Types of blackout curtains and their purpose. Types of fabrics for curtains: what they are, photos and names Compressed fabric for curtains

Curtains are an essential element of the interior, its finishing touch. They can not only decorate a room, but also literally transform it and emphasize the individuality of the design. And the main role in the implementation of textile decoration is undoubtedly played by the material.

Before deciding which fabric to choose for curtains, an experienced designer will think through all the nuances: style, fabric texture, color and pattern, consistency with style, functional tasks, purpose of each room.

Curtain material

The key selection criterion is softness and pliability of drapery. From both an aesthetic and an environmental point of view, the best curtains are made from fabrics with fibers of natural origin, highly breathable and hypoallergenic. True, there are also disadvantages: shrinkage, susceptibility to fading, difficulty in care. Therefore, from the line of natural textiles, materials containing polyester are recommended.

Polyester, acrylic and nylon analogues “breathe” worse than natural ones. Pros: artificial fabrics do not fade, do not wrinkle, and are easy to care for.

The most common fabrics for curtains

Chenille. This is a finely fleecy fabric, it can be jacquard (a pattern of fluffy and smooth threads). Chenille curtains are dense, drape beautifully and practically do not wrinkle.

Jacquard. Strong and durable because it has a two-layer textured pattern due to the interweaving of threads.

Tapestry. 100% high-density cotton, pleasant to the touch. Stylish and formal option.

Velor and velvet. Good quality soft fabrics that flow beautifully when draped. A characteristic feature of velor curtains is their thick (matte or shiny) pile.

Taffeta. The material is of medium density, with a characteristic metallic sheen, rustling, angular in drapery. Suitable for interior design in high-tech, loft, constructivism styles, protects from the sun.

Satin. The fabric has a shiny and smooth face, is thin but retains its shape. It is made from both cotton and synthetic fibers.

Organza. Thin and transparent, with tightly twisted fibers, and therefore rigid. Organza can only be shiny.

Veil. Smooth, thin, translucent fabric, has a matte surface, gives the interior a sophisticated look.

The color is usually chosen in accordance with the main shade of the walls and furniture, but a tone darker or lighter. There are other rules for choosing shades and patterns:

With pale interior colors, if you want to add a color accent, the curtains should be bright. If the design of the room is catchy, the textiles should be neutral.
To visually enlarge the room, light shades of curtains are chosen.
The ceiling will appear higher if the curtains have a pattern of vertical stripes.
For a tall and narrow room, it is preferable to choose a pattern with horizontal stripes - they will optically expand the space.
If the fabric has a thick pattern, you should not drape it too much, as the folds will hide the pattern.
In the drawing, it is desirable to have decor of the same color or shape as the individual details on the floor or walls.

The classic textile design of windows is a combination of thick, heavy curtains and light tulle. Tulle can be matte and transparent, plain and shiny. The best fabrics for it are considered to be voile and organza, as the most delicate materials.

Features of the rooms

Living room

The living room is the “face” of your home; accordingly, textile design must fully comply with this definition.

Of course, the choice depends on the overall style of the living room. Thus, the English style implies additional details - festoons, lambrequins, flowing folds. Japanese interiors require translucent materials, the French prefer airy and at the same time luxurious folds, and in the east, windows are decorated with brocade and transparent organza. In cold high-tech, soft, muted shades are organic. Curtains for a classic living room are made from conservative tapestry or spectacular jacquard. To get acquainted with various interior styles, we advise you to study the sections Interior styles with descriptions.

If the room is spacious, it is worth using heavy, dense fabrics (brocade, jacquard, velvet), which allow you to beautifully drape large windows. Small living rooms with standard ceilings are usually decorated with light flowing fabrics (silk, fine wool, velor, linen, viscose). For a window with a door to a balcony or loggia, the best choice would be artificial materials that are easy to wash and clean.

In any case, textiles should not only emphasize your taste and status, but also create the right mood, a cozy and friendly atmosphere.

Bedroom

The choice of curtains for the bedroom always takes into account the needs of its owners, and, as a rule, we are talking about maximum coziness and comfort.

The fabric is selected in accordance with the size of the windows, the level of illumination, and the location of the room. A lot depends on the intended interior style. In modern bedrooms it is customary to use high-quality and laconic materials - taffeta of different shades, cotton and polyester. Silk, taffeta, and jacquard are suitable for oriental bedrooms. A “Provence” or “country” bedroom is decorated with natural textiles - linen, cotton. Northern style prefers light, functional curtains and translucent tulle.

Flowing, soft fabrics are appropriate in the bedroom - and at the same time dense, not letting in the light of the sun. The colors are usually neutral, non-irritating - shades of peach, golden, beige, or noble “powdered” cool tones.

