What Are the Best Curtain Fabrics for Your Home?

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule when selecting the best fabric or material for your curtains. But don’t stress – with a proper understanding of drapery fabrics, their usage and care instructions, you can confidently pick the perfect curtains for your entire home.

Today, we’ll cover the pros and cons of eight popular curtain fabric styles so you can make your décor decisions with ease.

The Best Curtain Fabrics for Your Home

Curtains come in lightweight, standard weight or heavyweight fabrics that each serve different purposes and functions.

To select the right curtain fabrics for your home, you’ll want to consider the needs of each room or window (i.e., create privacy, add light, enhance the décor). Make sure to select a fabric you love and enjoy looking at.

Here are the most popular curtain fabrics:

Polyester

Rayon

Cotton

Linen

Silk

Velvet

Voile

Lace

 

1. Polyester

Source

Polyester is a standard choice for curtains. It’s affordable, low-maintenance and durable – ideal for those who are renters, first-time homeowners or on a budget.

Style & Usage

Available in a variety of colors and patterns to match any décor

Versatile for most rooms in your home

Avoid using polyester in kitchens or dining rooms – polyester absorbs odors and is flammable

Care Tips

Machine-washable, tumble dry on a delicate, low-heat setting

Not prone to shrinking, stretching or wrinkling

Mold and mildew resistant

2. Rayon

Source

Rayon mimics natural fibers. It can feel luxuriously similar to silk or linen. Like polyester, rayon is affordable and functional across the home.

Style & Usage

Soft yet durable

Versatile in most rooms in your home

Great for light filtering

Care Instructions

Dry-clean only (can become damaged in a washing machine)

 

3. Cotton

Source

Cotton curtains are modern and drape beautifully when hung. If you want an airy, clean feel, cotton may be a good fit. (Bonus: Cotton is organic.)

Style & Usage

Dark colors provide solid coverage while muted colors draw in light

Ideal for dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms

Great for filtering light

Care Tips

Machine-wash on delicate cycle with cold water, hang dry

Susceptible to shrinkage and mildew

Will fade over time if placed in direct sunlight

 

4. Linen

Source

Linen is similar to cotton (it’s also organic), but is more durable and gives off a contemporary, tailored appearance. However, it’s pricier and requires extra care.

Style & Usage

Modern and fresh, perfect for most rooms in your home

Great for light filtering

UV-resistant (won’t fade) and useful for regulating indoor temperature in the summer

Care Tips

Dry-clean only and should be re-hung immediately to avoid creasing

Susceptible to mold and mildew

 

5. Silk

Source

Silk is beautiful, sophisticated and romantic. Contrary to popular belief, silk isn’t necessarily expensive (you can also purchase silk/cotton blend curtains or silk/linen blend curtains).

Style & Usage

Heavier than standard-weight fabric, yet soft and cool in texture

Perfect for formal living rooms, dining rooms and rooms with elegant windows

Good for regulating indoor temperature

Care Tips

Dry-clean recommended

Extremely susceptible to sun damage, so keep away from direct sunlight

 

6. Velvet

Source

If your home requires insulation, velvet curtains might be optimal. However, velvet fabric is more formal, so make sure it’s a good match for your room or home first.

Style & Usage

Heavy, thick and excellent for insulating your windows from cold drafts

Good fit for sophisticated dining rooms, traditional living rooms or master bedrooms

Blocks light and sound for extra privacy

Care Tips

Dry-clean recommended

Accumulates dust easily; gently vacuum with a bristle attachment to clean up dust

Do not iron (use a steamer only if necessary)

 

7. Voile

Source

Voile is a sheer, delicate fabric that resembles chiffon. Layer voile curtains with medium-weight curtains for a blissful, dreamy effect.

Style & Usage

Modern and contemporary

Ideal for living rooms, doorways or tall and wide windows

Great for light filtering but not ideal for privacy, light or sound insulation

Care Tips

Hand-washing recommended or machine-wash on delicate cycle with curtains in a protective mesh bag

Pre-treat stains as much as possible beforehand

Hang-dry

 

8. Lace

Source

Lace fabric is more traditional and ornate than its sheer counterparts. It’s perfect for traditional homes with ornamental décor and furniture. (With the right touch, lace curtains can fit in with modern décor, too.)

Style & Usage

Traditional and more elaborate

Versatile and suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms or kitchens

Great for light filtering but not ideal for privacy, light or sound insulation

Care Tips

Lace may contain cotton or polyester fibers, so follow care instructions for your specific fabric

Hand-washing recommended or machine-wash on delicate cycle with curtains in a protective mesh bag

Pre-treat stains as much as possible beforehand

Hang-dry