Texture totally matters if you’re going for that formal, “I actually have my life together” look. I tried the blackout lining trick with some lightweight fabric in my bedroom, thinking I could fake the heavy drape vibe. Nope. It blocked the light, sure, but up close it just looked...off? Like the curtain was wearing a puffy jacket underneath. Plus, when the sun hits it, you can sometimes see weird outlines where the layers don’t quite match up.
But I will say, how it hangs is a close second. If you get those nice deep pleats—even with a lighter fabric—it can look way more expensive and intentional. Still, there’s just something about the weight and feel of a real velvet or thick twill. I get why people love them, even if you have to vacuum them every other week because of dust. I’d love to find a magic fabric that looks luxe, blocks light, and doesn’t attract every particle in the house...but I’m not holding my breath.
I get what you mean about the blackout lining with lightweight fabric. Tried that once in my office—looked fine from a distance, but up close, it was obvious something was off. The “puffy jacket” description fits. I always notice how those combos don’t move right either. Heavy fabrics have that natural drape and fall that’s hard to fake.
“I’d love to find a magic fabric that looks luxe, blocks light, and doesn’t attract every particle in the house...but I’m not holding my breath.”
I’ve been down that rabbit hole too. Velvet is the gold standard for the formal look, but it’s a dust magnet and honestly gets annoying if you’ve got pets or allergies. Twill’s a bit easier, but still needs regular cleaning.
If I had to pick one fabric for every room, I’d probably go with a mid-weight cotton blend—something tightly woven, maybe sateen finish. It won’t look as plush as velvet, but it’s easier to keep clean and hangs better than plain sheers or linens. You can get some blackout versions now that are woven tight enough to block light without needing a separate liner (which helps avoid the weird outlines you mentioned).
On the other hand, I know some folks swear by linen for the “lived-in” look. Personally, I find linen gets too wrinkly for high-traffic rooms unless you’re okay with that casual vibe.
One thing I haven’t figured out: how do people handle curtain fabric in kitchens? Steam and grease seem like a nightmare for anything textured or heavy. Anyone actually using velvet or thick twill in a kitchen space? Or is that just asking for trouble?
“Steam and grease seem like a nightmare for anything textured or heavy. Anyone actually using velvet or thick twill in a kitchen space? Or is that just asking for trouble?”
Short answer: yeah, it’s asking for trouble. Kitchens are brutal on fabric—steam, splatters, lingering smells. Heavy stuff like velvet or thick twill just soaks it up and is a pain to clean. I’ve seen people try it for “the look,” but honestly, they regret it fast. Best bet is something washable—mid-weight cotton, maybe with a bit of poly so it doesn’t shrink up in the wash. Anything else, you’ll be swapping curtains way more than you want.
I get where you’re coming from—kitchens are rough on fabric, no doubt. But I’ve actually used a heavy twill in mine for a couple years now, and it hasn’t been as disastrous as people warned me.
That’s true for velvet, but twill’s pretty forgiving if you treat it with a stain guard spray (I did two coats before hanging). I toss mine in the wash every few months and they come out alright. Granted, I don’t deep fry much, and my kitchen window isn’t right above the stove, so maybe that helps.“Heavy stuff like velvet or thick twill just soaks it up and is a pain to clean.”
Honestly, cotton-poly blends are easier, but I just like the look and weight of twill. If you’re careful about placement and don’t mind a little extra effort, it’s doable. Not saying it’s for everyone, but I wouldn’t rule out heavier fabrics entirely. Sometimes the “rules” are more like guidelines... depends on your cooking style and how much you care about maintenance.
I hear you on the twill—“rules” are definitely more like suggestions, especially when you’re the one doing the cleaning. I’ve used midweight twill in a few places and it holds up better than I expected, even with two kids and a dog who thinks curtains are his personal hiding spots. The stain guard spray makes a massive difference. I actually doubled up on that after a coffee incident in my old place. Never got the stain out, but at least it didn’t soak all the way through.
“If you’re careful about placement and don’t mind a little extra effort, it’s doable.”
That’s basically been my motto for every “not recommended” home project I’ve tried. Sometimes the fabric that looks best just isn’t the “easy” option, but if you’re up for the maintenance, why not? My only real gripe with heavier fabrics is how long they take to dry after washing—sometimes I’m hanging them back up still a little damp because I need the privacy.
I get why people lean toward cotton-poly blends though. Those things are low maintenance and they don’t wrinkle as much. But honestly, if I had to pick one fabric for every room? I’d probably still go with twill or a cotton-linen blend, just because they drape so much nicer than synthetics and don’t look cheap in the living room. In the kitchen, like you mentioned, keeping them away from direct grease splatter is key. If your window’s not right over the stove or sink, you can get away with a lot more.
Funny thing—my mom always said never to put anything but polyester in kitchens and bathrooms, but her house always looked like a hospital waiting room. Sometimes you just want your space to feel cozy, even if it means an extra wash cycle now and then.
Twill’s a solid pick, honestly. I’ve put it in a bunch of client homes and it always surprises me how well it holds up—especially with pets or kids. The drying thing is real though. I’ve had to hang them back up still a bit damp more times than I can count, just to keep the neighbors from peeking in. I get what you mean about polyester—super practical, but man, it can suck all the warmth out of a space. Sometimes you just want your curtains to look like you live there, not in a waiting room.
I get what you mean about polyester—super practical, but man, it can suck all the warmth out of a space.
I hear you, but have you tried a polyester blend with a thermal lining? It’s not the coziest look, but the insulation is solid—especially if you’re trying to cut down on heating costs in winter. I’ve got them in my draftiest room and they actually make a difference. Not perfect for “homey” vibes, though. Curious if twill does anything for drafts or just looks better?
Curious if twill does anything for drafts or just looks better?
I put up twill curtains in our living room—honestly, they look nicer than plain polyester, but I wouldn’t say they block drafts much better. They’re heavier, sure, but still not as insulating as thermal-lined stuff. If you want actual warmth, I’d stick with the lined blends even if they’re not as stylish.
I wouldn’t say they block drafts much better. They’re heavier, sure, but still not as insulating as thermal-lined stuff.
I get what you mean about the thermal-lined options being warmer, but I’ve actually seen a difference with a dense cotton twill—especially if it’s got a really tight weave and hangs all the way to the floor. Maybe not as good as the full thermal liners, but definitely a step up from basic polyester. Have you ever tried layering twill with a separate liner? That combo can work surprisingly well without looking too bulky.
Yeah, layering a dense cotton twill with a liner actually makes a noticeable difference, especially in older houses where drafts are an issue. I’ve used blackout liners behind twill before—honestly, the thermal effect is pretty close to dedicated thermal curtains, and you don’t get that plasticky look. Only downside is sometimes the combo gets heavy on the curtain rod... had to reinforce mine after a while.