What does curtain lining do?
Lining is a second layer of fabric behind the curtain's face fabric. It blocks or reduces light, shields the face fabric from the sun, adds body so the curtain hangs fuller, and puts an extra layer between the room and the glass. Not every curtain needs one. Sheers are made without it.
What a lining adds
- Light control. A blockout lining stops light passing through a fabric that would otherwise glow.
- Protection. The lining faces the window and takes the sun, which helps the face fabric last.
- Body. A second layer makes a light fabric hang with more weight and fuller folds.
- Comfort. An extra layer at the window helps slow heat moving in and out. How much depends on the whole window, including how well the curtain closes it off at the top and sides.
Separate lining and self lined fabrics
There are two ways to get a lined result. A separate lining is its own fabric, hung behind the face fabric. A self lined fabric, often called a coated blockout, has the blocking layer applied to the back of the face fabric, so the curtain is one layer.
Each has trade offs. A self lined blockout is one fabric, so the curtain is lighter and there is less of it to stack. A separate lining suits fabrics that are not made with a coating, such as linens and many decorative weaves, and it covers the pinholes of light that stitching leaves in a coated fabric. It also adds weight and thickness.
At Speedy Blinds a separate lining is joined to the curtain at the heading, fastened at the sides and left to hang free at the bottom, sitting slightly inside the face fabric so it does not show from the room. Other makers attach linings in other ways.
Tell your curtain retailer what the room is used for and which way the window faces. They can recommend a lining, show you the fabric with it and quote both ways. Speedy Blinds makes for retailers only.
Other ways people ask this
Do curtains need lining?
Not always. Sheers are unlined, and coated blockout fabrics have the blocking layer built in.
What is the difference between lined and unlined curtains?
A lined curtain has a second layer behind the face fabric. An unlined one is the face fabric alone.
Does lining make curtains blockout?
Only a blockout lining does. Other linings add body and protection but still let light through.
Can lining be added later?
Sometimes, depending on how the curtain was made. Ask the retailer who supplied it.
This answer is general information. For your own windows, your retailer's advice and your order with them come first.
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