Explanation of various curtain materials
There are two main types of curtain fabric materials: natural fibers and chemical fibers.
Natural fibers are popular for their natural and gentle texture.
It is a material that does not easily generate static electricity and suppresses dust adsorption, making it easy to maintain cleanliness.
Chemical fibers are easy to apply special processing to, and have a wide range of functions such as “shape memory,” “UV protection,” and “light blocking.”
Another great thing about it is that it doesn’t shrink or lose its shape when washed, and it’s easy to care for.
This article provides a detailed explanation of each type of material used for curtain fabric .
natural fibers
We hope you find this helpful as a reference when choosing materials for your curtains.
It is popular for its natural and rustic texture, and is perfect for creating an atmosphere similar to a stylish cafe or general store.
Typical natural fiber materials include cotton, linen, wool and silk.
Compared to synthetic fibers, it generates less static electricity, reduces dust adsorption, and is less likely to get dirty.
cotton
Cotton is a familiar material for underwear and clothing.
It also has excellent dyeability, so it is often used for printed curtains.
It is characterized by its natural texture and soft texture.
Advantages of cotton
- Natural and gentle texture.
- Durable and absorbent.
- Soft texture.
Disadvantages of cotton
- Because it is easily dyed, it is prone to staining and color transfer.
- It tends to become fluffy due to friction such as washing.
- susceptible to mold attack.
- It tends to yellow when exposed to sunlight for a long time.
Linen
Linen, which is popular for its smooth texture, is quick-drying, durable, and long-lasting.
With the arrival of the recent linen boom, it is increasingly being used for curtains.
The material becomes softer and more familiar the more you use it, so you can enjoy growing it in your daily life.
However, it tends to shrink when washed, so care must be taken when cleaning it.
Advantages of Linen
- Excellent water resistance and heat resistance.
- Water absorbent, moisture permeable, and breathable.
- The smooth feel is comfortable.
- Beautiful colors, colors that blend in.
Disadvantages of Linen
- The fabric expands and contracts due to changes in moisture content.
- Due to the lack of drapability, the waves of the curtains are rather simple.
- Easy to wrinkle.
wool
Wool generally refers to wool.
Although it is a material often used in carpets, it is rarely used in curtains, and is only used in a small number of drape curtains (thick fabric curtains).
The disadvantage is that it shrinks when washed and is easily eaten by insects
Advantages of wool
- Chic and warm texture.
- Low thermal conductivity and high heat retention.
- Does not easily get dirty.
Disadvantages of wool
- It will shrink when washed.
- Easy to be eaten by insects.
silk
Silk is a high-quality material obtained from the cocoons of silkworms.
It has an elegant luster, elasticity, and tension, and is smooth to the touch and wrinkle-resistant.
Since it is a very expensive material, it is rarely used for general curtains.
Silk material is sometimes used as a luxury item in hotels or as a piece of art.
Advantages of silk
- Elegant luster and smooth texture.
- Good dyeability and beautiful coloring.
- Wrinkle resistant.
Disadvantages of silk
- It is sensitive to sunlight and yellows easily.
- Weak against friction.
- Easily attacked by insects and mold.
- When it gets wet, it shrinks and tends to stain.
Chemical fiber
Chemical fibers are mainly classified into the following three types.
- “Synthetic fibers” chemically synthesized from petroleum
(polyester, new synthetic fibers, acrylic, nylon, etc.) - “Regenerated fibers” made from wood pulp and cotton fibers
(rayon, cupro, polynosic) - “Semi-synthetic fiber” made from pulp cellulose and milk protein casein
(Acetate, Promix)
The story may seem complicated, but you may be familiar with the names of chemical fibers such as “polyester” and “rayon.”
Synthetic fibers are characterized by a high degree of freedom in processing, and are attractive in that they can be added with special functions such as waterproofing, water repellency, UV protection, and pollen catching.
Other benefits include its reasonable price, ease of dyeing, and less tendency to lose its shape or shrink when washed, making it a recommended material for those looking for easy-to-use curtains.
polyester
Polyester is a material often used in curtain fabrics.
In particular, we have a market share of approximately 99% for lace curtains and voile curtains.
It is a chemically manufactured fiber made from petroleum, coal, natural gas, etc., and is characterized by its excellent durability, strength, and long-lasting properties.
It has just the right amount of firmness and stiffness, and its texture is similar to that of natural fibers.
