Curtains can transform a room on many levels, whether it’s by adding a pop of color, softening the mood of a room, or allowing just the right amount of light into a space.
With the right curtains, you can set the ambiance of your space no matter what you’re looking for … luxury, comfort or a combination of the two.
But does the actual material used to construct window treatments make a difference? Yes! The material you choose for your project is just as important as the color, design and overall look.
When looking for a material that offers elegance, easy care and comfort, linen curtain fabric meets and often exceeds expectations. Here are four ways linen fabric is an excellent choice for transforming a living space.
1. Linen Gets Better With Age
Purchasing any type of decor or furniture is an investment, and consumers want their investments to last. After all, the goal of those who want to provide their spaces with a new look want the transformation to be for the long-term.
Linen provides that long-lasting transformation because it is constructed with strong natural flax fibers. In fact, linen ages very well and retains its comfort compared to other drapery fabric or upholstery fabric.
In fact, as linen ages, the material actually becomes softer, even after it is cleaned repeatedly. It also continues to be moisture resistant, absorbing dampness up to 20% without even feeling wet.
Unlike linen, other fabrics show wear and tear after multiple uses and cleanings.
2. Linen Will Make Caring For Your Fabric A Breeze
Especially in high-traffic homes and businesses, customers want a fabric that is easy to care for and maintain. Fabrics used to make curtains, like silk and velvet, can take a lot of time and effort to maintain. And, these fabrics can easily be damaged or destroyed if not cared for properly.
When consumers purchase curtains, they may also be looking for a choice that does more than freshen up their space. The amount of time they spend cleaning and caring for decor in their space may need a makeover as well.
Linen provides that desired fresh new look while offering a straightforward process that keeps the fabric looking clean and stylish.
Even better, linen fabric is naturally anti-static. That means customers that have linen curtains can enjoy the fact they are less likely to be dust magnets like other man-made fabrics like synthetics.
Despite its durability, it is important to follow a few tips when caring for linen curtains. These include:
- Avoid hot water, since high temperatures may weaken the fibers or cause them to shrink. This is especially important with curtains, since improperly washing them may shrink their length.
- Never twist or scrub the fabric, since this can damage the fibers.
- Do not bleach. This can discolor the fabric.
- Set dryer heat to low (to avoid shrinking the fabric) and remove the curtains while they are still somewhat damp.
- Iron on a low to medium-hot setting while the fabric is still damp.
- Perform a color test with the detergent or cleaning solution you use by placing a small amount on a hidden part of the fabric to ensure there is no discoloration before applying to the rest of the fabric.
Our article, How To Wash Linen, offers some additional advice on how to care for linen curtains.
3. Linen Ups Your Sustainability
Today, many consumers are looking for sustainable products that are both fashionable and environmentally friendly. An individual can still update a space while making an environmentally-conscious choice.
But what makes linen curtains a sustainable pick? Linen is one of the most environmentally-friendly textiles available. This is primarily due to the way flax fibers are grown:
- Very little water is required to grow flax, so farmers do not need to irrigate or fertilize during the growing process.
- Flax requires fewer pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, offering protection to the ground and nearby communities.
- Very little is wasted with the flax plant. For example, even though a flax plant’s seeds are not used to make linen fabric, they can be used to produce oil or eaten as a food source.
- Linen enjoys a longer lifespan, thanks to its durable qualities. That means less waste.
- Linen is biodegradable, so when it is no longer needed or wanted, it will naturally break down in the environment.
To offer a comparison to other types of curtains on the market, let’s take a look at cotton. Cotton is far less sustainable because pesticides and fertilizers are often used during the growth of cotton. Cotton is also one of the largest non-food crops globally, so its impact on the environment is significant.
When choosing a fabric for the curtains you are manufacturing, it is important to keep in mind consumer habits and purchasing power. In fact, nearly eight in 10 consumers say they value sustainability, and more than 70% said in a survey they would pay more for eco-friendly brands … on average, 35% more.
Transformation is often more than just updating a room. It can mean incorporating ideals into a space as well.
4. Linen Can Be Customized To A Style
As any designer knows, each customer has his or her own style. That can make constructing a product for many different tastes and preferences difficult.
The good news is that linen can be customized to meet many different style needs. Whether it's a color, pattern or special finish, each individual look can instantly change the look of a space.
It’s important to work with a linen company that offers a variety of fabric weights, special textures, colors, prints or finishes, but also guarantees all of these customizations as part of a timeline that meets your deadline.
Keep in mind as well that some linen companies have minimum order requirements and set-up fees for customization. Knowing ahead of time whether the linen company you choose to partner with has any of these requirements can save you a lot of time, money and headaches.
An experienced, professional linen company will:
- Ensure the delivery of your order meets your deadline
- Provide you with an approximate turnaround time that is accurate
- Offer references of its work
- Guarantee their product is of the highest quality
- Develop a long-term working relationship with you to meet your current and future needs
Our article, What To Look For In A Linen Supplier, further explores the qualities of the best linen companies so that you can ensure your order is customized, delivered on time and of the highest quality for your customers.
