Basic Drapery Fabrics

Drapes are a beautiful and functional part of home decor.

Draping is the decorative arrangement of fabric into loose folds. Typically drapery is associated with hanging fabric for window treatments and curtains. A variety of fabric choices are available to achieve the decorative look you desire.

Cotton

Cotton is a strong and breathable natural fiber. It is versatile, affordable and dyes well, but it is not very durable.

Linen

This stain-resistant fabric is made from the woven fibers of the flax plant. Linen has a light, casual look, but it is more expensive than cotton and wrinkles easily.

Silk

Silk is a soft, luxurious fabric that is surprisingly long lasting. However, it is very susceptible to sun damage, and has the added disadvantages of being expensive and difficult to care for.

Wool

This natural, durable fabric is made from sheep hair. Wool serves as a good insulating fabric for cold climates, but some people are allergic to wool.

Synthetic Fabrics

Acrylic, nylon and polyester are affordable and durable. Oftentimes, they are blended with natural fibers to improve resistance to stains and fading while maintaining the breathable quality of natural fibers.

References

• TargetWoman: Drape Fabric