Children's

Curtains in a children's room should not only be practical, but also environmentally friendly - here we need natural, “breathable” fabrics. Linen, wool, and cotton are suitable, having a smooth texture and a small admixture of artificial fibers (nylon or polyester), which will ensure durability and easy cleaning.

For little ones, the best choice is cotton curtains. Note: fleecy fabrics are inappropriate for a child of any age, as they accumulate dust and can be a source of allergies.

Kitchen

What fabric to choose for kitchen curtains? Of course, practical, easy to care for and wrinkle-free. It is better to choose from synthetic materials that do not absorb odor. Layers of textiles are used extremely rarely, because you have to clean the kitchen every day.

Organza, acetate silk, and cotton blends in country colors are optimal for the kitchen. Translucent polyester looks stylish: such curtains will not block the view from the window and will scatter the bright rays of the sun.

How to calculate the amount of fabric?

First of all, measure the windows: height, width, length of the cornice and the length of the gap from the top of the opening to the ceiling. In addition to the dimensions, it is necessary to clearly clarify the style of future curtains - the assembly factor (fabric width) depends on this:

Decorative (static) ones have a coefficient of 1.2 - 1.5, that is, with a cornice length of 2 m, the width of the canvas should be about 3 m.
Functional (opening and closing the window opening) are usually denser - coefficient from 1.7 to 2.
Tulle has the highest gathering factor: 2 - 3.

The width of a number of materials is 1.5 m, which means that for thickness, several panels will have to be connected with a longitudinal seam. You should take into account the repeat (pattern shift) and allowances for hems at the top and bottom (20 and 10 cm).

One way to save money is to bring fabrics from your trips.. The savings can be significant, the main thing here is not to make a mistake with the quantity. Don't forget about seasonal sales in specialty stores. Another “loophole” is to take a closer look at fabrics for sewing clothes. And finally, numerous wholesale companies sell fabric at almost half the price than in stores, and even 15 linear meters are considered wholesale. So if you are planning to decorate at least one window with long curtains, you are already a wholesaler!

The lining protects the main fabric curtains from the destructive effects of ultraviolet rays, elegantly hides internal seams, and protects hems from dust. In addition, it helps to simulate voluminous folds on silk and other thin fabrics, retains heat in the room, improves acoustics and at the same time increases the level of sound absorption. Finally, she can be beautiful in her own right. And here the question arises: does every fabric need a lining?

Linen and cotton

Natural cellulose fibers(of plant origin) behave differently. Linen is durable, and when moistened it becomes even stronger, and is resistant to sunlight. In thin curtains without lining, its texture is clearly visible. Linen wrinkles easily, but this even appeals to lovers of casual urban chic. When washed, it shrinks, so it is pre-decated (treated with steam) and large allowances are left along the length. But in general, this is an expensive material with a decent calm character.

Cotton holds up well too in the sun and wind, but quickly “turns pale in the face” - burns out . To prevent this from happening, polyester fibers are added to cotton fabrics and a lining (also cotton) is almost always used. Polycotton (a mixture of polyester and cotton) is a lightweight option in all respects. And in weight, and in care, and in price.

Silk and wool

Natural protein fibers(animal origin), more capricious. Wool is, in a sense, hair, and, as we all know, it must be protected from the scorching sun with a Panama hat. Well, to say that the mechanical properties of silk deteriorate under the influence of sunlight, an invigorating breeze or humid air is an understatement! After 200 hours of being outdoors, silk loses half of its original strength, so there is no reason why silk curtains could be sewn without a lining. Silk is an expensive material not only because it is not cheap. Caring for him is an art; he needs boundless love and all kinds of support.

Viscose

Acetate, modal, lyocel, cupra and viscose are fibers obtained chemically from organic raw materials (spruce, pine, fir wood). Viscose fabric looks and feels similar to silk, but is cheaper. It is tolerant of sun and wind, although for greater reliability it is often combined with polyester or cupra. And, as a rule, they use a lining.

Polyester

Synthetic polymer fiber, the result of chemical reactions. It is designed for long, comfortable, safe use, so it is fully prepared to repel ultraviolet attacks. And it's inexpensive.

In addition to the composition of the fibers themselves, much depends on their chemical processing. Modern fabrics, even natural ones, have learned to repel liquid, do not burn, do not wrinkle, do not accumulate dirt and dust, do not fade, almost do not shrink after washing, are easy to iron, and drape perfectly. But in any case, better protection for curtains than a lining has not yet been invented.

The traditional luxury lining is 100% cotton sateen.. The characteristic way of weaving the threads, as a result of which the front side acquires a pleasant shine, serves as good protection from the sun's rays. Long fibers and industrial decatification are important conditions for a good quality lining.

If you want to decorate a window with curtains with voluminous folds, you will need a special type of lining, the so-called filling. It will also become a barrier to cold (winter) and hot (summer) air, improve the acoustics of the room and prevent unnecessary sounds from the street.

