Crafting a bespoke curtain can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task, and you may find yourself unsure of all the terminology and what is best for you.
Lining is one of the biggest examples of this. There are so many types of curtain lining, many of which sound so similar, that it’s difficult to know which to choose — or if you even need lining at all!
This post will dive into everything curtain lining, to help you gauge what works best for you.
What is Curtain Lining?
In essence, lining is a piece of fabric that is sewn to the back of a curtain or roman blind. Lining can serve a number of purposes, including:
- Blocking out sunlight
- Insulating heat
- Helping to make your curtains look better from the outside
Do I need lining?
Not every curtain needs lining – it depends on the material and your personal preference.
Keeping your curtains unlined will likely be cheaper, but we would only recommend this for certain fabrics. For example, heavy materials such as wool will hang well on their own, but lighter fabrics may not look tidy or streamlined.
For most curtains, we recommend lining to ensure they look as good as possible whilst protecting the fabric from sun damage.
Types of lining:
Standard
This consists of a single layer of fabric to help the curtain keep its shape and protect against sunlight. It’s the lining that you’ll come across on most curtains.
It is a straightforward and affordable option if you’re not overly worried about blackout or insulation.
Blackout
Commonly used in bedrooms, blackout lining is designed to block sunlight so your room can stay dark during those early mornings.
Its thicker material means it also provides sound and heat insulation, so it’s a great way for those who want some separation from the outside world.
However, it may not be suitable for those who want lots of natural light during the day, as these curtains will block some light throughout the day.
Interlining
Interlining is essentially a third layer of fabric used – over the curtain fabric and beneath standard lining
This has a few benefits: it creates added insulation to keep draughts out and it gives your curtains a thicker, more luxurious appearance.
We recommend this lining for lighter materials such as silk, which are more likely to let light and draughts through.
Bonded Lining
This is simply interlining but with one key difference: rather than pinning the lining and fabrics together, bonded lining comes with an adhesive to fuse the layers of fabric together. This prevents the fabrics bunching up over time.
However, bonded lining tends to be rather stiff, so it is more commonly used for roman blinds than for curtains.
Thermal
Designed to maximise insulation, thermal lining is ideal for windows that suffer with draught.
Made from a thick, specialised material with a rubber backing, thermal lining will maximise insulation from both heat and cold.
It gives a thick, luxurious feel and is as effective at keeping you cool in summer as it is for keeping you warm in winter.
Decorative options
Some people like to choose a matching or contrasting pattern for their curtain lining for added decor and to show off your curtains from the outside as well as the inside.
Conclusion: There’s an option for everyone
Hopefully now you’ll feel a little more clarity as to the differences between the types of curtain linings, so you can make a more informed decision for what works for you.
That said, we know that this blog may not have answered all your questions, so if there’s anything you’re unsure of, simply let us know!
To contact us, you can call, email or drop us a note through our online form.