Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Drapery Fabric: Its Many Different Types

By Ellen Hunt


Fabric draperies serve many functions. They provide privacy, control the light coming into the room, add to the beauty of the room decor, provide insulation against heat or cold and also absorb sound. Draperies are an important part of home decoration because they provide the finishing touch to the room. So as to attain the look that you want, it is important that you choose the right drapery fabric.

Drapery fabrics can be broadly classified as:

1. Sheers: These types are typically selected for rooms with a lot of widows and plenty of natural light and open space. Bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens are sometimes finished with light-weight draperies made of organza, muslin and lace material that are generally available in many different colors and textures.

2. Light weight Fabrics: These are heavier compared against sheers. Cotton is the most frequently used light drapery fabric as it is cheap, simple to wash and comes in a wide range of designs, styles and colors.

3. Moderate-weight Fabrics: These types are heavier than sheers and lightweight fabrics and are employed when there is a need to block out more light. Draperies made from moderate-weight fabric like canvas can give protection to homes in places experiencing harsh climates.

4. Heavy-weight Fabrics: It isn't uncommon to use heavy fabrics like suede, tweed, and tapestries in dining and sitting rooms with formal settings. Such fabrics are also used together with sheer or lightweight material and provide cover against heat or cold and block out light. Velvet material offers a selection of color options and uniform texture.

When deciding on the drapery fabric for your home, you need to primarily consider 2 aspects: function and form. In simple terms, the way the fabric will be used and how it will appear. Other aspects that are also to be considered are sturdiness, resistance to stain, and simplicity of cleaning.

Some of the other materials that can be considered for drapery requirements are:

Cotton: A natural fiber that resists piling, wear and fading. Acrylic: This is a synthetic fiber that doesn't wrinkle or get stained. It does not also fade.

Silk: This fragile material can be ideally employed in places where there aren't any pets or youngsters. It has to be cleaned very carefully.

Nylon: It is simple to wash this fabric and does not get stained. It may also be used with other fibers.

Wool: If resistance to piling, mud, wrinkling and fading is your choice, then you must consider wool.

Vinyl: This material is the right option for places such as basement and family rooms where children play. It is quite easy to scrub and is cheap.




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