Drapery lining type depends on purpose

DEAR GAIL: I’m going to tackle my first do-it-yourself project and sew drapery panels for my master bedroom. I’ve noticed that most of the panels now sold in stores are not lined. Do I need to line mine? — Joan M.

DEAR JOAN: You’re correct in noticing that almost none of the ready-made drapery panels sold in stores are lined. Back in the days of full walls of traverse drapery panels, you always had them lined. But it seems that with more and more draperies being sold in stores, catalogs and online, they no longer come lined, which I feel is simply a matter of price. The home décor industry is very competitive and to keep the price down, manufacturers skip the lining. But whenever I have draperies custom made, they are lined whether they will be covering the whole window or are just stationary panels tied-back.

Lining actually originated back in the Middle Ages as a way to insulate the windows, as well as provide additional security and privacy in a room. Even though our homes now have insulated windows and we cover them with blinds for privacy, lining does more than add labor and cost to your treatment; lining serves an important function to the look and life of your draperies.

Drapes without lining is like wearing a dress without a slip. It adds body to the fabric, prevents clinging and eliminates any see-through in the fabric. Plus, lined drapes hang better by offering shape retention to the fabric and add an unwrinkled effect. But the most important reason to line your draperies, especially here in Las Vegas, is to protect your fabric from fading and sun rot. Lining also has insulation value, as well as giving your draperies water- and stain-resistance features.

Lining comes in two basic colors: white and ivory. I would select the color that blends best with your shades or blinds.

There are a couple of different weights and types of lining for you to consider. Lightweight lining comes in either 100 percent cotton or a cotton/polyester blend and is good to use on heavy fabrics so it doesn’t make the treatment too heavy for the brackets.

Medium-weight lining is normally a blend of 50 percent cotton and 50 percent polyester and has a rubber feel. It is good with most light-to-medium weight fabrics.

Black-out lining is considered a heavyweight lining that is normally used in bedrooms to block out any light. Since this lining is heavier, it is also bulkier and your draperies will take up more room on the wall when you open them, which is just something to keep in mind. Also, due to the lining weight, the panels will not hang as softly as with a medium-weight lining.

There are also specialty linings. Flameproof lining is typically used in commercial settings, such as hotels and theaters. Thermal lining is used when climate control in a room is most important. It is made out of acrylic foam and will keep the rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Another type of specialty lining is interlining, which you place between the main fabric and the lining or between two thicknesses of the fabric. Interlining is usually a cotton flannel and sometimes a canvas. You would use interlining with silks to give them added body, richness and protection from the sun.

When selecting your lining, try to select one that has similar construction and cleaning requirements as your fabric. They will hang better together and you will not have to worry about either the lining or fabric puckering due to shrinkage if they can be cleaned the same way.

The only type of fabric that you wouldn’t line is a sheer as you would be taking away the beauty and characteristics of the fabric. You can consider using two layers of your sheer material if this is a window that gets a lot of sun; at least this way you’ll be helping to protect the sheer facing your room. Also know that they will not last as long; don’t spend too much per yard on the fabric so you can afford to replace them once they become faded and sun worn.

One last thought: If you have a window that gets a lot of sun, purchase an extra yard or so of your fabric so that you can replace the turned-back edge of the fabric since it will probably fade and wear before the lined portion of your draperies.

Gail Mayhugh, owner of GMJ Interiors, is a professional interior designer and author of a book on the subject. Questions may be sent by e-mail to: gail@gmjinteriors.com. Or, mail to: 7380 S. Eastern Ave., No. 124-272, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Her Web address is: www.GMJinteriors.com.