Fabrics and Headings of Curtains

Curtains are not mere window coverings, but they are also used for protection from the sun. They also play an important role in improving the décor of any space there are installed in. Therefore, it can be said that curtains also have a decorative value apart from functional value. Curtains are available in a plethora of styles, colors, fabrics, designs, etc. There are many types of curtains such as window curtains, shower curtains, hanging curtains, sheer curtains, etc. Here we are going to discuss the various types of fabrics used in making curtains and the different kinds of curtain headings.

Range of Fabrics

1. Cotton curtains are made of pure cotton or cotton blends. Cotton curtains are suitable for matching both traditional as well as modern interior décor. Cotton curtains with tight weave are suitable for blocking sunlight and providing privacy while sheer cotton curtains are well suited for airy rooms. Cotton curtains are widely used in dining rooms.

2. Polyester curtains are commonly used in living rooms and bedrooms. This is because such curtains are resistant against wrinkling, shrinkage and stretching. They are also easy to clean. Polyester curtains come in a wide range of styles, colors and designs. They should not be hung in kitchens as polyester is flammable in nature and retains odor.

3. Linen curtains are light in nature which makes them ideal for airy rooms and casual dining rooms. Linen curtains do not block off the sun completely and allow sunlight to enter into the room.

4. Silk curtains are heavy and have the luxurious appearance. This makes them suitable for formal dining rooms and bedrooms. Silk cottons need to be protected against sunlight. Thus, they should be hung in rooms having window shades or tinted windows. Silk fabrics should only be dry-cleaned. Apart from pure silk curtains, faux silk curtains are also available in the market.  Such curtains are more durable than silk curtains.

5. Lace curtains allow sunlight and air inside the room due to the light nature of the fabric. Lace curtains are suitable for rooms having traditional décor. They are also suitable for French doors. Lace curtains come in neutral color shades such as ivory, white and ecru which enable them to match any kind of color scheme of the room.

6. Velvet curtains keep away cold winds and provide good insulation to the room. The heavy nature of velvet enables it to withstand cold air blowing outside the house. The thickness of velvet fabric also allows the curtain to block sunlight and outside sounds well. Velvet curtains have a regal look which makes them suitable for formal dining rooms and other rooms having traditional décor.

Types of Headings

Curtain headings are the curtain top that attaches to the rod or track of the curtain. Different types of curtain headings have been mentioned here.

1. Pencil pleats: Pencil pleats are continuous folds at the top of the curtain. Hooks are attached at the back of the pencil pleats. The hooks, in turn, are fixed to a rod system for hanging. Pencil pleat curtains are suitable for large glass windows and doors.

2. Eyelets: Eyelets are present on top of the curtain. The pole is passed through the eyelets to hang the curtain. Eyelets result in large folds of the curtain and the distance between each eyelet can be adjusted to get even folds.

3. French pleats: French pleat curtains feature triple pleats grouped together at equal distances on the top of the curtain. These curtains can be pulled neatly to either side. They are suitable for formal dining rooms.

4. Tab top: Tap top curtains have loops at the top made of the same or contrasting colored fabric. The pole is passed through these loops to hang the curtain. Deeper folds are created in the fabric due to these loops.

Read Some of the common fabrics used in curtains have been listed here. If you would like to know more then go through this link to get more information.