I'll be honest, I had massively underestimated the number of details there are to consider when updating your curtains. Many of these are related to the fabric choice, from how they'll hang when drawn and open to the way they interact with light, and of course, how they'll wear with time and use. Before getting granular, though, it's best to start with the bigger picture.
"When selecting fabric, I’d advise considering the feel you want to create and the effect your material choice will have on the overall scheme of the space," shares Lucy Bathurst, a textile designer and founder of east London-based studio Nest Design. "Decide whether you're seeking a look that feels natural or more luxurious, something pared back or more ornate. Generally speaking, the simpler the style of curtain or fabric, the more contemporary it will look."
Louise McGarry, creative director of Studio Braw, agrees. "Our approach is very much driven by the overall narrative and atmosphere of the space, with both aesthetic and functional considerations playing a role," she says, adding that the visual language tends to lead. Keen to know exactly which textiles pop up in designers' palettes time and time again, I asked Lucy and Louise to share a few favorites, along with tips on selecting the best curtain fabric for your space.
Article continues belowHow Aesthetics Impacts the Best Curtain Fabric for Your Space
Sheer wool curtains by Dedar create a diaphanous backdrop for this polished dining space.
"We always begin by considering the tone of the room: in more formal or architectural settings, we’re often drawn to richer, more structured cloths," explains Louise McGarry, citing velvets, silks, or weighty linens as a way to bring depth, tactility, and a sense of quiet luxury. "These fabrics hold their form beautifully and contribute to a more composed, considered drape."
"If you want to create a lighter, more ethereal quality, particularly in spaces that call for a softness of light, we tend to introduce sheer curtains," she adds. "Ultimately, we’re always looking at how the fabric interacts with light; how it sits within the broader material palette; and how it enhances the spatial experience as a whole."
The Practicalities to Consider With Curtain Fabrics
Nest Design's bespoke voiles, which are made from fine linen and feature geometric details, are beloved by interior designers and private clients alike
"If you're designing a kitchen or bathroom, you need to think about how the fabric will react if it gets wet," notes textile designer Lucy Bathurst. In fact, fabric of any kind is often considered a big kitchen window mistake.
"Linen and cotton will most likely stain, but wool can be a great choice for these areas because it is inherently water resistant... think of all those sheep withstanding soggy British winters," Lucy adds.
If you're choosing a fabric for privacy or sun-screening, you'll need to bear in mind that the conditions will change from day to night. "During the day, a relatively transparent voile will allow you to see outside while screening you inside," says Lucy. "After dark, when the light source is stronger indoors, it would be better to rely on either a thicker voile or a secondary curtain or blind for privacy."
Lucy also cautions against silks. 'Using natural silks for windows can be a risky business because light naturally breaks down the fibers over time," she explains. "So, although silk curtains can look spectacular, I would only suggest them in very particular circumstances."
How Fabrics Effect How Curtains Hang When Stacked
A curtain in hand-dyed linen, Indian Khadi, and plush velvet elegantly frames this double-height warehouse window.
"It's worth remembering that the more gather you have in a pair of curtains, the more bulky the curtains will be when they are stacked to each side," says Lucy, referring to the amount of fabric used to create each curtain, relative to the width of the window.
Depending on the amount of room you have on either side of your window, it might affect which curtain fabric to choose. "Some fabrics 'stack' better than others, which means they drape well," Lucy adds. "Wools and linens are usually among the better curtain fabrics for this because they form folds very happily, whereas some thicker, stiffer fabrics will resist being forced into pleats."
So, What Are Designers' Favorite Curtain Fabrics?
Natural fabrics are at the top of most designers' lists. This bay window features Loire curtains in a cotton-linen mix by Ashley Wilde.
As for designers' favorite curtain fabrics, "We’re always drawn to natural fibers, as they bring an inherent richness and nuance to a scheme," says Louise.
"Linen, for example, has a beautifully relaxed handle and an organic texture that lends softness and ease," she adds. "We also have a strong appreciation for embroidered textiles, which can add a layer of intricacy and subtle storytelling to a space. Used thoughtfully, they bring depth and a sense of craftsmanship that feels both refined and distinctive."
Louise also emphasizes the importance of understanding your chosen curtain fabric's inherent characteristics and how these will present over time. "Much like a linen suit, linen curtains do tend to crease and hold those creases quite visibly," she warns. "That quality is part of their charm, but it’s something we always consider in relation to the overall aesthetic we’re trying to achieve."
In more tailored or formal settings — where a crisper, more controlled finish is desired — Louise will often lean towards curtain fabrics with a bit more structure or stability. "Ultimately, it’s about aligning the materiality of the fabric with the expectations of the space and the client’s sensitivity to those more nuanced, lived-in qualities," she explains.
Commissioned by interior designer Louisa Grey, these patterned curtains incorporate yak wool (a Nest Design favorite) alongside velvet and linen.
As for Lucy's favorite curtain fabric, "I would choose wool, and British wool, if I could," she shares, without hesitation. "It looks wonderful and behaves angelically," she adds. "Wool is inherently fireproof, as well as water and rot-resistant. It's great to work with, and it’s ecologically sound to boot — what’s not to love? It really is the original wonder cloth, and our country’s history is entirely steeped in it."
It's worth noting that wool curtains can come in everything from thick, deep-pile velvet to super-light voiles. Sheer wool is a particular favorite of Studio Braw's: "Dedar’s wide wool sable, for instance, has an incredibly refined handle and diffuses light in a gentle, atmospheric way that feels both contemporary and timeless," says Louise.
Sheer wool curtains by Dedar frame both sets of windows in this open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space.
If you're wondering which brands interior designers head to for design-forward curtain fabrics, Louise cites Pierre Frey as a Studio Braw favorite, as well as CC Moulton by Gemma Moulton, founder of East London Cloth.
"We also love Dedar, Loro Piana, and Rose Uniacke for beautiful textures, and Paolo Moschino for a dramatic, architectural style," she adds. For more insider secrets, make sure you're up-to-date on the latest curtain trends Livingetc predicts you'll be seeing everywhere in 2026.
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