Curtain lining: Which type is best for your home?

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Wellington (The Wash House)

You’ve probably heard of blockout and thermal curtain linings - but do you know the difference between them? In this article, we break down the different lining options so that you can make an informed decision when choosing curtains for your home.

But first… Why line your curtains? Windows play a major role in controlling the temperature in your home – so it’s important to cover them appropriately. Lined drapes create a thermal insulation barrier that will help keep your home warm and cosy.

Thermal lining: Thermal curtain lining consists of one layer (or one pass) of coated acrylic suede. It offers a thermal barrier, increasing energy savings and helping keep your room warmer. It is important to understand that due to the construction of this fabric, some light will still pass through into the room. Another thing to be aware of is this fabric can tend to ‘dust’ at times, which can be an annoyance when particles collect behind your curtains and on your sills.

Blockout lining: Blockout curtain lining comes in several varieties. We’ve outlined three key fabric types below:

1. Silicone-coated: One of the newer products on the market, silicone blockout lining is coated with three layers of silicone to protect against the sun and moisture. This fabric has extremely good blockout properties and, because it’s thicker, it also retains heat better than thermal lining. Unlike acrylic suede lining, it won’t create or hold any loose dust. Another benefit is that the silicone on the back of the lining can easily be wiped clean with a damp cloth, making for easy spot cleaning.

Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...