Though buying fabric for curtain lining is frequently an afterthought, lining is actually very important. Not only does a good curtain lining provide your curtains with an additional layer of protection, fullness, and structure, it also gives you the opportunity to add that all-important finishing touch to your window dressings.
At Discount Fabrics, we know that it can be a little difficult to decide if it’s best to use plain, patterned, or blackout lining. That’s why we’ve put together this guide – to help you make a suitable choice for your home.
What is a Curtain Lining?
A curtain lining is an additional layer of fabric that is sewn to the rear side of your curtain.
Whether you’re looking to block out sunshine in the summer, keep in the warmth during winter or simply ensure your curtains look beautiful from the outside as well as inside, Discount Fabrics can help. Our range of curtain linings will suit any style of curtain with any type of room decor.
Polycotton Curtain Lining
As the name suggests polycotton curtain lining is made from a blend of polyester and cotton.
While cotton sateen has, by tradition, been the lining of choice for professional curtain makers, polycotton has taken the throne and is now the favoured choice. This lining is durable, versatile, and extremely affordable. The fabric is commonly used as a curtain lining in all rooms of the home.
Predominantly utilised as a lining for lightweight curtains such as voiles, polycotton lining helps your curtains to hang correctly while also providing a high level of privacy to sheer fabrics.
This type of curtain lining is complementary to most curtain styles and curtain fabrics. We offer our polycotton curtain lining in a popular ivory colour, and it really is the perfect choice to line any curtain.
Cotton Sateen Curtain Lining
Cotton sateen was, in fact, the traditional choice for curtain lining, though the top spot is now held by polycotton. Cotton sateen is woven into a satin weave, meaning that multiple threads of the same direction dominate either surface. It makes for a silky, shiny lining, adding more weight to curtains. Cotton sateen curtain lining continues to offer excellent value for money.
Cotton sateen is the favoured choice over cotton percale because of its soft feel, given that the weave structure is not as rigid or tight as cotton percale and various other fabrics.
It has a crease-resistant finish and is mostly used for lining curtains that are of medium to heavy weight. Cotton sateen lining will ensure your curtains take on a more sumptuous look.
We offer cotton sateen curtain lining in ivory or white.
Blackout Curtain Lining
Ideal for your bedrooms or areas in the home that typically attract a lot of sunlight, blackout curtain lining is characterised by what is known as three-pass technology to ensure that zero light can get through the lining. Blackout lining is machine washable at around 30°C.
This lining blocks light from passing through, even when the conditions are extra bright, and therefore prevents your curtains from discolouring or fading from persistent exposure to sunlight. Blackout lining is the ideal choice as a curtain lining. It’s also great for making blackout blinds.
When the material is certified 100% blackout, no light can pass through the fabric. Keep in mind that being 100% blackout is applicable only to the fabric itself as there may be light seepage around the sides of the curtains, and with eyelet curtains, the light will inevitably make its way through the eyelets.
Blackout lining fabric features a coating that fills the tiny gaps in the fabric weave. The lining is very soft and not stiff or unyielding, ensuring that your curtains still retain their beautiful pleats and folds. This also makes the fabric easier to work with, particularly if you are making your own curtains!
Though it’s called blackout curtain lining, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the colour is black. At Discount Fabrics, we offer blackout lining in black, charcoal, grey, ivory, navy, and white.
The lining also offers thermal qualities, so it’s a good way to reduce heat loss from a room while minimising the amount of cold air that enters via the windows.
Do all Curtains Need Lining?
Is it ideal to have a lining on every curtain in your home? Not all curtains require a lining. It really depends on your own personal choice as well as how you want your curtains to look.
Linings are certainly recommended if you wish to protect your curtains from harsh sunlight, better insulate your room, increase privacy, and/or add a level of fullness to your curtains.
Nevertheless, not all curtain fabrics need to be lined. For wool fabrics, no lining is required because wool tends to be plenty thick enough in its own right
Buy Curtain Lining Fabric Online
By now, you’ll have a decent idea of whether your curtains need to be lined, and if so, what type of lining is the best choice. If you would like some samples, you can order samples of any or all of our curtain lining fabrics online and this will help you to pick out a favourite. Still not too sure?
If you need some additional advice, feel free to get in touch with us by calling 0116 40 30 269 and our customer support team will provide you with further guidance.