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An inviting bedroom features Tailored Pleat Drapery in Chinoiserie Blush with blackout drapery lining for room darkening
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October 24, 2023

Drapery Lining 101: Types & How to Choose

If you’re looking to learn about drapery lining, you’re likely interested in learning what your options are as well as how each will improve the functionality and appearance of your drapery. The good news is there are several types of drapery lining, each with its own benefits, so you can find the right option for your specific needs.  

Before exploring the different types of fabric curtain lining, first learn just what a curtain or drapery liner is, then dive into their shared benefits.

What Is a Drapery Liner?

A drapery liner is an extra layer of fabric sewn, buttoned or Velcroed into the back of a drapery panel to provide better privacy, light control, sun protection, fullness, and insulation. Different types of drapery lining provide different levels of these benefits.

A close up of drapery lining through a window shows how it adds body to the drapery panel while protecting it from the sun

What Fabric Is Used for Drapery Lining?

Cotton, polyester, or sometimes a blend of the two are the main materials used for drapery lining and typically come in a neutral tone like white or cream. You can also line your drapery with the same material used on the front in either the same or a contrasting color, but this material alone may not provide the same protection that a lining-specific material will. At The Shade Store, our linings are either polyester, cotton, or a blend of the two and come in white and off-white tones.

Benefits of Drapery Lining

A bright living room features Tailored Pleat Drapery made of Victoria Hagan's Petal in Pearl with drapery lining for body

Regardless of the type of drapery lining you choose, all of them offer several universal benefits including:

  • Sun protection – Lining protects your front-facing drapery material from the sun’s harmful rays which could otherwise cause fading and even deterioration.
  • Insulation – Any extra layer of fabric will add a bit more insulation to your window to keep out the draft or reduce heat buildup. The thicker the fabric curtain lining, the greater the insulation benefit.
  • Better light control – Lining helps to further soften natural light or block it entirely, based on the type of lining you choose.
  • Better privacy – Lining provides another layer to block the view from the outdoors into your home and vice versa, so you have greater peace of mind in your privacy.
  • Adds visual weight and fullness – The additional fabric gives your drapery panels a more defined silhouette for greater lushness and fullness.

Types of Drapery Lining

Now that you know what a drapery liner is, as well as the universal benefits of lining, you’re ready to learn about the different types so you can decide which one best suits your needs.

These drapery lining options are those offered by The Shade Store, and all are sewn into the back of your drapery panels at the time of purchase. We do not sell drapery lining separately.

A close up of a drapery panel made of Raw Silk in glacier features privacy drapery lining which allows some of light through

Privacy Lining

Privacy lining provides excellent privacy for peace of mind while still letting some natural light gently filter through.

We offer two options for privacy lining:

  • Privacy White, 100% Polyester – Used when your chosen fabric is any material except a sheer.
  • Soft Privacy White, 70% Polyester, 30% Cotton – Used when your chosen fabric is a sheer

Choose this for: Excellent privacy, an inviting light-filtering glow and good insulation.

blackout lining

Made of tightly woven polyester, Blackout Lining blocks up to 99% of natural light, offering the best privacy and a room darkening effect ideal for bedrooms.

Blackout lining is available as Blackout White, a 100% Polyester material that is used standard with most fabrics.

Choose this for: The best privacy, a peaceful room darkening effect, and great insulation.

interlining

Interlining consists of an additional fabric added between your chosen lining (privacy or blackout) and the front-facing drapery fabric. The result is better insulation and an even fuller, more luscious body for your drape panels.

Interlining is available as Interlining White, a 100% cotton material used standard whenever interlining is specified.

Choose this for: Excellent privacy, a soft, muted glow, and the best level of insultation.

unlined

Unlined drapery refers to panels that have no lining at all. Not lining your drapery allows you to experience the fabric’s natural light filtration, color and texture. Unlined drapery is most common for sheer materials, since these lightweight fabrics are made specifically for their ability to filter and soften natural light.

Choose this for: Some privacy and lots of softened natural light that highlights the materials’ texture.

How Do You Attach Lining to Curtains?

Drapery lining can be sewn, buttoned, clipped or even Velcroed into the back of your drapery panel, depending on how it was made. At The Shade Store, we only offer lining sewn by professional artisans into the back of your newly ordered drapery panels for the very best effect and highest quality. We do not sell lining separately.

Fabric Curtain Lining Inspiration

Now that you know what the different types of linings are and their benefits, explore curated spaces featuring drapery with fabric curtain lining to get ideas and help solidify your decision.

Finalize Your Drapery & Fabric Curtain Lining Selection

With inspirational ideas to spark your creativity in addition to learning about your fabric curtain lining options, you likely have a strong sense as to which lining will work best for you. Visit a local showroom today to explore your drapery lining options in more depth as well as pick up swatches of drapery material so you can create the perfect design for your aesthetic style and functional needs. Plus, you’ll meet our expert Design Consultants who can help answer your questions and guide you in your decision-making process.

A round white table with cream chairs sits in a custom window treatment showroom with drapery, shades and blinds displayed.

FIND A LOCAL SHOWROOM NEAR YOU

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