Curtain fabric
The fabric you choose for your curtains has the potential to transform a room, and so it is important to spend some time thinking about what type of fabric is right for you. We have a range of fabrics perfect for curtains here at Weave – from light neutral linens, to heavier luxurious velvets. Take a look at our curtain appropriate fabrics here.
Curtains are an important part of any room, covering a number of useful functions such as decoration, privacy, light and style. The right curtains can make a real impact in a room and should be chosen with great care and attention. A stripe can elongate a wall, a pattern can add depth and texture to an otherwise plain and neutral palette, whilst a lightweight cotton can offer some much-needed light in darker spaces. A long floor to length curtain can add a touch of theatrics, whilst a shorter length with a subtle pattern adds a softer more relaxed look.
It is important to know what type of curtain you require before settling on a fabric. If you prefer full coverage, something heavy like a velvet or chenille is perfect. If your preference is something softer to let the light in and give an all-round softer look, then consider a cotton or a flat weave. Heavier cloths might not pleat that well, but if they are too light you won’t get the fall you need. Lots to consider when choosing the perfect fabric for your curtains, take a look at our collections perfect for curtains here
Measuring fabric for curtains
If fitting a new track or pole, aim for it to extend around 15-30cm past either side of the window and around 12-15cm above the top of the window. This helps to minimise light when curtains are closed and also allows for curtains to be gathered at either side of the window when open.
Length
If using a curtain pole with rings, measure from the underside of the ring to where you would like the curtain to drop to.
If using a curtain track, measure from the top of the track to where the curtain will drop to.
For eyelet curtains, measure from the top of the pole to the bottom of the curtain drop.
Depending on where you would like the length of your curtains to drop to, we recommend the following:
- 1 to 1.5cm above the floor for floor length
- 15-20cm below the sill (or 2 – 3cm above a radiator) for below the windowsill length
- 1 to 1.5 cm above the sill for above the windowsill length
Add an extra 10 cm at both length ends for hemming, so an extra 20cm in total.
Width
Most fabrics suitable for curtains come as 140cm in width as standard, although always check the width of the fabric you are purchasing which can be found on the individual product page under specification. If you have a particularly narrow window which is less than 120cm wide you will need only one length of fabric which can then be split down the middle, with 5cm allowance for hemming on all sides. For wider curtains you will need to order double the length of your drop in order to make two curtains.
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Fire protection
The Furniture and Furnishings Regulations 1988 (Fire Safety) sets out the standards for UK upholstery. The standards test how quickly fire will spread on a particular piece of fabric and dictates what level of fire retardancy/resistance (FR) a piece of fabric requires, depending on its use.
Fabrics used in homes for curtains or soft furnishings do not require any FR. Upholstery or large and/or fixed furnishings in the home require FR at ‘domestic’ level. For commercial premises a higher standard than that of domestic is required which is called ‘contract’ FR.