An important consideration when purchasing drapes is the composition and characteristics of the fabric you select. The following is a list of the most commonly used materials for draperies.

 

A review of this list will help you to choose the fabric that is suitable to meet the particular requirements of your situation and property.

 

1. Cotton

 

Cotton has long been a favorite to produce warmth, comfort, and long term durability. These drapes hang well, are durable, and are easy to clean. The main drawback of cotton is that it sometimes has a tendency to shrink during the dry cleaning process. However, a cotton blend can help this problem.

 

2. Cotton/Polyester

 

Polyester by itself is a very stable fabric. But, when cotton and polyester are blended together the integrity of their individual qualities is preserved. Cotton/polyester fabrics are durable, hang well, and clean with minimal shrinkage. Oftentimes, if a sufficient amount of polyester is added, many of these drapes can be washable to reduce cleaning costs.

 

3. Cotton/Rayon

 

The blending of cotton with rayon provides a rich surface luster and stability that enhances the normal characteristics of cotton. Cotton/rayon fabric has a rich appearance that is often desirable when upgrading your window treatments.

 

4. Polyester

 

This synthetic fiber has exceptional qualities that make it an attractive option as a drape fabric. Advanced weaving and finishing technology have yielded a sophisticated looking drape fabric.

 

Polyester drapes are usually washable. They can also be effectively spot cleaned to mitigate cleaning costs. Trevira polyester and some other blends also enable the polyester drapes to be fire retardant.

 

5. Rayon/Acetate

 

This is probably one of the least expensive of the commonly used fabrics for drapes. However, one problem with this combination is that the acetate is subject to sun deterioration. This problem can be minimized if you select among several self lined variations of this fabric.

 

6. Suede/Acrylic Backings

 

Fabrics with suede or acrylic backings have become very popular during recent years. These are not rubber or latex backed drapes. Instead, they provide a far less expensive alternative to having a drapery specially cloth lined. The benefits that suede or acrylic backings provide at a reasonable price include:

 

 

7. Organic and Natural Fabrics

 

Natural fibers are gaining increased popularity as a viable window treatment consideration. There are several variations of natural materials to choose from including 100% organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, recycled fabric, soy, and a few others. This type of drape is non-toxic, does not contain any harmful chemicals, no outgassing or potentially dangerous VOC emissions, and environmentally safe.

 

8. Modacrylic Fiber

 

This is a synthetic material that is normally fire retardant. Because of the type of fiber, it permanently will not support or sustain flame. This is an advantage over many other fabrics which must be artificially treated with impermanent chemicals that make the drape fire retardant. Modacrylic drapes are an ideal drape for schools, senior facilities, public venues, motels and hotels, and anywhere else that state and federal mandate fire retardant window coverings. Before selecting one of the above fabrics, you should also consider how the end users (yourself or others) will care for the draperies, how long you plan to retain your property, and the grade of fabric that is warranted by the value of your property.

 

For further information or free fabric samples, go to the fabric request page or "click and connect" to call us.