When choosing and installing curtain rods, it is important to remember that reinforced cotton filling is quite heavy, double-sided flannel is two times lighter, and polyester in comparison is just fluff. But “heavy folds” cannot be obtained from it.

Blackout fabrics

The best sun protection is blackout fabrics that do not transmit either sunlight or ultraviolet rays. Just eight years ago they were a rigid base fabric with layers of latex applied to it.

With one white layer(1 pass blackout) the fabric only partially darkens the room, but protects well from fading and thinning. Complete darkening is possible if a layer of black is applied first, and only then white (2 pass blackout). But this option is not ideal either: the dark layer shines through the base, which is why one side of the blackout appears gray, so such protection is unacceptable for light decorative fabrics.

The classic universal blackout has three layers: white, black and white again. It is clear that it is also more expensive.

However, recently innovative options for blackouts have appeared- complex systems of high-density weave of threads in which the black layer is sandwiched between two others. The sun protection effect is the same. But the drapery gains more flexibility. Such materials can be insulating (the composition includes microfiber) and decorative, with various patterns of weaving threads on the front surface. In fact, blackout as a lining has long outgrown itself and can be used as a main fabric - for example, if you decorate it with an individual photo print.

Sewing

Fabric chosen We mentally admire it and have been building the entire interior around it for a year now. But fabrics are often discontinued, and when it finally comes to decor, the chosen article may not be available at the company. Therefore, the best option is to order and buy all the necessary amount of textiles in advance.

It’s better not to skimp on sewing - give the fabric only to good hands. Payment for work directly depends on the complexity of completing the assigned tasks, but complexity in this case is not a conspicuous amount of effort spent, but a “modest” quality that is noticeable only upon detailed examination. The exception is cases of combining technological and decorative functions, when “processing” becomes “finishing”.

Decorative elements – cords, curtain rod ends, tiebacks, tassels, hand-embroidered family monograms - we will not include them in the list of general costs. This is a separate, very extensive topic for conversation, and the choice of accessories for curtains may well compete in interest with the choice of fabric.

Another budget item which can be sequestered is work in general and sewing curtains in particular. Usually, the entire complex of work is carried out according to a well-established scheme by a team of professionals: a studio, a gallery, a workshop. By contacting them, you completely get rid of headaches - except for the need to pay for the services provided.

The range of work is quite wide, requires well-functioning organization and additional costs, including intellectual, transport, time - all this means comfort for the customer, but affects the amount of the bill. This is perhaps the only disadvantage of this method of decorating windows. But warranty service and additional services for subsequent cleaning of curtains are possible. In addition, some studios provide temporary curtains if fabric delivery is delayed.

Working with a private master is pleasant because he is more willing to make concessions on price in terms of finishing the fabric. But you will have to build the entire chain - select fabrics and related products (threads, curtain tape, etc.), deliver them to the place of work, install the curtain rod on time - you will have to do it yourself. Most likely, you will also bear responsibility for the beauty of the idea. On the master - only correct execution.

In the end, You can save a lot on sewing costs if you take a chance and make the curtains yourself. To do this, it would be good not only to have handicraft skills, but also the knowledge of a professional designer. Feel free to ask and attend master classes.

Some tips for beginners:

the most convenient fabric for sewing curtains is cotton;
The best fabric for lining is a cotton-polyester blend.
simple models of curtains with thoughtful proportions and correctly selected colors produce no less powerful an effect than miracles of design thought.
pay attention to details - that’s what style is made of!

Choosing fabric for curtains: style comes first

It has been noticed that when entering a room, a person first of all stops looking at the windows, since it is their design that often sets the style of the entire interior. Correctly selected curtains can visually enlarge a room, protect it from scorching sun rays and city noise, and add a feeling of coziness and warmth. Read about what curtain fabrics manufacturers offer, their characteristics and main properties, as well as types of curtains and tips for use.

When completing a renovation or refurbishment of an apartment, it is very important to make the final touch by decorating the windows beautifully and correctly. In order not to get lost in the variety that modern designers offer, let’s consider the most common types of “window decorations”.

