Difference Between Lined Curtains and Thermal Curtains

Lining Types

• Lined curtains may contain standard, blackout or thermal linings. While standard linings are typically made of cotton, polyester or blends, the weight and weave determine the amount of light a standard lining blocks. Blackout curtain lining blocks outside light when the curtains are closed. Some blackout linings, however, also possess the insulating qualities of thermal linings.

  Thermal curtains contain one of two types of thermal lining: thermal suede and aluminum. Both look like standard lining on one side, but have insulating materials on the other. Thermal suede has synthetic foam on the insulating side, while an aluminum backing reflects light and heat.

Function

• The standard curtain lining protects the face fabric from fading in the sun, which extends the life of the curtains. Standard lining also makes the curtains hang better by adding weight and body to the face fabric. With a padded interlining between the face fabric and the lining, many custom curtains provide greater sun protection, more body and help block outside noise. In addition to darkening a room, blackout linings serve the same function as standard linings.

  Thermal curtain linings are designed to keep outside air from entering a room and keep climate-controlled inside air from escaping through leaky windows. When they function properly, thermal curtains help regulate the inside temperature, resulting in lower heating and cooling bills.

Curtain Styles

• Standard linings work with nearly all curtain styles, including curtains that tie back, draw open from the header or pull open with cords and a series of rings. Standard linings are even suitable for fixed curtains that hang in place without opening or closing. Blackout linings suit most curtain styles that open and close, but you get the best light control with curtains that have side returns.

  Thermal curtains though must fit tightly against the window frame or wall surrounding the window. Otherwise, the thermal lining can’t contain the air. Suitable styles include curtains that hang in pairs and open from the center, either by drawing them across a traverse rod or tying them back. Also, choose a style with returns that wrap back to the wall at the sides. Both floor- and sill-length curtains work well, but consider adding drapery weights to the hems to help prevent air from escaping from beneath a fluttering curtain bottom.

Curtain Fabrics

• Most fabric types and weights work with standard curtain linings. Blackout linings work well with medium to heavyweight curtain fabric.

  For thermal curtains, medium to heavyweight fabrics work best. Avoid using sheer and lightweight fabric with aluminum-backed thermal linings -- because the aluminum will show through the face fabric.