1-800-590-5844

Drapery Lining FAQ

What is drapery lining?: Drapery lining is the secret to beautiful, long-lasting draperies. It is the fabric that is sewn onto the back side of drapery panels.
Why do I need drapery lining?: Lining your curtain and drapery panels provides protection to the face fabric from light, heat and moisture. It also adds fullness and structure to your fabric panels.
What is a standard drapery lining?: A basic drapery lining adds structure and filters light. Choose a 50% polyester/50% cotton like Challis for the best results. Challis lining is crease, water and stain resistant. B-Line which is 70% Polyester/30% Cotton which works well with lighter weight fabrics. Another popular choice is RocLon Rain No Stain - it is 100% cotton and made in the USA. It is crease and water resistant.
What is a blackout drapery lining?: A blackout lining blocks most of the light and provides the most room darkening possible. A 3-pass lining is probably the best choice if privacy and light control is your main goal. Suedline is an energy efficient semi blackout that features a 70% polyester/30% cotton face with a 100% acrylic foam backing. If you need a full blackout, we suggest Kasmir Midnight or Nocturne. Please be aware that needle holes create light specks where blackout lining is stitched.
What is Interlining?: Interling is sandwiched between the face fabric and the drapery lining. Interling is used to enhance draping, reduce noise and provide optimal thermal(heat) reduction. Interling acts as an insulator. Use a flannel interling for most applications; however, bump lining can be used to provide greater stiffness and insulation. Many designers choose Bump lining when working with silk and taffeta draperies.
Are drapery linings Flame Retardant?: If your draperies require fire resistance, request an FR rated curtain lining. Not all linings are treated or made to be flame retardant. Shop FR Drapery Linings >
Do I have to use lining?: Drapery lining is not required when making custom drapery and curtain panels. Please be aware that natural fiber fabrics benefit greatly from adding a lining as natural sunlight can quickly deteriorate silks, linens and cotton draperies. The benefits of using a lining greatly outweigh the added expense.
Are there fabrics with built in drapery lining?: Yes! There are several options available in many colors. Blackout and Dim Out fabrics feature a beautiful face fabric and the acrylic foam layer to combine the benefits of blackout lining with the fabric. Click here for Dim Out >
What is drapery header tape?: Buckram and Crinoline heading fabric is added to the top part of a drapery panel to facilitate the fabric pleats. It adds stiffness and stability to the top of the curtain. Also called Drapery Header Tape.

Shop Drapery Linings >