Classic. This is a combination of two panels - transparent and light in the center and dense on the sides. Such curtains will always be a win-win option, since they fit almost any interior. To form folds and folds, curtain tiebacks made from braid, decorative cords, beads and other materials are used.
Austrian. For these curtains, the fabric is gathered into large horizontal folds using a system of rings and cords. These models, made of shiny iridescent fabrics - silk, viscose, taffeta, look very impressive. Most often, Austrian curtains are used in bedrooms, offices or dining rooms.
French. In order to form beautiful vertical scallops, the fabric is gathered along its entire length and secured with a stitch. Fabrics for sewing such products must have elasticity and elasticity, then the draperies will lie smoothly.
Roman. Curtains are smooth panels of fabric that, when lifted, gather in identical, overlapping folds. They are placed in places where the use of conventional curtains is unacceptable - in the kitchen, bathroom, attic, on the balcony.
Japanese. These are several flat panels stretched over a frame, more like a screen or screen. The curtains are moved along the window opening using a special sliding system. Such curtains are sometimes used as interior partitions for zoning space.
"Hourglass". A wonderful option for decorating a kitchen, dining room or veranda. At the bottom and top, the panels are placed on thin cornices, and in the middle they are assembled using braid, ribbon or a beautiful cord.
Cafe curtains. Another option for the kitchen or bathroom. Two cornices are fixed to the window: the first on top, and the other in the center. Small panels are hung on them using loops or drawstrings. Most often, fabrics with small flowers, ornaments or checkered patterns are chosen, which gives the room a nice “country” coziness.

Interesting to know! Recently, “Color block” curtains have come into fashion, which are products made from fabrics of several colors. Such curtains will decorate not only the bedroom or children's room, but even the living room or office.

Fabrics used for sewing curtains

When the design and color scheme have been decided, all that remains is to choose the appropriate material for the curtains. To do this, you need to imagine what qualities he should have. The basic requirements for curtain fabrics are as follows:

wear resistance. Curtains are chosen for more than one season, so it is important that they do not fade in the sun, do not stretch or shrink when washed;
crease resistance. Large panels with many folds, scallops and draperies are very difficult to iron. Therefore, you need to choose only wrinkle-resistant materials for them;
environmental friendliness. Synthetic fabrics come in a wider range of colors than natural ones and are known for their durability. But these materials can release compounds harmful to humans, causing various diseases. You should not take risks and hang such curtains in living spaces, especially in the kitchen, dining room and children's room;
no static electricity. “Sparking” fabrics can attract dust particles, turning into a source of spread of mites that provoke allergies;
ease of care. It is better not to wash some fabrics, mostly expensive and heavy ones, but to dry clean them.

Another point to consider when purchasing fabric for curtains is the ability to absorb odors. This applies not only to kitchen curtains, but also to curtains for an office or living room, especially if smoking is common in these rooms.

Having decided on the selection criteria, we will consider the main types of fabrics that correspond to them. The most common materials are the following.

Flax

The main quality of linen fabrics is their absolute environmental friendliness and safety. Therefore, such curtains are suitable for an apartment where there are small children. In addition, flax has antiseptic properties, suppressing the spread of harmful microorganisms and pathogenic bacteria. Linen curtains harmonize very well with curtains made of mesh or cambric with natural lace.

The high density and rigidity of the material provide pleasant shading of the room, which is especially good in the hot season. Linen curtains do not electrify, do not attract dust and dirt and are wear-resistant.

Unlike synthetic ones, natural fabrics cannot boast of a variety of colors. Their significant drawback is the difficulty of care. When washed, these materials “shrink” and become very wrinkled, and are very difficult to smooth out.

Atlas

Beautiful heavy fabric with a smooth shiny front surface and a matte back. Thanks to its good draping ability, satin can be used to sew curtains in a wide variety of patterns and styles. The fabric is easily combined with other materials, especially with veil and guipure.

Satin curtains look most beautiful in the living room or bedroom. They protect from excess light and provide coolness. Fabrics with a small addition of polyester hardly wrinkle and hold their shape well.

Satin curtains should be washed by hand in cool water using liquid detergents. The products should not be squeezed or twisted too much to avoid damaging the fibers. If the material needs to be smoothed, then this should be done from the wrong side, placing a cotton napkin under it.

Jacquard

Thick curtains with woven patterns and floral patterns are best hung in an office or small living room. This beautiful fabric is highly durable and can last for many years. Most often, jacquard curtains complement furniture upholstery made from the same fabric.

Jacquard is easy to care for, so if the curtain is not a very complex design, it can be washed at home. When wet, the canvas is hung on a cornice, where it straightens under its own weight. Before you start washing, you need to read the description of the fabric that is on the label.

Curtains made of velvet, which can rightfully be called royal fabric, will decorate a living room, office or large hall. Rich plain or multi-patterned fabric with elegant soft pile drapes wonderfully, forming folds and folds. Very often, velvet textiles are complemented by elegant fringe or contrasting piping. Due to the fact that the material tends to accumulate dust, it should not be used in children's rooms and bedrooms.

It is not surprising that royal fabric requires appropriate treatment. If washed, dried or ironed incorrectly, the pile may become wrinkled and the curtains will lose their presentability. Therefore, you should not take risks; it is better to entrust the cleaning of velvet curtains to professionals.

