What to look for.
Weight: lightweight linen (180-250 gsm) lets sun through and reads sheer. Medium weight (260-380 gsm) is the typical decorative weight, blocks some sun, hangs with some structure. Heavyweight (400+ gsm) drapes formally and is used for drapery panels.
Weave: Belgian and European-spun linen sets the quality standard. Slubby texture (intentional thickness variation) is natural to linen; perfectly smooth linen is usually blended or treated.
Lining: unlined for daytime privacy and a soft sheer effect; lined with cotton or blackout for full opacity and added weight; double-lined for drapery formality.
Sizing: width should be 1.5 to 2 times window width; length depends on the look. Floor-puddle (1 to 2 inches on the floor) reads relaxed; just-touching reads tailored; rod-pocket-pleat-only reads formal.
Common questions.
- Are linen curtains good for blocking light?
- Unlined linen lets significant light through; it filters and softens but does not block. For blackout or room-darkening from a linen aesthetic, specify a blackout liner behind a linen face fabric.
- Do linen curtains wrinkle?
- Yes, naturally. Linen wrinkles with use and the wrinkles are part of the aesthetic. Steam-pressing on installation and after washing settles the panel; the lived-in wrinkle pattern is intentional.
- How wide should linen curtains be?
- 1.5 to 2 times the window width. Linen needs the fullness to fall in the soft folds the fabric is bought for; flat-hung linen reads thin and tight.
Project in motion
Sourcing linen curtains for a project?
We source linen curtain and drapery to project sizing.