With the dropping temperatures of the winter season settling in for good, our minds return to the comforts surrounding our hibernation season, most importantly, how to keep our homes warm and cozy until Spring’s thaw. And while the windows and drapery dressings we choose for them certainly play their part, it will be the addition of drapery lining that will assist in our need to keep us well insulated while also keeping our heating bills down.

What is Drapery Lining?

Drapery lining comes in many different forms to facilitate many different needs throughout the year. From insulated lining used to keep warm air in and absorbent blackout lining designed to keep light and heat out, to the moisture wicking properties of water-repellent lining, sunlight control of UV protective lining, and fire code settings of flame retardant linings; as your needs change so should your drapery/lining combinations.  To help you determine what and when, we’ve broken down a few things to look for when it comes time to purchase and create your own.

What Kind of Material is Used for Drapery Lining?

Cotton:

Cotton is soft and is typically used to line drapery, valance and bedspreads. Cotton linings are available in standard widths of 48″, 54″ and 118″ wide. Cotton linings will deteriorate within 2-3 years when exposed to sunlight (UV) for extended periods of time. Drapery oriented in windows with western or southern exposures should be lined in a blended lining to increase the life of the lining. Cotton linings are best used on fabrics with high cotton, linen, flax or silk content as they will grow and shrink at the same rate as the face fabric and will minimize puckering of drapery side hems.

Poly / Cotton Blend:

Poly blends have a stiffer feel than cotton linings due to the polyester content. Polyester is a plastic based fiber that is woven together with cotton to produce the blend and help prevent shrinkage. Blended linings are available in 48″, 54″ and 118″. The typical blends available are 50/50% and 70/30%. Using a blended lining is advised in drapery that will receive high amounts of sun or facing a western or southern exposure. Blended linings not only have a stiffer feel but are more vertically stable than cotton linings. Polyester does not absorb moisture or humidity like cotton and therefore will not grow or shrink as dramatically as a cotton lining alone would. Using blended linings to line natural fabrics such as linens, cottons and wool will sometimes produce pucker at drapery side hems. Pre-shrink the face fabric to minimize this occurrence.

Interlining

Typically sandwiched between the decorative (face fabric) and the lining (facing the window) of your window treatment, Interlining or “Flannel” as it is commonly known in the trade, is available in 48″ and 54″ widths and is either ‘single knapped’ or ‘double knapped’ (fuzzy on one side or two sides). Both varieties are made of a 100% cotton base that is used as a “body builder” to line light weight fabrics by enhancing the body and overall look of a window treatment. Since an Ivory/Natural colored flannel will cast an ivory or gray hue that may distort the color of the face fabric, white colored flannel is most commonly used on all treatments.

Two popular and reputable drapery lining manufacturers are Roc-Lon and Hanes Fabric Mill.

 

 

 

What’s the best type of insulation lining to use to help reduce heat escape and cut energy bill?

Where the insulating abilities of your actual windows may fall short, insulating drapery lining can help regulate temperature and reduce heating bill costs. All drapery lining will offer some degree of insulation, but certain linings are specifically designed for it. They can help save on heating costs by reducing drafts and heat loss during the winter, and can keep things cooler in the summer by blocking heat from the sun. Insulated drapery lining also dampens sound and can help block outside noises.

With this in mind, a higher end bump drapery interlining is particularly effective at thermal and noise insulation. Because it’s thick, bump is often used to create fuller, heavier looking draperies that have a luxurious feel. It’s commonly used with silks and taffetas, but not exclusively. Bump is an interlining, meaning it should be sandwiched between the face fabric and another drapery lining. When this is not available, look for a thermal lining with a heavier, less flimsy weight to it. The key to high insulation is the layers. If you cannot sew your drapes yourself or your budget does not allow for custom-made drapery, consider adding layers with separate curtain rods or add-on’s.

 

I was told the darker the room, the better the sleep. Can blackout lining help with that?

Definitely! A common reason to use blackout drapery lining is to block light and that’s just what this lining is specifically designed to do. It comes in handy for those who work the night shift and sleep through the day or for better blockage to evening street lights.

Blackout lining is made by taking a base fabric and first spraying it with a white acrylic foam or paint. Then it’s sprayed with a black opaque membrane and finally another coat of white. This is referred to as 3 pass lining. There is also 2 pass, which skips the first coat. Both block the same amount of light, but the 3 pass has finished surfaces on both sides so if you’re using the drapery lining alone, go with the 3 pass. Keep in mind that this lining is insulating against the heat and slightly stiffer as well, so if you decide to keep the sunlight out, you will also essentially be keeping the room temperature down too.

 

What would be the best drapery lining option for our summer beach house windows?

For protection against sun and moisture, a combo of a blackout lining ( for sun protection) and a water-repellent drapery lining fabric will offer the protection you’re looking for while increasing the life span of your curtains. The sun can fade and damage fabric over time, so a lining provides a protective layer from harmful UV light, not only for the face fabric, but also for your flooring and furnishings. 

Water protective drapery lining is designed specifically to protect the face fabric from moisture. Condensation on the window or water from the ocean’s motions can stain and damage your fabric. Water-repellent drapery lining shields your curtains from unwanted moisture and many water-resistant linings are also stain and mildew resistant. This moisture can also cause rot in the window frame itself. Adding layers of lining to drapes does not solve this problem so if removing moisture from the room is not possible, adding a vapor barrier interlining to the drapes may help insulate against the moisture buildup as well. Vapor barrier typically is clear lightweight plastic sheeting available at home improvement stores. 

 

 I’m looking for fire-retardant drapery lining for my sons bedroom. Is there such a lining or do I have to apply it myself?

Because flame retardant linings are often used in commercial settings to meet fire codes as well as for personal use, if you’re looking for some, there are plenty different pre-treated fabrics available. If you already made your drapes and are looking for a self-applying retardant, there are also Flame Retardant (FR) sprays and foam like No Burn you can apply yourself. 

Flame retardant drapery linings are often found in 100% cotton, 50/50 blends, and 100% polyester, as well as in both regular and light blocking fabrics. Some linings are chemically treated to retard the burn process and some linings are inherently fire-retardant for those who are allergic to chemicals or want to be able to wash the drapery fabric that the lining is married to. As such, when shopping you want to make sure the fabric meets or exceeds all local and state fire codes by complying with the federal fire code, NFPA 701. To verify, ask the fabric store owner or retailer for manufacturers proof before purchasing.

 

A few final tips on the use of drapery lining…

• Most linings are available in white, ivory and sometimes black, as well as in lustery sateens or matte.

• Drapery lining provides additional weight, stability and body to the face of your drapery fabric for a more aesthetically pleasing look.

• When considering a lining, look for one that is similar in weight to your drapery fabric so that they hang harmoniously.

• When it comes to best care practices, think about how you intend to clean your drapes as you are selecting the lining. Some linings, such as cotton flannel, may require pre-washing. Some blackout linings are “wash only” and cannot be dry cleaned while others are just the opposite.

Check out J&O Fabrics selection of Decorative Drapery fabric here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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