Gozhka

In addition to natural cotton or linen fibers, this very original-looking fabric, reminiscent of burlap, contains polyester threads, which give additional strength and abrasion resistance. Matting curtains are used to decorate interiors in Provence or country styles. In such cases, matting curtains will be appropriate in all rooms - from the bathroom to the living room.

Bleached or plain-dyed fabric is often complemented with rustic lace, braid, and contrasting trim. Such products will look original next to artificially aged or wicker furniture and antique items.

When choosing a matting for curtains, you need to take into account that the fabric frays a lot when cutting and sewing. Before using the fabric, it must be wetted and dried to prevent shrinkage in the finished product. Considering these features, you need to buy material with a reserve. In any case, the remaining fabric can be used to sew decorative elements or decorate the room.

This is a dense, practical material that has a characteristic fine-ribbed structure due to the special diagonal weave of the threads. Gabardine curtains have water-repellent properties, so they can be hung in the bathroom, on the balcony or outdoor terrace.

Gabardine has many beautiful colors and patterns and holds its shape perfectly - it does not “sit down” or stretch out. In addition, the material is very easy to maintain: the curtains can be machine washed and hung on the window when wet. The exception is pure wool fabrics, which require special care. But, as a rule, such fabrics are not used for sewing curtains.

Silk

Iridescent and matte, with embroidery or completely smooth, silk curtains will add uniqueness and special chic to any interior. It is noteworthy that, being light and airy in appearance, these products are distinguished by enviable wear resistance and durability.

Interesting to know! Absolute naturalness allows the use of silk curtains in children's rooms and bedrooms. In this case, plain panels painted using the batik technique using special paints will look very creative.

In order for silk curtains to last as long as possible, it is not recommended to hang them in rooms where the windows face south. If such a need nevertheless arises, then a lining made of cotton or synthetic material is provided.

Taffeta

This fabric is widely used for making home textiles, including curtains and drapes. The material attracts with its glossy shine and ability to form chic large folds. Therefore, beautiful fantasy models with many decorative elements are often sewn from taffeta - lambrequins, swags, ties, frills and folds.

Curtains made from crinkled taffeta with many iridescent creases formed by hot pressing, or from “shanzhan” fabric, which changes its shade depending on the angle of view, look very beautiful.

Taffeta requires special care. Products should be washed in warm water using special products for delicate fabrics. The curtains are not wrung out, but hung over the bathtub to allow the water to drain. After this, they are laid out on a horizontal surface until completely dry.

Blackout

Translated, this means “light-proof fabric,” which allows us to draw a conclusion about its main property - a three-layer structure consisting of a thin fabric, sun protection coating and decorative material that forms the front side.

In addition to the effect of complete darkening, blackout has the ability to retain heat in the room and absorb excess noise. The fabric drapes easily and holds its shape well. Since the material is used not only at home, but also in public places - cafes, cinemas - an important advantage is its non-flammability.

Despite its synthetic nature, blackout fabric is considered hypoallergenic, as it does not emit harmful toxins. It is stain resistant and does not attract dust.

Interesting to know! Blackout curtains can be washed in a regular machine at 400C. They are wrung out at low speeds and hung in a shaded place to dry. Since the fabric does not wrinkle, there is no need for ironing.

The variety of curtain textiles allows you to choose a model to suit any, even the most demanding taste. But in pursuit of fashion trends, one should not forget about harmony, which should be visible even in minor interior nuances. Only then will the apartment or house retain its uniqueness and style.

For many centuries, window decoration has remained the most important decorative and functional detail in the design of any interior. That is why, when choosing fabrics for curtains, it is necessary to take into account many factors. To create an appropriate and attractive image, it is not enough to choose a material of a suitable color. It is necessary to take into account the presence of a pattern, surface quality and density of the fabric, the possibility of creating folds, and the practicality of the product. Recently, multi-layer curtain options have been increasingly used, so it’s worth figuring out which fibers can be combined with each other.

Important points in the fabric selection process

The choice of fabrics for curtains often confuses most housewives; only a few understand exactly what they need. When choosing the right material, you need to take into account some factors.

Durability. Curtains that will be subject to constant use should not wear out quickly. Curtains used to shade a room on the sunny side must be selected from a material that is resistant to ultraviolet radiation. There are special types of materials for domestic premises that do not lose their attractiveness with frequent washing.
Practicality. When purchasing material, you need to make sure that it will be provided with the type of cleaning that is considered optimal in this case.
Flammability. This factor is relevant not only for public institutions, but also for kitchen premises.
Compliance. If the image will be based on draperies, the fabric for the curtains should be selected with the appropriate density.
Absorbency. In the kitchen, you should not use material made from fibers that absorb odors and moisture. A window opening with a door to a balcony should not be draped with fabric that intensively absorbs dust.

When purchasing fabrics for curtains, do not forget about the stylistic features of the interior.

