The Pros and Cons of Lining Your Curtains
Looking to freshen up your space with some new curtains? It can be tempting to just focus on the fabric – the colour, the pattern, and how it will complement your room. But one detail that you need to consider is whether or not to line your curtains. Curtain linings can transform the way your curtains look, feel, and function, but they’re not always essential.
At Vanessa Arbuthnott Fabrics, we offer made to measure curtains in a huge selection of nature-inspired fabrics that can be finished with a range of linings and interlinings. Below, we compare the different options and help you weigh up the pros and cons of lining curtains, so you can make the right choice for your home.
What are the different curtain lining options?
Standard lined curtains
If you’re looking to add an extra layer of quality to your curtains without additional bulk, we highly recommend opting for standard lining. Our standard lined curtains offer a neat and elegant finish, giving your fabric a smoother drape while protecting it from sunlight.
Interlined curtains
Interlined curtains feature an additional layer between the fabric and lining. This gives them a sumptuous weight and fullness, helping them to hang beautifully while also providing excellent insulation.
Blackout lined curtains
Blackout lining blocks out the light and offers extra privacy, making it the perfect choice for your bedroom or nursery. It also enhances thermal insulation, helping to keep your room warm and cosy. Blackout linings can also be combined with interlining to give your curtains extra body.
The benefits of lining your curtains
A fuller, more luxurious look
Lining and interlining gives a curtain real weight, helping it to drape beautifully and hold its structure. This extra layer adds depth and quality that unlined curtains cannot achieve, creating a rich and elegant look that instantly elevates your room’s atmosphere.
Added warmth and comfort
One of the most practical benefits of lining your curtains is insulation. Lined and interlined curtains provide an extra barrier against draughts, helping to keep the warmth inside during winter and reduce your energy costs. They also absorb outside noise, making your home more peaceful.
Light control and privacy
If you prefer your bedrooms to be darker so you can get a good night’s sleep, blackout lining is an excellent option. It also enhances privacy and ensures your windows look as good from the outside as they do from the inside. You can even use patterned linings to turn the reverse of your curtains into a design feature.
Protect your investment
Sunlight can gradually fade even the most durable fabrics. By lining your curtains, you are shielding the main fabric from direct light, ensuring that your chosen print remains vibrant for years to come.
The drawbacks of lining your curtains
Sometimes, a lighter touch works best
Curtains don’t always need to be lined. If you prefer your curtains to be sheer and move gently with the breeze, then you might want to leave your curtains unlined, as lining could make them feel too heavy.
Thickness and bulk
The thickness of the interlining matters. If your curtains are shorter, then a heavy bump interlining may make them stick out awkwardly. We recommend a bump (thicker interlining) for longer curtains, and a domette (slightly lighter weight) for shorter curtains. That way you can achieve a look that’s still luxurious, without excess bulk.
Additional cost
Although lining the fabric is generally less expensive than purchasing the main fabric, it does add to the overall cost of your curtains. It’s worth keeping this in mind when planning your budget.
Helping you choose the perfect curtains for your home
Not sure whether to line your curtains, or which type of lining to go for? We understand that the options can feel overwhelming, which is why we offer free 30-minute design consultations with our expert Interior Designer to help you make the perfect choice. From interlined winter drapes that keep your sitting room snug, to airy unlined curtains that bring summer freshness to your kitchen, we can help you create the ideal finish for your space.
Book your slot today and let us help you choose your dream pair of curtains.
We sell fabrics exclusively designed by Vanessa Arbuthnott, along side small, bespoke collection of Made to Measure items which includes curtains, blinds, sofas, footstools, chairs, headboards, and quilts, all handmade specially for you by master crafts people.
