What Are Heavy Linen Curtains Called?
In British terminology, these linen curtains are often called "drapes" or "heavy linen drapes." The term "drapes" generally conveys a sense of heavier, more formal window coverings than "curtains." When made from linen, these drapes offer a luxurious, textured look, often used in more traditional or elegant settings.
In some cases, they might also be described as "linen blackout curtains" if they are lined to block out light, typical for heavier curtains in bedrooms or other areas where privacy and light control are important.
What Weight of Linen is Best for Curtains?
When choosing a linen curtain in the UK, the weight of the fabric for the linen curtain is crucial to achieving the right balance between appearance, drape, and functionality. Linen fabric weight is typically measured in grams per square meter (GSM).
- Lightweight Linen (around 150-200 GSM): This linen is best suited for sheer or semi-sheer curtains. These linen curtains allow light to filter through, creating an airy, delicate look. Linen curtains are ideal for rooms where you want to maintain a sense of lightness while still adding privacy. Especially sheer linen curtain which is an ideal choice to create a relaxed and airy environment
- Medium Weight Linen (around 200-300 GSM): This is a popular choice for most standard linen curtains. A linen curtain made from medium-weight linen offers a good balance between drape and coverage. Medium-weight linen curtains have more substance, providing a more tailored and elegant look while still allowing some light to pass through with easy installation. This linen is also used to make custom-size Roman blinds for windows. You can dry clean and machine wash a medium-weight linen curtain.
- Heavyweight Linen (300 GSM and above): Heavy linen is best for a blackout or a thermal linen curtain where you want to block out light and add insulation. These linen curtains have a thicker curtain panel, a more luxurious feel, and are ideal for bedrooms or living rooms where you want to maintain privacy and control over light and temperature, especially when slightly damp. Wash a heavy-weight linen curtain with normal-temperature water in a washing machine using a gentle cycle to avoid shrinkage.
If you love linen curtains more than drapes, then medium-weight linen is generally the most versatile, while heavier linen is better for more substantial, insulating drapes. The choice ultimately depends on the look and functionality you’re aiming for.
What is the Difference Between Linen and Heavy Linen?
In British terms, the difference between linen lining and heavy linen lining primarily comes down to the weight and thickness of the fabric, which affects its appearance, drape, and usage.
- Linen: This refers to the standard fabric linen curtain made from the quality fibres of the flax plant. It is known for being lightweight, breathable, and slightly textured, with a natural, crisp feel. Standard linen is often used for clothing, tablecloths, and lighter curtains. It provides a relaxed, airy look and allows light to filter through when used in home textiles.
- Heavy Linen: This is a thicker, denser version of linen, woven with more fibres per square inch, resulting in excellent quality, more substance, and weight. Heavy linen is used when a more robust, durable material is required. It drapes the curtain track more fully, provides better insulation and more privacy, and is ideal for upholstery, heavier curtains, or items where durability and structure are key. A Heavy linen curtain also has a more pronounced and lovely texture and can block out more light in various interiors than other fabrics.
In summary, while both are made from the same flax fibres, heavy linen curtain is thicker and more substantial, making it better suited for more durability and insulation, whereas standard linen is lighter and more breathable.
