Our Definitive Guide To Choosing Your Curtain Lining

Choosing which lining to use on your window dressing is an important decision which can transform the final look of your curtains. Made-to-measure curtains are a fantastic choice for achieving a transformative look to your home, but to truly optimize their performance you should consider the type of curtain lining that suits your needs.

Linings not only enhance the look and feel of your chosen curtain fabric, they are also your secret weapon to keeping your home warm and snug, which in turn helps to keep those energy bills low. Whether you are looking for more privacy, extra warmth or want to ensure you achieve a full ‘black out’ effect, there is a lining to suit your needs.

Choosing a lining for your curtains can seem like a daunting decision but it really doesn’t have to be complicated.  Take a look through our simple linings guide which explains the benefits of the different types of curtain linings available, or book your free consultation and let one of our team take you through the options.

What exactly is curtain lining?

Curtain lining is a fabric which sits behind the face of your chosen curtain fabric. Most often, our lining fabric is made from cotton because it helps the curtain drape beautifully and gives a fuller looking, more luxurious feel and finish.

Do All Curtains Need Lining?

Not all curtains need to be lined, it is always personal preference whether you chose to line your curtains or not. If you are not needing a specific solution like blocking sunlight or adding warmth, then you don’t have to line your curtains. Many of our customers choose different linings for each of their rooms, as each room has different needs. Take a look through the lining options available below to help you decide which is best for your home.

Option 1: Unlined Curtains

Unlined curtains have a lightweight and sheer appearance and are ideal for rooms where you want to maximize natural light and maintain a breezy ambiance. By choosing the right curtain fabric, like our gorgeous selection of voiles, unlined curtains will allow natural light to shine into your room whilst still offering some privacy.

Option 2: Standard Cotton Lining

Our standard, 100% cotton lining provides a soft, breathable and matte finish, adding a subtle touch of elegance to your curtains. Cotton lining helps give the curtain a fuller look whilst keeping the curtain lightweight. Cotton linings can even come in a variety of colours and even patterns, adding extra flair to your curtains.

Option 3: Blackout Lining

Blackout lining is the thickest of our linings, resulting in a sleek and polished appearance and offering complete privacy. We often recommend using blackout lining in bedrooms for customers who want to minimise light coming into their room when the curtains are drawn.
Using blackout lining will also help protect your chosen curtain fabric from direct sunlight and will therefore stop fading, perfect for south facing rooms that get bright sunlight all day long. Blackout lining is great at insulating against both temperature extremes, keeping your room warm in winter and reflecting heat back outside in the summer. This in turn helps save keep energy bills low and maintains a comfortable environment all year round.


Option 4: Brushed fleece lining

Thermal brushed fleece curtain lining keeps your room warm and cosy throughout those cold winter months. It is thicker than cotton lining and gives your curtain a much fuller feel. It also offers strong light blocking properties making it a great choice for east or south facing bedrooms which get direct sunlight first thing in the morning. If you are looking for a thermal lining, brushed fleece is the most cost effective option available.

Option 5 Interlining:

Interlining is an insulating fabric which sits between your curtain fabric and a cotton lining. This provides the fullest, most luxurious finish to your curtains. We often recommend interlining to customers with old or drafty houses and those with wooden windows. Interlining also has excellent light blocking properties, keeping the room darker when the curtains are drawn. Opt for interlining if you are after a premium finish and the added benefit of keeping your room cosy and warm.

Feeling inspired? Book your free 1-1 consultation with our design team, available in our design showroom or even in the comfort of your own home.

Our team will provide personalised advise on the best fabrics, linings and finishing touches to achieve the perfect solution for your space.