Choosing the right drapery fabric for your window treatments seems easy enough but there are several things to take into consideration. There are many different types of drapery fabric available, there is cotton, linen, silks rayon, acrylic and polyester blends, acetate, and nylon to name a few. Choose your drapery fabric on the fabric's ability to drape, pleat, ruffle and/or suit your window treatment. Other considerations for your fabric choice should be the fabric's ability to be cleaned, to retain its shape and you may also take into account the flammability of the fabric. The type or location of the window also determines the kind of fabric you choose. A kitchen window requires lightweight drape fabric unlike a living room window or sliding door that requires a floor length heavier weighted drapery fabric. The desired light filtering ability and insulation ability of the fabric should also be taken into consideration.
Curtain fabric that is exposed to constant sunlight should not fade or weaken. Silk drapery fabric is one such fabric whose threads are damaged by constant sunlight. Silk drapery should be hung sparingly only at special occasions if one is entertaining. Cotton wrinkles easily so it shouldn't be used for drapes that are constantly drawn or constantly being moved. If you are going to sew your own drapes choose a drapery fabric that is manageable. Silk requires a higher level of expertise to manipulate as silk drapery fabric damages easily. If you live in a home that has high traffic remember that Silk fabric requires special cleaning. Drapes can also be used as insulation. If you have ever felt a cold draft when you are by a window in the winter time consider using fabric that has insulation qualities too. If you are making the insulated drapes yourself buy heavier materials and sew some insulation between the layers.
Before investing in drapes it is best to test your choices and options. Get samples of all the possible fabrics that you are considering. Most drape manufacturers are willing to supply drapery fabric sample swatches. Tape the swatches on the wall next to window and decide which matches your room the best. This avoids making the expensive mistake of ordering drapes that do no suit your room décor or decorating style.
Drapery fabric can be purchased online. By doing internet searches under "designer drapery fabric" you will find online stores that sell designer drapery fabric at discounted prices. Online stores and online auction sites also offer discount drapery fabric. There are so many online stores that you will find fabric that will suit your individual decorating style. Some of these online stores also send sample swatches, which allow you to find the best fabric for your décor. You can also shop for drapery fabrics at your local fabric stores. The advantage of shopping at these types of stores is that you can get "live" help, tips and drapery patterns which can be helpful if you are a beginner to sewing. Some of the fabric stores also have sewing classes that sometimes may include "how to sew drapes" classes. Taking the class can help develop your sewing skills and you can save money by sewing your own window drapes.