The curtain fabric should be in harmony in color and texture with the interior, so curtains made from material already used in the decor are the simplest and safest option.
Despite the fact that in a room with polished and shiny interior items it is recommended to use iridescent types of material, you should not abuse the rule. Sometimes surfaces of the same type merge into one spot, and therefore the entire structure is lost.

If you want to get a good result on the first try, it is recommended to develop the proposed decor using special computer programs. As a last resort, it is necessary to achieve the ideal combination of all materials used and evaluate their appearance under different types of lighting.

Natural and artificial fabrics

Depending on the type of raw material used to create the fibers, curtain fabric can be natural, artificial, synthetic or mixed.

Natural fabric contains animal or plant fibers. The main advantage of the type is environmental friendliness, and the disadvantage is high cost.

This group includes 4 main types of textiles.

Cotton. Has positive practical characteristics. It is durable, strong, does not attract dust, because it does not accumulate electricity. This curtain material is not afraid of frequent washing if certain rules are followed. Cotton can be ironed well with damp steam. The disadvantages of the product include a tendency to yellow when exposed to direct sunlight and slight fading when washed.
Flax. A slightly rough textured fabric with increased strength and unique structure. It may shrink a little after washing. Ironed with a very hot iron, pre-doused with steam. Linen fabrics do not electrify, do not form lint, and due to their density and heaviness they form attractive folds.
Wool. Cuts of woolen fabric are not necessarily dense and fluffy; there is a special fabric for curtains that is smooth and thin. Wool hardly gets dirty, but absorbs unpleasant odors. Such curtains require regular ventilation. Washing should be as delicate as possible; it is better to replace it with dry or dry cleaning. The main disadvantage of this option is that moths can appear in the folds of the curtains.
Silk. By all accounts, silk fabrics for curtains are considered the most luxurious today. They fall in soft folds, drape beautifully, shimmer in the light, and attract attention with their unique colors. Despite its incredible thinness, silk has the highest possible strength among natural fabrics. The material does not accumulate electricity, does not fluff, and there is no risk of moths. For all its positive qualities, silk is very capricious: there is a special regime for washing, drying and ironing; the fabric must be protected from the sun and drops of water.

Artificial fabrics are also based on natural fibers, but they are processed chemically. This includes viscose, which can take on the appearance of any type of fabric. The fabric is unpretentious and attractive, but when wet it loses strength. For this reason, it cannot be wrung out and washed frequently.

In order not to fall into the trap of sellers who pass off viscose as natural cotton, wool, silk or linen, a small piece of material must be set on fire. When burning, a characteristic smell of burnt paper will appear.

Synthetic and mixed fabrics

All types of synthetic curtain fabrics are created from polymer fibers through a complex synthesis process. The starting components here are products of processing industries.

Among the positive aspects of such products are strength, durability, wear resistance, low cost, unpretentiousness, pleasant texture and lack of tendency to fade. There are also disadvantages - synthetics accumulate electricity, require frequent washing, and cannot be compared with natural fabrics in terms of environmental friendliness.

Polyester. Does not wrinkle, does not shrink, keeps its shape after exposure to temperature, which allows the formation of persistent folds.
Acrylic. The fabric resembles wool in appearance and texture. It has all the delights of synthetics, but pellets form on the surface of such curtains over time, which noticeably spoils the appearance of the product.
Nylon. Light and smooth fabric with an elastic surface that does not get dirty or wrinkle. The shape of the product will not be damaged even after many washes. The only drawback is that it fades quickly in direct sunlight.

Blended fabrics are relatively new types of fabric that involve a combination of several types of fibers. There are various options for combining natural, artificial and synthetic raw materials. Such developments are created with the aim of reducing the cost of fabrics for curtains, increasing the practicality of the curtains while maintaining an attractive appearance.

Fabric classification

Today, there are at least 300 types of fabric suitable for sewing, but the following varieties are best suited for creating curtains.

Velvet. Heavy fleecy curtain material that creates a solemn image even with ordinary drapery. Retains heat in the room very well.
Brocade. A material of amazing appearance with the addition of threads with a metallic sheen. Due to the soft tints, it looks self-sufficient and does not even need decorative accessories.
Jacquard. Strong and durable material formed by a large number of tightly intertwined threads. The specific relief pattern is equally attractive on the front and back side of the canvas.
Atlas. Soft, flowing fabric with a patterned or smooth surface with an unobtrusive shine.
Satin. Very thin material, similar to silk. Keeps its shape well and attracts with a soft shine.
Chenille. A fleecy fabric similar to velvet, but not as heavy. It can be solid or have a jacquard-type pattern.
Organza. Flying and airy material with outstanding strength indicators. It can be shiny or matte, most often used for sewing simple or multi-layer curtains.
Tulle. Lightweight translucent fabric in the form of a mesh or patterned fabric.
Veil. Softer than organza, but not as transparent, this material forms folds that change color depending on the number of layers.
Blackout. Modern three-layer material, which is designed to provide high-quality insulation of the room from light, sound, and temperature influences.
Kiseya. A free-standing material used for sewing thread curtains. The fabric transmits light well, only slightly dimming it, does not prevent the penetration of fresh air, and adds an oriental note to the atmosphere.
Taffeta. Due to the specific fragility of folds, the material is used to create complex, textured and unusual silhouettes.
Flock. A unique creation made from a textile base and soft pile sprayed onto it in the form of a pattern of any complexity. Gold or silver powder is often applied on top of the finished product, giving the fabric a special elegance.

