4 Different Fabrics For Drapes And Their Advantages

There are a number of different fabric choices you can choose from when selecting the right fabric for your the drapery in your home. Often, these fabrics fall into two different categories: natural and synthetic. Each category has a few different options beneath them, and within those, there are a couple choices that outshine the others and make for the top-four perfect drape fabrics.

Cotton

The first fabric, and probably most commonly used from the natural set, is cotton. Cotton is extremely versatile and contains some of the strongest fibers available. Cotton drapes come in many different color and pattern options due to the ease with which cotton can by dyed. Cotton can be extremely thin and tends to be a very breathable fabric. This can give drapes a relaxed look, as if they are gently covering the windows. Additionally, cotton is extremely easy to clean. Just throw it in the washer and you are all set; remember to air dry to prevent shrinkage however.

Linen

Another selection from the natural category is linen. Linen is a gentle fabric made of vegetable fibers. It often has a fine luster that is unmatched by many other fabrics. Because of its nature, linen can sometimes become wrinkled rather easily. Due to this, many people choose to roll with this feature and stylize the wrinkle, making it a welcome addition to their drapes by casually hanging it from a decorative rod. Linen is also extremely stain resistant, so if you live in a home with kids or animals, this may be a perfect fabric for you.

Silk

Silk is another great option from the natural category. Silk comes in many different weights so depending on the look you are going for, there is an option for you. From a thin, light silk to a heavier, thick silk, the options are many.

Silk is probably the second most common fabric used for drapes, and a lot of that has to do with its availability. One of the only drawbacks to silk is its susceptibility to sun damage, but most of the time, silk drapes come with a liner that can combat this. Its smooth and elegant feel and touch give it a sophisticated look that can fit many rooms' design aesthetic. Silk can also be a great option for someone looking for "blackout drapes" due to the weight and thickness featured in some variations of the material, making it a perfect drape set for the bedroom.

Acetate

Most often for draping purposes, synthetic fabrics are blended with natural fabrics to create a sort of super fabric. However, one of the best and most commonly used synthetic fabrics used without a blend for draping purposes is acetate. Acetate is softer than other synthetic fabrics, so it gives it a homely and warm feel. For places affected with high humidity, acetate can be the perfect option due to its composition. Additionally, unlike natural fabrics, acetate rarely pills and is extremely durable. It is wrinkle resistant and one of the best at holding up and keeping its shape when draped. This fabric can be perfect for someone with open windows who likes to let the drapes blow in the wind a little bit.

Although the number of fabrics out there can be overwhelming, it's best to stick with the tried and tested ones when choosing fabric for drapes, especially. The qualities of each fabric can differ greatly but each one from this list provides its own distinct benefits depending on what the user is going for esthetically. Whether it be elegantly-delicate drapes hanging from a decorative rod, or dark heavy drapes that black out the light and allow a person sleep in their bedroom better, there most certainly is a fabric out there for everyone's draping needs.

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