Cotton draperies have been a longtime favorite window covering for many years. One primary reason for this popularity is that cotton represents one of the most durable fabrics you could ever use for your window coverings.
Cotton draperies offer several other qualities that should make them a definite consideration for your windows. In addition to the long lasting durability, cotton draperies also provide excellent insulation. In fact, up to 30% of all conventional heat loss in a room can be saved through the use of a nice heavy drapery fabric. By adding a backing to such a fabric, the insulation value can increase to 50-60%! Conversely, horizontal mini blinds with aluminum slats provide less then 10% insulation value.
Moreover, cotton draperies provide a rich homespun appearance. It represents a relatively inexpensive way to "dress up" your windows and thereby add value to your property. Draperies made from this type of material tend to hang beautifully with smooth even folds across the entire drapery.
Cotton composition draperies come in several styles and patterns. For example, you can purchase ones that have insulated backings for added privacy and longevity, washable fabrics, upgraded cotton materials for a more attractive or luxurious product that will enable you to also command higher rents, etc.
Unfortunately, however, most drapery companies only offer a thin lightweight version of the original much heavier, thicker, and longer lasting "American Made" cotton fabric called Wondra. This excellent fabric has a rich homespun appearance woven exclusively for hard use and abuse in apartments, schools, senior facilities, and commercial settings, etc. Our customers frequently comment on their appreciation for the long-term durability of these draperies. In fact, some of our customers report using "Wondra" draperies for over 10 years or longer without any problem whatsoever.
For those of you that do want an economy cotton, be sure to ask for a Capri or Dobby drapery with polyester in it to minimize shrinkage.
For more information or free fabric samples go to the sample request page on our website or "click and connect" to call us.
