ARE YOU SEWING CURTAINS?
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Curtains are an essential part of your home interior. At Selfmade® you’ll find everything you need to sew your own curtains, from fabrics and sewing accessories to plenty of inspiration.
Not sure which fabric to choose?
👉 See our guide to choosing curtain fabric →
Often used for curtains
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How to choose the right fabric for curtains
With so many options available, choosing the right fabric for your curtains can feel overwhelming. Whether you go for cotton or polyester, the right choice depends on both function and the look you want to achieve.
At Selfmade® we have more than 45 years of experience with fabrics, including curtain fabrics. Here, we guide you through the key considerations to help you find the right fabric more easily.
| #1 |
Lightfastness If your curtains will hang in direct sunlight, choose a fabric with high lightfastness, such as a polyester blend like linen/polyester or cotton/polyester. Synthetic fibres generally fade less than natural ones. |
| #2 |
Weight Some fabrics are quite heavy, and not all curtain systems can support them. Make sure your curtain and fittings are suitable for the material you choose. |
| #3 |
Drape How the fabric falls has a big impact on the overall look. Velour and voile are known for their beautiful drape, but linen and polyester blends can also create an elegant finish. |
| #4 |
Opacity If you want to avoid visibility from outside, choose a dense, opaque fabric. |
| #5 |
Blackout If you want to block out light completely, choose a light-dimming or blackout fabric or combine it with blackout lining. This is especially useful in bedrooms. |
Which fabrics are best for curtains?
That depends on your needs. Choosing the right curtain fabric involves factors such as lightfastness, weight, drape, opacity and whether you need blackout. The right fabric depends on both the function of the room and the look you want to create.
Not sure which curtain fabric to choose? Start with this simple rule of thumb:
• Want light and airy curtains → choose voile
• Want to block out light completely → choose blackout fabric
• Want a heavier, more luxurious drape → choose velour
• If your curtains are exposed to a lot of sunlight → choose a polyester blend
In short: choose your fabric based on light, function and the look you want to achieve.
Curtains in cotton
Cotton is a durable and hard-wearing material that is often used in home textiles. It is easy to care for, as it can be machine washed, but it also has some drawbacks. Cotton tends to fade in sunlight, and the fabric is more prone to mildew, especially in damp environments.
For this reason, it can be a good idea to choose a cotton blend with polyester, as this improves durability and makes the fabric more resistant to both sunlight and moisture. At the same time, you keep the natural look of cotton, but with a quality that stays looking good for longer.
Curtains in polyester and blended fabrics
Polyester and blended fabrics are often a great choice if you’re looking for curtain fabric with higher lightfastness and less risk of fading. This is especially important in rooms with a lot of sunlight, where natural fibres tend to lose colour and character more quickly.
A blend such as linen and polyester or cotton and polyester can be a good option if you want to combine a natural look with improved durability. Many choose these qualities for curtains because they drape beautifully and keep their appearance over time.
Light and sheer fabrics for curtains
If you’re aiming for a light and airy look, opt for sheer or semi-sheer fabrics such as voile. This type of curtain fabric allows light to filter softly into the room and works well in living rooms, kitchens or other spaces where you want to maintain a bright and open feel.
Lightweight curtain fabrics are often more decorative than practical. They are best suited to spaces where full coverage or blackout is not required.
Heavier curtain fabrics with more body
If you’re looking for curtains with more weight and a more defined drape, consider heavier fabrics such as velour, chenille or heavier blended fabrics. These create a calmer, more exclusive look and can also help with insulation and some level of sound absorption in the room.
This is particularly useful in larger rooms or in homes where you want to create a more subdued and comfortable atmosphere. Just remember to check that your curtain system can support the weight of the fabric you choose.
Other things to consider when choosing curtain fabric
Some curtain fabrics offer practical benefits beyond their appearance. Heavier and denser qualities can help retain heat and reduce noise, which is useful in rooms with draughts, large windows or a lot of external noise.
If you’d like to learn more about warmth and insulation in the home, take a look at our guide with tips on keeping your home warm.
How much fabric do you need?
The amount of fabric you need depends on the type of curtain, as well as the width, length and how much fullness you want. Different curtain styles require different calculations, and it can quickly become confusing.
In our curtain guide, we show you step by step how to measure for each type of curtain and calculate the right amount of fabric.
Need help sewing curtains?
If you’re ready to move from choosing fabric to actually sewing, you’ll find more help in our detailed curtain guide. It includes inspiration, measuring tips and practical advice to help you complete your curtain project.
Common mistakes when choosing curtain fabric
A common mistake is choosing curtain fabric based on appearance alone. Many overlook how light, weight and drape affect the final result. A fabric may look great, but not hang properly or let in too much light.
Another typical mistake is not considering the function of the curtain. Should it provide privacy, block out light or simply be decorative? This has a big impact on your choice of fabric. Think about both function and style from the start, so you don’t have to remake or replace your curtains later.
Different types of curtains
There are many types of curtains, and the style you choose affects which fabric will work best. Some curtains are mainly decorative, while others are designed to provide privacy, block out light or divide a room. You’ll also find a wide range of curtain accessories to help you get the best result.
| #1 |
Decorative side panels These are typically made from a single length of fabric and are mainly used for decoration. They often hang at the sides of the window and add colour and fullness to the room. Use them alongside curtains that can be drawn closed. |
| #2 |
Curtains with heading tape A classic choice for both living rooms and kitchens. Heading tape creates an even, neat drape and works well for both short and long curtains. See our free sewing guide for curtains with heading tape here. |
| #3 |
Curtains with eyelets A simple and modern option. Curtains with eyelets are easy to install and work well in living rooms, kitchens or as a light room divider. See our free sewing guide for curtains with eyelets here. |
| #4 |
Curtains with rod pocket A simple solution where the curtain is threaded directly onto the pole. Suitable for living rooms, kitchens and shorter curtains. |
| #5 |
Pleated curtains Create a more classic and tailored look. They can be sewn with single, double or triple pleats depending on how full you want the curtains to appear. |
| #6 |
Roman blinds A versatile solution suitable for most rooms. They can be used for both privacy and blackout, depending on the fabric you choose. See our free sewing guide for Roman blinds here. |
| #7 |
Wave curtains Wave curtains create a modern, uniform drape with soft folds that run smoothly along the track. They are particularly well suited to large windows and spaces where you want a calm, clean look. See our free sewing guide for wave curtains here. |
Finish your curtains with lining
Lining can enhance both the look and function of your curtains. It creates a neater drape, protects the fabric and can also help with insulation or blackout. If you’ve chosen a patterned fabric, lining also gives a more refined reverse side, so your curtains look good from both angles.
Do keep the weight in mind. Heavier fabrics such as velour often require a lighter lining such as gobelin or cotton, so the curtains don’t become too heavy. If you want full blackout, you can choose a lining in blackout quality.
Safety
If you use cords or other operated solutions, safety is important, especially in homes with children. With the right curtain accessories, you can sew curtains that comply with EN13120. For example, cords can be secured with a cord tidy to reduce the risk of accidents.