Is interlining declining?

When choosing curtains or blinds for a bedroom or cinema room many naturally opt for blackout lining. However, what should one choose for the rest of the home?

The majority of curtains and roman blinds will be lined with a second fabric to protect the fabric chosen, the face fabric, as well as hide all the fittings and workmanship such as seams or rods. We work with a British made cotton rich sateen with a heavy 205gsm as a standard lining. The tight weave gives the fabric strength, stability and a great drape. The smooth finish is a pleasure to handle and looks fantastic when viewed from the other side of the window. The thickness and wonderful hang are seeing many customers set aside interlining for all but the most delicate fabrics or silks.

Interlining is an intermediate layer placed between the face fabric and lining with a fleecy look and feel. The additional layer helps to reduce noise transmission and increases the thermal insulation of your curtains and blinds. Sumptuous volume and fullness help curtains to look their best, softening the folds and maintaining the shape. Handstitched along the seams to the lining, interlining increases a curtain’s stability. The price reflects the additional materials and precise handiwork.

The full shape of an interlined curtain or blind may not be the desired look, one may prefer to place the emphasis on the texture of the fabric or its shade. In this case consider using blackout lining, it works beautifully on roman blinds giving the blinds more body and nice crisp lines on folds. Similar in price to sateen lining it is a performance lining which not only blocks sunlight but also offer effectively limits thermal and acoustic transmission, making it ideal for any room and in particular those in noisy or draughty rooms. Prêt à Vivre uses a top of the line 3-pass blackout lining whose thermal insulation properties are superior to standard thermal linings which only boast a single pass of protective backing. The three layers ensure light does not transmit through the fabric but also minimises the ability of air to pass, better protecting your room from the blustery winter cold or intense summer heat.

Thinking of adding another dimension to your design? Consider lining your curtains or blinds with a fabric. Add a splash of colour or pattern by lining in a ticking or paisley, this works really well on room dividers or garden doors where you get the benefit of seeing both sides of your curtains. Bear in mind that, unlike our UV protected linings, regular fabrics will not be treated to prevent fading so best to avoid in south-facing windows or doors.

View our full fabric range here on our website and once you’ve fallen in love with a fabric ask for sample. We also offer large returnable samples to see it in your home, under natural and electric light.