Choosing curtains may sound simple — until you start looking at the endless options in fabric, texture, and style. The truth is, your choice of fabric determines not only how your curtains look, but also how they function in your home. From controlling light to adding warmth, the right fabric choice can make or break your space.
If you’re shopping for curtains in Colorado Springs, you’re in the right place. At Window Covering Gallery, we’ve been helping homeowners select custom curtains and window treatments since 1985. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to pick the best fabrics for your curtains, explain why fabric choice matters, and show you why working with a local, designer-led team is the smartest way to get results you’ll love.
Why Fabric Matters When Choosing Curtains
When homeowners think about curtains, the first thing that comes to mind is color or style. But fabric is the foundation. The type of fabric affects:
- Light Control: Heavy fabrics like velvet block out light; sheer fabrics like voile allow it in.
- Privacy: Denser weaves offer more privacy, while thin fabrics create a softer, open feel.
- Insulation: In Colorado Springs, where temperatures swing from snowy winters to hot summers, the right fabric can help regulate energy use.
- Durability: Some fabrics fade faster in strong sunlight or wrinkle easily.
- Style & Flow: Different fabrics hang differently — some drape softly, others hold a structured shape.
Think of fabric as the “engine” of your curtains. Get it right, and everything else falls into place.
Popular Fabric Choices for Curtains
Here’s a breakdown of common fabrics used for curtains, along with their benefits:
1. Cotton
- Lightweight, versatile, and easy to clean.
- Works well in casual or formal spaces depending on the weave and lining.
- Pairs beautifully with patterned prints or solids.
- Great for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining spaces.
2. Linen
- Natural, textured look with a relaxed elegance.
- Allows light to filter through while still providing privacy.
- Best lined to improve drape and reduce wrinkles.
- Ideal for creating an airy, modern style.
3. Silk
- Luxurious and formal with a natural sheen.
- Drapes beautifully and adds instant sophistication.
- Sensitive to sunlight — best used with protective lining.
- Perfect for formal dining rooms and sitting rooms.
4. Velvet
- Thick and insulating, ideal for blocking drafts and sound.
- Creates a rich, dramatic look.
- Excellent for bedrooms or theaters where light-blocking matters.
5. Polyester Blends
- Affordable, durable, and wrinkle-resistant.
- Available in a wide range of textures and styles.
- Great for busy households with kids and pets.
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Sheer Fabrics (Voile, Lace, Organza)
- Lightweight and decorative.
- Best for layering with heavier drapes or blinds.
- Soften the look of a room without sacrificing natural light.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Curtain Fabric
1. Climate and Location
Colorado Springs has unique weather conditions — lots of sunlight at high altitude, cold winters, and hot summers. Choosing lined fabrics or thicker textiles can help with insulation and UV protection.
2. Purpose of the Room
- Living Room: Opt for stylish, durable fabrics like linen blends or cotton that balance beauty and practicality.
- Bedroom: Heavier fabrics or blackout linings improve sleep by blocking light.
- Home Office: Light-filtering fabrics reduce glare without darkening the space.
3. Light Exposure
South-facing windows in Colorado Springs get strong sunlight, which can fade delicate fabrics like silk. UV-protective lining helps extend fabric life.
4. Maintenance Needs
Some fabrics, like cotton and polyester blends, are easy to clean and maintain. Others, like silk or velvet, require professional care.
5. Interior Style
- Modern interiors: Crisp linens, sheers, or lightweight cottons.
- Traditional homes: Silk, velvet, or heavier drapery fabrics with trims.
- Rustic/Colorado lodge styles: Natural fibers like linen or wool blends.
Why Custom Curtains Beat Store-Bought Options
Big-box retailers sell ready-made curtains, but the fabric quality and fit rarely compare to custom options. Here’s why custom curtains are the smarter investment:
- Perfect Fit: Tailored to your exact window size, not a one-size-fits-all guess.
- Designer Guidance: Our team helps match fabrics with your existing décor and lighting.
- Higher Quality Fabrics: Access to premium textiles not available in retail stores.
- Unique Style: Hand-crafted draperies, cornices, and valances designed just for your home.
- Durability: Custom craftsmanship means your curtains last longer.
How We Help Colorado Springs Homeowners Choose Fabrics
At Window Covering Gallery, we don’t make you guess. Instead, we bring the fabric samples to you. Here’s how our process works:
- In-Home Consultation
- We tour your space, measure your windows, and discuss your needs.
- You see fabrics in your lighting, next to your walls and furniture.
- Designer Guidance
- Our owner and interior designer, Nicole Hammond, personally helps you select fabrics that match your style and budget.
- Custom Fabrication
- Draperies, valances, and cornices are hand-crafted locally in Colorado Springs.
- Professional Installation
- We handle everything, ensuring your curtains look flawless from day one.
This hands-on, local approach ensures you don’t just get curtains — you get window treatments that enhance your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and beauty.
Quick Tips for Choosing Curtain Fabrics
- Always order extra length — curtains look more elegant when they pool slightly on the floor.
- Consider lining fabrics for insulation, privacy, and sun protection.
- Don’t be afraid to mix fabrics: sheers layered with heavier drapes offer both style and function.
- For high-traffic areas, choose easy-care fabrics like cotton blends or polyester.
Transform Your Windows with Curtains Colorado Springs
Your home deserves more than off-the-rack curtains. The right fabric choice elevates your space, improves comfort, and protects your home from the Colorado climate.
At Window Covering Gallery, we’ve been helping homeowners find the perfect curtains in Colorado Springs for nearly 40 years. Whether you want elegant silks, cozy velvets, or relaxed linens, we’ll bring the samples to your home and design a look that fits your lifestyle.
Call us today at 719-548-1020 or schedule your free in-home consultation to explore fabrics and designs with our expert team.