Conclusion

There are many more fabrics that are suitable for sewing curtains, and their number is constantly increasing due to the rapid development of modern technologies. For example, on textiles, the existence of which dates back centuries, any designs or patterns are applied using a laser, and threads that glow in the dark are woven into the fabric.

The practical side of the products does not stand still either. With the help of special impregnations, even the most fragile and capricious matter is now given additional properties.

Basic knowledge about curtain fabrics will help you make the right choice, provide your curtains with proper care, and extend their service life.

Choosing fabric for any curtains is a very important stage in the design of a window opening. After all, not only strength and resistance to external factors depend on it, but also how the curtains will look and whether you will be able to achieve the room intended in the design with their help.

Therefore, before buying curtains or ordering their sewing, it will be very useful to familiarize yourself with what fabrics are used to make curtains, analyze their properties, features in wearing and care.

What to pay attention to

The modern market offers a huge selection of different fabrics in texture, density, color, with patterns, checkered, geometric shapes and without. Therefore, it is often difficult to make a decision in this confusing crossword puzzle. In order to subsequently be satisfied with your choice, you must, first of all, decide what main functions the curtain will perform in the room and how it should look in the interior, then analyze the properties of curtain fabrics and compare these factors. After this, you will quickly understand which fabric will meet your expectations.

So, curtains are designed to perform the following functions:

protecting the premises from sunlight;
promoting heat retention and protection from drafts during cold periods;
protecting the room from prying eyes;
element of room design, interior addition.

Based on the above points, when giving preference to one or another type of fabric, the following factors must be taken into account:

what style is the interior of the room in?
in which direction of the world the window openings are located;
room size and ceiling height;
window size;
purpose of the room (bedroom, kitchen, living room, office, study, attic room);
Your wishes (small or voluminous drapery, rigid folds or airy flowing, etc.);
fabric characteristics: strength, resistance to sunlight, care features.

Curtains made from natural fabrics

Curtains made from natural fabrics look very noble and elite.

The most popular natural fabrics for making curtains include:

cotton;
silk;
wool.

Cotton

The advantages of this fabric include:

the most environmentally friendly;
hypoallergenic;
soft and light;
absorbs moisture well;
strength;
protects well from drafts and retains heat;
not electrified.

Flaws:

wrinkles a lot;
takes a long time to dry when washed;
quickly fades in the sun and deteriorates when exposed to direct sunlight;
shrinks a lot after washing;
may turn yellow over time.

Based on these factors, cotton should not be used in very sunny rooms with windows facing south. But in cold rooms, they will help keep warm.

Flax

Advantages:

protects the premises well from sunlight, preventing the room from heating up, and in the cold season, on the contrary, helps to retain heat;
not electrified;
durable fabric;
becomes softer after washing;
over time, “pellets” do not form on the fabric.

Flaws:

wrinkles a lot;
shrinks as a result of washing;
fades quickly in the sun.

Silk

Advantages:

very durable and lightweight fabric;
soft to the touch;
falls beautifully with light airy folds.

Flaws:

fades a lot when washed;
not resistant to direct sunlight or wind;
silk should be ironed carefully - at a low temperature, do not spray the fabric with water, as this will leave stains on it.

Wool

Advantages:

very soft;
practically does not wrinkle;
Resistant to contamination.

Flaws:

shrinks a lot after washing

It is better to wash curtains made of this fabric by hand using special products. Do not use powders containing bleach, do not rub or squeeze vigorously.

According to expert reviews, it is not recommended to use completely natural fabric for kitchen curtains. It is better to combine them with synthetic materials, in combination with which they will be more practical to use and easier to care for.

When calculating sizes, you should definitely take into account the shrinkage of natural fabrics after washing, so you need to take them with a reserve. Usually, when making calculations, it is better to add at least another 50-70 cm to the measurement data.

It is better to take linen and cotton curtains with a lining to protect them from premature fading. Curtains made of wool also need lining due to their instability to the influence of external factors.

As for the lining, 100% cotton sateen is considered elite.

One of the types of cotton fabric widely used nowadays for sewing curtains is damask.

