Trends | Linen Curtains – Everything you need to know

Our linen curtain obsession is a new one, but one I think is going to hang around for quiet some time.

Window furnishings can be a hard one when building or renovating. Being the finishing touch to spaces they sometimes get pushed to the bottom of the list or get eaten up by the budget as the build/reno progresses, which is a shame as they make such a huge impact to spaces (not to mention functionality!).

In our latest project- The Breeze Block House we opted for a DIY linen curtain, not only was it cheaper then quotes I had for inferior material curtains they have actually ended up being quiet the feature. We ordered the pre-made linen curtains from Magic linen and then made the rod and holders our of timber.

I spoke recently with the crew over at Magic Linen to give you all the info you need to know when looking at using linen curtains….

Linen Curtains – what you need to know

Linen has always been a popular material for home furnishings. It’s one of those fabrics that never seems to go out of style, quite possibly because of its many unique benefits.

Benefits of linen curtains

1. Linen is a classic fabric for evoking comfort and luxury. This is especially the case with linen curtains, which tend to drape beautifully. Introducing them to a bedroom, lounge or dining room is an easy way to add a dash of fabulous.
2. There is a crisp, clean appeal to linen, whether you go for a dyed fabric or the natural linen colour. It makes a room appear a lot brighter while still offering privacy. The natural weave also lets in plenty of fresh air when you have the curtains closed but window open.
3. During the winter months, linen curtains also provide valuable insulation, helping to keep your heating bills down. Because it’s also a very eco-friendly fabric, and so long-lasting, it’s a good way to ‘go green’ around the home.
4. Linen is easy to take care of, and can be either professionally dry-cleaned or washed in your own machine. It actually gains more character and becomes softer with every wash.

Different styles of linen curtains

There is a variety of linen curtain styles available depending on the look you’re going for in your home, and whether you want them to be more decorative or functional. Some of the most popular include:

Rod pocket linen curtains

These have a casing sewn into the top of each curtain panel wide enough to slip over a slender pole. Because the gap is usually quite small, rod pocket linen curtains are usually more suitable when you don’t plan to open or close the curtains frequently.

Pencil pleat linen curtains

For a timeless elegance, pencil pleat curtains are a good option. The name comes from the tight bunching of the fabric at the top of the curtain when gathered along a pole or track. Well-suited to old cottages and other classic interiors.

Tab top linen curtains

This type of linen curtain gives a wonderfully informal look to any room. Generous loops of fabric over the pole are easily gathered in, and tab top linen curtains are also known to drape nice and even.

Linen curtains with ties

You can opt for linen curtains with ties as well. This type of curtain brings a delightfully cheery and informal look to a room. Ideal for a modern or Scandinavian-style interior.

You might also give your linen curtains a little extra flair, such as by adding ruffles, or pom-pom edges. They can be paired with attractive linen tie-backs.

How to measure for linen curtains

Start by deciding how far above the window you want your curtains to hang from. Most people want their curtains to begin from around six inches above the window, but if you can go above that, it can give more of a sense of height to the room.

Next, work out where you want the curtains to end. One contemporary style is for them to land flush with the floor, but you can also have them long enough to ‘puddle’ gently on the floor, or finish between the window-sill and the floor.

For the width, always remember to add around 4-6 inches to your measurements on each side. This ensures that light is fully blocked out when the curtains are drawn, but that when they are open, they aren’t blocking the window either.

Remember that some companies will be happy to sew custom sizes for your linen curtains if you have an irregular-shaped window or a special request. This can cost a little extra but is usually well worth it.