Choosing curtain lining fabric

Most curtains benefit from being lined. Lining achieves a full and tailored look to your curtains, that helps them drape better. Pleated curtain headings and those with formal headings especially benefit from lining. The lining fabric will protect you curtains from strong sunlight and dirt, and provide a degree of insulation from draughty windows.

Cotton sateen is the best choice for your lining fabric. It's is easy to handle, and easy to press into clean creases. Try and choose cream or ecru everytime. It stays cleaner than white, doesn't look as stark and will not fade in sunlight filtering through the window.

Interlining your curtains with a heavy, soft fabric - such as bump - will block out light when pulled together and give extra warmth by concealing draughts around windows. Again, interlining does wonders at helping curtains drape properly and gives a truely professional finish.

A fun approach to take to choosing your curtain lining is to use a contrasting but complimentary color that both looks good from the outside of your window, plus can look stunning if the curtain is draped back from the inside corner point to expose the lining underneath.