It is often used for functional curtains because it is easy to apply special treatments such as heat shielding, image shielding, and soundproofing.
Advantages of polyester
- Strong and flexible.
- Wrinkle resistant.
- Easy to process.
- Good stainability.
- Relatively reasonable.
- Easy to clean.
Disadvantages of polyester
- It is electrostatically charged and can easily accumulate static electricity.
- Easy to absorb dust.
- It has poor moisture absorption and gets stuffy easily.
New synthetic fiber
Although the name “new synthetic fibers” may seem a little pretentious, it is a general term for synthetic fibers developed by taking advantage of the characteristics of polyester fibers.
In other words, it is an advanced material of polyester.
Typical types include “New Silky,” which has a silk-like luster and a squeaky feel, “Peach Skin Type,” which has short fluff like the surface of a peach, and “Rayon Type,” which has a smooth texture and cool feeling.And so on.
It is characterized by its drape, firmness, firmness, moisture, and dry touch, allowing you to enjoy textures and textures that are not found in natural materials.
Advantages of new synthetic fibers
- breathable
- Less deformation
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Light and soft material
Disadvantages of new synthetic fibers
- Poor air circulation
- Off-gassing
- Fire hazard
- Not environmentally friendly
Acrylic
Its a material often used in medical products such as knitwear and socks, and is made from a petroleum called acrylonitrile.
Among synthetic fibers, it has properties that are most similar to wool, and is characterized by being fluffy, soft, and has strong elastic recovery (ability to return to its original shape).
It is sometimes used in curtains by blending it with other fibers.
Advantages of Acrylic
- Fluffy and soft texture.
- Wrinkle resistant.
- Resistant to chemicals and insects.
- It does not easily shrink or lose its shape when washed.
Disadvantages of Acrylic
- Static electricity is likely to occur.
- Easy to pill.
Rayon
Rayon is a material developed as a substitute for silk, and is known for its shiny, smooth texture and beautiful drape.
A chemical fiber made by dissolving the main raw material such as wood pulp with cellulose chemicals and regenerating it.
It is also called “viscose rayon”.
Advantages of Rayon
- A classy and elegant texture.
washed. - Excellent hygroscopic and water absorbing properties.
- Easy to dye and the color is beautiful.
Disadvantages of Rayon
- Weak against friction.
- It is sensitive to water and tends to shrink when washed.
Acetate
Acetate is a material classified as a semi-synthetic fiber.
A fiber made from wood pulp as the main raw material and processed by chemically applying acetone.
It has the softness and luster of silk, and has the advantage of being easy to pleat.
Advantages of Acetate
- Excellent heat retention, moisture absorption, and elasticity.
- It has a fluffy wool-like texture and a light impression.
- Easy to dye and the color is beautiful.
Disadvantages of Acetate
- It is sensitive to heat and friction, and has low chemical resistance.
- Low heat resistance
- Difficult to clean
- Not breathable
- Not environmentally friendly
.
Acrylic series
Acrylic is a highly flame-retardant synthetic fiber that is often used in drape curtains.
Because it is a fiber that imitates wool, it is soft and warm.
The good thing about this material is that it is easy to care for because it does not change much due to shrinkage and does not lose its shape easily.
Advantages of Acrylic series
- It has good color development and does not yellow or fade due to sunlight.
- Resistant to sunlight.
- It is elastic and wrinkle-resistant
- Soft, light, and highly heat-retaining.
- Excellent flame resistance.
Disadvantages of Acrylic series
- Hairballs are likely to occur.
- Weak against heat.
- Off-gassing
- Fire hazard
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum.
This material was developed by DuPont in the United States in 1935, and has the oldest history among chemical fibers
It is a material that is widely used in clothing and interior products because of its characteristics such as being resistant to friction and bending, easy to dye, quick drying, and resistant to mold and insect damage.
Advantages of Nylon
- Not easily attacked by mold and insects.
- Easy to dye, flexible and thin
- It does not lose its shape and is highly elastic.
- Resistant to wear and bending.
Disadvantages of Nylon
- Price is a little high.
- Easily charged with static electricity.
summary
There are various types of curtain fabric materials, but the most commonly used are cotton, polyester, and acrylic.
Among them, polyester has a high market share in lace curtains, and is popular for its high degree of processing freedom and texture similar to natural fibers.Natural materials such as cotton and linen are perfect for a room with a natural feel.If you want curtains with high light-blocking and UV-cutting properties, consider choosing a type that is blended with synthetic fibers.
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