Selecting your curtain fabrics 

Finding the right fabric is a matter of trial and error and texture, first choice may not drape as well as you wanted or come in a certain color. To help the process go more smoothly, follow these steps.

Now is the time to pick a color for your window covering. You can establish it based on elements that already exist in the room an upholstered sofa, a carpet, or even a favorite painting.

Once you determine the main color for the treatment, choose an accent or two. Accent colors can be used for borders, trimmings, and even linings. Collect samples of various fabrics, and compare the colors until you something that you like.

For the finished result to be success fabric that you choose needs to suit the window treatment. Canvas is an excellent fabric for a shade, but it is too stiff to drape as a swag.

A balloon shade needs a tightly woven material so that the scallops at the hem will hold their shapes and not sag. Don't judge a fabric by its looks alone, you need to check the weight, weave, and dyeing process, and how the fabric should be cleaned. When you are using more than one type of fabric, make sure all of the materials are compatible in terms of weight and cleaning requirements.

Durability. If you expect to have your window curtains for a long time, choosing a strong fabric is important. Some fabrics, such as silk, will fade or deteriorate easily due to sun damage. These types of materials require lining or a special finish for protection.

Drapability. How the fabric should hang depends on the type of window treatment you want. Voile is often used for scarf swags because it is lightweight and hangs beautifully, but this sheer material may not have enough body for a pleated window treatment. Thickly woven fabrics, such as tapestry may be best suited to straight, not tieback, panels. In any case any fabric you choose should drape gracefully into tight or loose folds.

Synthetic fabric treatments. A special finish adds to the durability of a fabric. It can provide resistance to sun damage, mildew, and stains. Some finishes give the fabric more body for better draping.

Once you've narrowed down the choices, collect fabric samples. Because a small swatch may not show a complete pattern repeat, try to get the largest sample that you can. You may be able to borrow a large swatch from the fabric store. If not, buy a yard to take home. Hang the swatches next to the window you're planning to use them. Take note of how much you can see through the fabric during the day and in the evening when lights are on. Colors that look good in the evening may appear washed out in daylight or at night, some colors can look muddy.

Tips

Test a fabric's draping ability by looking at a large piece in a fabric store. Gather at least 2 to 3 yards of material, holding one end in your hand. Check how it drapes. Does it fall into folds easily? Also look at the pattern when it is gathered. Does the design become lost in the folds? Ask a salesclerk or a friend to hold the fabric and look at it from a few feet away.

If you don't want to fuss with your window window coverings, you need an easy to care for fabric. If you don't mind investing time and money in the upkeep of your curtains then go ahead and decorate with a heavier fabric and match the colors along the same shades as your furnishings and wall decor.

Curtain fabric choices