Damascus protects the room very well from sunlight. Practical and durable to use, does not require special care. Damascus is used to make roller blinds. It is classified as an elite fabric. It is interesting in its very beautiful complex weave of fibers. Damascus holds its shape well, does not shrink or fade in the sun.

Synthetic and combined fabrics for curtains

It is a mistaken belief that synthetic fabric belongs to the economy class. Synthetic fabric for curtains is indeed cheaper, but among the variety of options there are many very worthy ones that will be even better to wear than natural ones and much easier to care for. In addition, good fabrics with a combination of synthetic and natural fibers are far from being an economical option; they are not cheap, but they also look very elite and elegant.

Let's look at some of the main types.

Viscose

Externally it looks like silk. This is an economical option relative to silk, and is more resistant to the effects of the sun. For greater strength, it is combined with polyester. Usually a lining is also used.

Polyester

Very resistant to ultraviolet rays, durable and durable. According to reviews, the most durable fabric for curtains is 100% polyester with the addition of cotton.

Organza

Very light, airy fabric. At the same time, it has good strength. Does not shrink when washed and does not wrinkle. Mainly used for curtains.

Tapestry

Very thick fabric. Well protects from sun and wind. Easy to clean and quite durable.

Taffeta

Suitable for sunny areas, very good UV protection. Needs delicate care. If you decide to sew curtains from taffeta yourself, please note that during the cutting process it frays a lot, this must be taken into account when calculating the size of the fabric. Cutting must be done very carefully so as not to spoil the material.

Guilloche

I would like to dwell separately on the interesting technique of guilloche, which allows you to create very beautiful designs on fabrics.

Guilloche is a technique of finishing fabric with openwork and burning a pattern onto the fabric.

It is carried out using a special burning device. Economy options include a wood burning machine or a soldering iron with a special attachment.

Mastering this technique will open up wide possibilities for you in decorating not only interior fabric for curtains, but also clothing and fabric napkins. On the one hand, this will be an economical option for creating original products with your own hands, and on the other hand, it will add zest to the interior of the room.

For burning you will need fabric, a copying table and a burning device.

Only synthetic fabrics are suitable for guilloche. When heated, they do not burn, but melt.

So, if, when sewing curtains, you decide to decorate them using the guilloche technique, first cut the fabric. After cutting, iron it.

Place a sketch of the design on the backlit glass of the copy table, with the fabric on top of it. Hold the burning device like a pen, its tip should be perpendicular to the surface. Touch the fabric with the tip of the device and draw a line along the design. In this case, stretch the section of fabric that is being processed, pressing it against the glass with your thumb. Periodically pay attention to the tip of the burning device, as during the process, tissue residues accumulate on it, which will result in the creation of wide lines in the design.

With the device you can cut continuous long and short lines, make points of different diameters and connect elements of the design.

Fabric for your curtains - choose

On the modern market, fabrics for making curtains are presented in all their abundance, both in color, texture and material.

But how can an ordinary buyer understand all this variety of hangers (samples) of fabrics? They all flash through my head like a confusing crossword puzzle.

And the articles will help you understand this whole crossword puzzle.

The article designates the type of fabric, in accordance with the technical requirements. Simply put, the article indicates the fibrous composition of the fabric, its production features and purpose. The exception is cotton fabrics, in which, using the article, you can determine which group the fabric belongs to according to the trade classification.

The numbering order in fabric articles is not the same. So, for example, in linen fabrics, the first two digits indicate the group of fabric, its purpose or nature of production, and the third indicates the fibrous composition. In silk fabrics it’s the other way around: the first number indicates the fiber composition, and the second – the group and nature of production.

Curtains for southern windows and made from natural fabrics should be taken with a lining that will protect the material from ultraviolet radiation and help them last longer.

As for the manufacturer, it is believed that Turkish, Spanish, Italian fabrics are the most durable and belong to the elite class. Manufacturers in Turkey present a huge selection of fabrics in texture, color and decor. Interior curtains made from Turkish fabrics are very versatile and will suit any style of room.

Fabrics for roller blinds

Roller blinds are very popular in use today. They protect well from the sun, take up little space and are quite durable.

Typically, polyester and viscose are used to make roller blinds. Roller blinds, which contain linen and lavsan, are considered very durable and beautiful.

Another equally popular type of fabric for roller blinds is damask. Damascus is known for having very good sun protection properties and a high degree of durability. Such curtains are considered elite.

Also, in the manufacture of roller blinds, some waterproof materials are sometimes used, which greatly improve the resistance of the curtains to external negative factors.

The modern market is strewn with a variety of options for roller blinds, both in color and texture. Roller blinds look very beautiful; when unfolded, they look like a real painting, as well as checkered curtains and decorated with geometric shapes.

Such curtains are more expensive than regular textiles, but you can also choose an economical option.