Tips to choose Fabric for Curtains

When it comes to choosing fabric for your curtains there are a few things you should consider. Consider what you want to achieve. Curtains can be both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Knowing what you want from your window treatment will help make deciding on fabric easier.

Color and Fabric:

• Remember sunlight will fade fabrics over time. If the room in question gets a lot of light, it's smart to avoid bright colors, since they tend to fade faster. Some fabrics can help keep out the cold.
• Determine whether you're going to buy dry-clean only or washer machine friendly curtains  it will save you time and money in the long run.

Ease To Maintain:

Many fabrics like silk and velvet requires dry cleaning. Some fabrics can be washed and dried at home like linen and synthetic fabrics. Choose fabric according to use and maintenance.

Consider the location:

If the window is in a sunny location, need curtain or blind fabric to be thick enough to reduce some of the light.

Think about your Budget:

If you are trying to keep your costs down, I would recommend that you buy inexpensive fabric for making curtains but have them lined and interlined for that luxury feel.  

Measure:

Always measure your windows with a metal rule. Measure once, write down the amounts, then measure again to be sure. Always check the width of the fabric you are going to buy as these can vary greatly.

Always look at a fabric sample:

• Before you buy your curtain fabric or blind fabric, it is always best to order a fabric sample. This allow you to see and feel the material before you make a decision to buy. 
• If you are buying curtain fabric or blind fabric, hold your fabric sample up to the light in the position you would like it to be.
• For all soft furnishing fabrics place the fabric sample next to any other colours and patterns that will be used in the room.

Prints and Patterns: 

• If you have patterned furniture or bedding (or a very elaborate rug), stick with solid curtains. If you have solid-color furniture or bedding, consider patterned curtains.
•  For a subtle hit of style and energy, go for a small, neutral print, like dots or paisley, which reads like texture. A large, graphic print in a color that relates to the existing decor is daring but can be spectacular.
• If you have small windows, the blinds are also a very practical solution. They fit exactly to the window shape and do not hide decorative details and interesting elements next to the window. During the day, the blinds can be folded and look just elegant and stylish.
•  If you want to achieve a dramatic effect, make curtains for the living room from the ceiling to the floor. The room will look higher and the curtains will look massive and impressive.

Temperature Moderation:

Some fabrics help in moderating the temperature of the room and keep the heat in. Suede, velvet and tweed are such fabrics which keep the cold out. If you want the room to be cool, go for linen or cotton.

Weave: 

Loosely woven fabric lets the light pass through it. Similarly, a higher thread count means less light will pass through. If you want the room to be dark, go for tightly woven fabric. However, if you want the room to be light and sunny, choose loosely woven fabric.

Look: 

Different fabrics give different look to the room. If you want to give a glossy and elegant look, go for real silk or faux silk. If you want to give a simple and sophisticated look, go for linen or velvet.

By considering these things in your mind and get well prepared before you go to buy your Fabric curtain.