Figuring out which fabrics you should be using for custom and made-to-measure curtains isn’t always straightforward. After all, you’re a homeowner, not necessarily an expert interior designer. 

Fortunately, if you’re feeling a bit stuck around this thorny issue, this guide can help. It runs through various fabric choices for improving your interior design and ensuring you get the best possible results for your rooms. 

Why Fabric Choice Matters

But first, why does it matter what type of fabric you select for custom curtains? Aren’t they all pretty much the same? 

The answer, of course, is no. 

Some fabrics (as we discuss below) are much better for allowing light to enter your rooms. Others block light or offer thermal insulation, making them ideal if you want rooms to be dark or live in a cold house. 

Added to this, the material you choose for made-to-measure curtains can affect your interior design. Fabrics for chic living rooms are often different from traditional bedrooms. 

As you go through the selection process, your goal should be to balance style and practicality. While there are a lot of options out there, narrowing down your choices and choosing curtains that fit your requirements shouldn’t be hard. 

Curtain Fabric Options

So, which fabrics are out there and why should you choose them?

1. Cotton

Cotton is the go-to choice for versatile curtain design. It’s easy to work with, natural, doesn’t usually contain any nasties, and is available almost everywhere. You can get it in pretty much whatever colour or pattern you want and use it in most rooms, including the living room, bedrooms, or drawing room. 

Cotton works best when paired with bold prints. The material is naturally amenable to bright colours, allowing you to use it for most interior work, including kids’ bedrooms. 

It also has quite a rich texture, which means you can layer it with other materials in your spaces. For example, we like the idea of a neutral cotton curtain set to complement a hygge evening lounge. The contrast of textures is relaxing and can immediately make your life so much more joyful. 

Just remember, you’ll need to wash cotton regularly. It can pick up pet smells and other odours if you’re not careful.  

2. Linen

Linen is a classic curtain material because it is lightweight and has a natural texture. Eco-friendly, it allows light but gives you privacy, making it ideal for street-facing rooms. 

You can also use linen curtains to soften incoming light. Morning sunshine can be harsh sometimes, but these drapes make it mellower and gentler. 

Linen works best in minimalist designs and airy spaces. For instance, use it if you have a studio attic conversion with dormer windows or airy spaces where you want to feel the strength of incoming light but don’t want sunburn. 

We also recommend using linen in combination with neutral tones. It doesn’t take colour as well as cotton, but its natural appearance gives it a laid-back vibe, which works for a lot of people. 

The downside is cleaning and wrinkle management. You can’t put linen curtains in with the rest of your clothes, so hand-wash them separately, or send them to the dry cleaners if you notice creases. 

Explore our full range of made-to-measure linen curtains and find the perfect style to elevate your home.

3. Silk

Silk is a less common but no less suitable fabric option for curtains. This luxurious material has been used in interiors for centuries, due to its unique softness and other properties. 

Silk is, of course, a high-end option. You’ll be paying several times more per square foot compared to cotton. However, for that price, you get a more sophisticated look and some of the most vibrant colours out there.

If you want to add even more drama, opt for floor-to-ceiling-length silk made-to-measure curtains. These hang beautifully over your windows and are ideal when you want that extra level of privacy or darkness at night. Just remember to get silk curtains with trim to accentuate the look. 

4. Velvet

Velvet is another option worth considering. While it isn’t to everyone’s taste, it’s perfect if you want made-to-measure drapes with a luxurious, thick texture. 

Velvet offers superior insulation compared to most materials and blocks incoming street light effectively, even if LED lamp posts are right outside. It also makes rooms feel warm and deep, even if the look of the material itself can appear old-fashioned. 

We recommend it for traditional, cosy spaces around your home, or where you want to make a statement. Velvet is an incredibly moody material, so it often goes well with winter designs or when you want to create an atmosphere. 

Complementary interior décor materials include metallic finishes and mirrored surfaces. The downside is that the material needs professional care every couple of years or so. 

5. Polyester

If you’re looking for bespoke made-to-measure curtains on a budget, polyester is a reasonable option. It doesn’t crease, is easy to wash, and, for the most part, looks the same as natural cotton. 

We suggest putting this material in high-traffic areas of the home or where damage is likely (such as kids’ bedrooms). It’s machine-washable (for convenience) and naturally stain-resistant. 

6. Wool

Finally, consider adding bespoke wool curtains to your home. These are unusual, but they can make your interiors feel warm and welcoming, especially during the winter months. 

Wool has excellent insulation and reduces incoming road noise quite substantially. Many people put it in their bedrooms for superior sleep, and home offices for sound blocking. 

It doesn’t usually come in bright colours, so it’s best paired with neutral interiors. It also requires periodic protection against moths (to prevent them from laying their larvae in it). 

Having read this guide, you should have a better idea of which material to choose for your bespoke-made-to-measure curtains. Every option has pros and minuses, so try writing them all down before you buy.