Polyester is a common curtain fabric because it is durable, strong and affordable. Polyester curtains are easy to care for and will not wrinkle, shrink or fray. With their low maintenance, polyester curtains are the perfect curtains for a first-time buyer. If you are moving into your first home, polyester is a great choice.

This fabric is perfect for bedroom and living room curtains. However, you should avoid polyester curtains in the kitchen because it is a flammable material, absorbs odors and restricts air circulation. Polyester curtains are available in many colors, patterns and styles. Consider using a darker curtain color if you have young children or for windows in high traffic areas because stains are difficult to remove from polyester fabrics.

Linen is usually a more drapey fabric but can still provide an elegant look, making curtains made from this material perfect for a simple dining room, an airy bedroom, or a modern living room. Linen drapes beautifully and the sheer fabric doesn't block out the sun, allowing natural light to fill your spaces.

Linen curtains are usually dry clean only and should be hung immediately to prevent wrinkles. This type of curtain will bring a breath of fresh air to your home, and linen curtains will be a perfect addition to the room where the whole family gathers.

Curtains made from cotton or cotton blends are versatile choices, offering a clean feel that suits traditional or modern decorating styles. cotton curtains They hang beautifully, making them a perfect fit for any formal dining room.

If you want to block sunlight in a bright room or provide privacy in your living room, choose cotton curtains in a tighter weave or choose a panel with a cotton lining. If you prefer your room to have a light, airy feel, choose sheer cotton curtains. Cotton curtains provide a softly filtered light to any space and require no special care, making them a great choice for children's rooms your.

Velvet is a heavy fabric that retains cold, making these window treatments ideal insulators for homes with cool windows. Thanks to their thickness, velvet curtains provide extra privacy and help block out sounds and light.

Velvet curtains drape well, so this style offers a polished look that dresses up formal dining rooms, traditional-style living rooms, or large bedrooms. To learn more about how to achieve a specific look with different curtains, read our Curtain Style Guide.

Lace is a very sheer fabric, so curtains made from this material tend to diffuse natural light and offer an open, airy feel. Use lace curtains to add a romantic touch to your traditional dining room, or hang them over French doors to provide privacy without completely blocking your outside light source.

Lace curtains are usually available in neutral shades, such as white, ivory, and off-white, so they are easy to coordinate with any color scheme in your room. Depending on the construction of lace curtains, they may be dry clean only or machine washable. Always check the care labels for specific washing instructions.

Blackout curtains

As their name suggests, blackout curtains are ideal for blocking out sunlight. They are perfect for bedrooms with sleeping children or for your own bedroom if you need to sleep during the day.

Blackout curtains are made of an opaque fabric backed by foam, which blocks light from entering your room. Like thermal curtains, the thick fabric of blackout curtains will also increase the privacy of your home.