to be light and sunny, choose loosely woven fabric.
Look: Different fabrics give different look to the room. If you want to give a glossy and elegant look, go for real silk or faux silk. If you want to give a simple and sophisticated look, go for linen or velvet.
Pattern and Color:Fabrics come in different patterns and colors. Choose fabric on the basis of pattern and color scheme of your room. Your curtain fabric should go with other furnishings of the room.
