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Top 7 Best Types Of Curtain Fabrics

Posted by Emily Wang on 24th Aug 2023

Selecting the right curtain fabrics to compliment your home’s interiors is typically easier said than done. An adroit eye knows that it’s not enough to simply select fabrics that mimic your furnishings or other decor. In fact, in most cases, it’s better to select curtain fabrics that add a more dynamic rather than monochromatic flair to your home.

And design principles aside, there are also functional or practical considerations that need to be made when selecting curtain fabrics to include in any particular interior space. Does the room in question have plenty of sunlight, or are you looking to block out light instead? Is it a warm and cosy bedroom space or an open plan living area that’s prone to feeling a little draughty? And will you be sharing this living space with pets or children? Answering all these questions can help you ascertain which of the most popular types of curtain fabrics will be the best fit for your home space.

To help all you curtain shoppers out, we’ve put together this list of the top seven best types of curtain fabrics to invest in for your modern home. Read on to learn a little bit more about the curtain fabrics you’re looking to incorporate in your bedroom, living, and even kitchen or bathroom spaces.

Top 7 Best Types of Curtains To Invest in for Your Home:

  1. Polyester
  2. Cotton
  3. Organic Linen
  4. Lace
  5. Silk
  6. Voile
  7. Velvet

1. Polyester

As a hardy, inorganic fibre that can be used for a wide range of different applications, polyester is the world’s most popular curtain fabric. The uniform construction of polyester fibres makes it an ideal choice for producing durable blockout curtains. As polyester fabric is also superb at retaining heat, they’re a great curtain fabric to use in the production of thermal curtains as well.

Polyester is also easier to clean than a lot of organic fibres, which may be prone to discoloration or moisture build-ups. As polyester curtains are also typically better at holding their shape and hang style, you may find that your polyester curtains are even machine washable or can simply be sprayed with a household cleaner and wiped down for effortless spot cleaning.

All in all, polyester is definitely a popular curtain fabric for homeowners who are looking for ready made curtains that come with minimal maintenance requirements.

2. Cotton

Next up is one of the most widely used organic fabrics across the world: cotton. There are many different types of curtains that can be produced using cotton fabric sheets, ranging from robust blockout curtains to thermal curtains and even organic sheer curtains. And if you are looking for cotton curtains to accompany cotton furnishings in your home, you’ll no doubt find yourself delightfully surprised by all the many curtain options available to you.

The only downside to this soft and lightweight natural fabric is that it can accrue damage fairly easily, making it a less than ideal option for households with pets and younger children. Cotton is also not machine washable, and should only be hand washed to reduce the risks of curtain panels shrinking or losing any of their pleats or structure.

3. Organic Linen

As two of the most popular natural fibres, cotton and linen are often pitted against one another in the fight to cover your windows (and for many other applications too). But in the neverending battle of linen vs cotton, you’ll be surprised to hear that the most suitable option for your home’s interiors is largely dependent on the type of atmosphere you’re looking to curate.

Linen can provide an air of understated luxury to your home’s interiors, especially if you’re securing linen curtains with a lighter construction that are semi-opaque. These curtains offer the perfect balance of natural light dispersal and absolute privacy.

Linen is also stronger than cotton, and can be less susceptible to mould and mildew, thanks to its airier construction.

4. Lace

It may have been a few years since you last saw a set of lace curtains, but rest assured, this timeless window covering is still very much in circulation. The delicate pattern work and flowy construction of lace makes it an ideal curtain fabric to suit a range of different interior design styles.

The breathability and relatively uniform hang of lace curtains makes them an ideal choice for kitchen, laundry, and bathroom spaces. That’s precisely what compelled us to create our collection of kitchen net curtains for style-savvy home designers.

In short, lace curtains are for so much more than just your grandmother’s house. So why not have a go at layering some of these timeless window coverings in your own home spaces?

5. Silk

One of the most in-demand fabrics across the world, silk is another highly popular type of curtain fabric that’s commonly found in upscale interiors or luxury homes. And as you may have guessed, the main downside to silk is really just its price. Organic silk can cost anywhere between $30-$120 per square metre of fabric, which means that 100% pure silk curtains can end up costing upwards of $1000, depending on the length you’re looking to cut your panels at.

Although we don’t have any 100% pure silk curtains on offer here at Quickfit, we do have a selection of silk-look curtains that provide all the luxury of silk without any of the pesky upkeep. Have a look at the different colours and curtain styles available across our range of silk-look curtains to find an ideal panel or two to hang in your home.

6. Voile

If you’ve ever touched voile curtains before, you’ll know all too well just how soft and luxurious this particular curtain fabric really is. And as voile is usually made with a cotton or polycotton weave, voile curtains can actually be a great organic alternative to traditional polyester sheer curtains. But not all voile is 100% organic origin, so be sure to check materials before you purchase any voile curtains if you are after cotton voile.

Voile is actually the French word for ‘veil’, which perfectly encapsulates why this fine, sheer material was originally developed. Alongside being used for sheer curtains, voile is also a great material for mosquito netting, sheer clothing, and fashion items like fascinators. The fine weave and solid construction of voile makes it an ideal curtain fabric for sheers and a great alternative to your traditional lace curtains.

7. Velvet

Texture goes a long way when it comes to designing dynamic interiors. That’s what makes velvet curtains amongst the most popular curtains we sell here at Quickfit. This particular curtain fabric is renowned for its muted and matte appearance as well as its luxuriously soft texture.

Velvet curtains can also be incorporated into a wide range of different interior styles. You’ll find that a pair of velvet curtains can feel right at home in maximalist interiors, minimalist interiors, and even homes that are looking to attain a vintage or period-style aesthetic.

Our range of velvet curtains here at Quickfit are also available in a wide variety of different curtain colours. You can use the Shop By Colour function of our online store to find velvet curtains in the right shade or hue to match your wider home design scheme.

What’s the best type of curtain fabric to hang in your home?

All in all, every type of curtain fabric that we stock here at Quickfit can be used to accompany any interior design style. DIY home designers just need to think about what types of curtain fabrics are likely to enhance the look and atmosphere of their home spaces.

Want to know more about any of our curtain fabrics or types of curtains? Or interested in understanding how to hang your heavy curtains? Simply contact the team at Quickfit Blinds & Curtains today to chat with one of our friendly customer service representatives.

And if you want to handle any of these curtain fabrics for yourself, then reach out to receive some free curtain fabric swatches sent directly to your mailbox.

Emily Wang

Emily Wang

Emily Wang, a highly qualified expert on curtains, has been a valuable contributor to the Quickfit Blinds & Curtains brand. With a Certificate IV in Textile Design Development and Production from RMIT Melbourne, a Certificate in Textile Technology (CFTS-T) from CITA Hong Kong, and an HKDSE Diploma of Secondary Education from St. Mary's Canossian College in Hong Kong, Emily's educational background sets her apart in the world of home decor.

As a Quickfit Blinds & Curtains blog writer, Emily's curtain expertise shines through her articles, establishing her as a trusted resource for homeowners and decorators alike.