Choosing Drapery Lining

When considering your next set of custom drapes, selecting the correct lining may be the most important choice you make. Designers have always had a little secret when designing custom drapes for their Clients; the lining and interlining.

“It may sound like just an insignificant part of the construction of a drape but the lining may be the most overlooked and critical part of the Designing Process”, said Christian Lee, Production Manager at DrapeStyle in California. “Most consumers who buy ready-made drapes just don’t really know what they’re missing, by adding the perfect lining we can give the Client much more value for their money when compared to imported or ready-made”, Lee Added.

So let’s explore the options and the benefits of each.

The lining is the backing fabric used in the construction of a custom drape. It is used to create more fullness and protect the fabric from the harmful effects of sunlight. “A good lining is 50% cotton and 50% polyester. The cotton makes it soft to the touch and the polyester allows it to stand up to years of UV rays,” Lee said. “Use a 100% poly lining and it’s too stiff, use 100% cotton and it will disintegrate after just a couple of years,” Lee added.

Between the lining and the drape fabric is the Interlining. The interlining is sandwiched between the two fabrics. “The interlining is really where all of your options are and can make a huge difference in the value and lifespan of the drape”, Lee said. “You have great options today and there are some important considerations regarding the insulating factor of the curtain, the sound barrier performance and overall look of the product” Lee said.

“Most people are unaware that, according to the US Department of Energy about 25-30% of their homes energy is lost through their windows,” Lee added. “Installing custom drapes with a heavy-weight (6oz) cotton flannel interlining can reduce the loss of heat by 25% in the winter and also reduce heat gain in the summer by up to 33%” Lee said. When choosing an interlining material you should use a 100% cotton flannel material which will provide great insulation plus an added sound barrier.

For those who live in a frigid climate, you may also want to consider using an English Bump Interlining which is about twice the thickness of flannel interlining. As the name implies, English Bump is a traditional material that was used in the cold damp winters of England to keep homes warm. “You really have to know what you’re doing with Bump”, said Lee, “It is very heavy and difficult to properly sew but the results are amazing, it’s like wrapping a blanket around your house”.

Another common interlining is “Blackout” or “Outblack” which blocks about 99% of the sunlight from penetrating through the drape. “Blackout has never been more popular with our Clients”, said Lee. “We have always used blackout for many high-end hotels and restaurants and now consumers are asking for it for their home media rooms, bedrooms, etc.” Lee added. Blackout protects the drapery fabric and may also protect the upholstery in the room by blocking the harmful UV rays that can destroy upholstery fabric.

“There are some great options available today and when using the right fabric, lining and interlining combination you can get far more value out of custom drapes than ever before”, Lee said. “If you really do the math, buying well-made custom-drapes from the right place will often cost you less in the long-run than buying a ready-made product.”