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Linen Fabric for Curtains: Which to Choose and How Much to Buy

Painterly Hydrangea Floral print by Wildfig designs, curtain fabric

The Fabric Shop |

Linen curtains bring soft, filtered light and a relaxed texture to any room. They hang beautifully and soften more with every wash.

Here are the fabrics we recommend for curtains, and how to work out the metres.

The bases

The best fabric for curtains

Pure Linen base fabric
Light, airy curtains

Pure Linen

150 GSM100% linen137 cm

A true mid weight linen with natural slub. It lets light through softly and falls in easy folds.

Line it for more privacy and less light.

Neat, easy careCotton Linen175 GSM, irons back flat
Sheer and summeryLight Linen Cotton140 GSM, linen-led
Heavier drapesDecor Velvet Bonded345 GSM, rich and full
Quantities

How many metres for curtains

Measure the width

Measure the track or rod and double it for a full gather, or use 2.5 times for pinch pleats and sheers.

Count the widths

Divide by the fabric width and round up. That is how many drops you need.

Measure the drop

Measure from the track to where the curtain will end, then add 25 cm for the heading and hem, or 30 cm for eyelets.

Multiply

Number of drops x the drop with hems = the metres to order.

Example: a 120 cm track with a 220 cm drop, in 137 cm wide Pure Linen. Double the width is 240 cm, so two drops. Each drop is 2.45 m, so order 5 m. Add one pattern repeat per drop to match a large print.

Designs

Prints for linen curtains

Browse all designs →

From our studios

Prints for curtains

Questions

Curtain fabric questions

Is linen good for curtains?

Yes. Linen hangs well, filters light softly and softens with washing. Pure Linen is 150 GSM and 137 cm wide.

Do linen curtains need lining?

Unlined linen gives soft, filtered light. Add a lining for privacy, warmth and a darker room.

How much fabric do I need for curtains?

Double the track width, divide by the fabric width for the number of drops, then multiply by the drop plus 25 cm.

Does linen shrink?

Natural fibres can shrink on the first wash. Wash and dry it the way you will care for the curtains, then cut.

The fabric your idea deserves. By the metre, on demand.