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Curtain Fabric Guide: Blackout Levels, Materials, Care
How to choose curtain fabric: blackout vs dim-out vs sheer, polyester vs cotton vs linen vs velvet, plus fullness and care β all in one guide.
Updated: 2026-09-24
The three blackout levels
| Level | Light control | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Blackout | Blocks 90%+ of light | bedrooms, AV rooms, nurseries |
| Dim-out | Softens light, keeps the view | living rooms, studies |
| Sheer | Daytime privacy with light | living rooms with nice views |
Common fabric materials
| Material | Pros | Watch out |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Most common, durable, wrinkle-resistant, affordable | attracts dust via static |
| Cotton | Natural, soft hand-feel | wrinkles easily, medium blackout |
| Linen | Breathable, textured, great for japandi styles | pricier, may shrink |
| Velvet | Luxurious, great blackout and sound dampening | heavy, expensive, dry-clean only |
Care and cleaning
- Polyester can usually be machine-washed cold; cotton, linen and velvet should be dry-cleaned
- Never tumble-dry blackout fabric hot β the coating degrades
- Once a year is enough; vacuum on low suction between washes
- In humid HK, keep a gap between curtain and wall for airflow
Not sure which colour suits your flat? Try colours, patterns and fabrics live in the style demo.
Sources: General fabric know-how; always check physical swatches at the shop before ordering.