Selecting the drapery lining and interlining for your new drapes is one of the most important decisions you can make for creating the "Perfect Custom Curtain or Drape" for your home. By adjusting your lining and interlining choices you can create specific results for your room. Whether you are trying to reduce light penetration, reduce external noise, save on energy costs or just wish to create a fuller bodied drape, your drapery lining choice is key.

Properly lined and well made-made custom drapery can provide significant insulating benefits and reduce your homes energy usage. There have been several recent studies, one by The University of Texas, that have suggested that a properly insulated drape can reduce the energy loss in a room by 33%.

The following are three of the primary lining and interlining options and their purpose:

1. Lining: A quality drape is manufactured with a lining which backs the primary drape material. The lining protects the drape material from the damaging effects of sunlight which, over time, will fade and deteriorate the primary drape fabric. Quality linings are typically made from a blend of Cotton and Polyester. The Cotton provides softness to the material while Polyester provides wrinkle resistance and moisture protection.

Linings are available in a wide range of shades, however, most are ivory, white or cream in color.

2. Flannel Interlining: The Interlining is the layer of material between the primary fabric and the lining. DrapeStyle uses a 100% cotton, premium, heavy-weight flannel interlining by Hanes Industries. The flannel is loosely woven to provide a greater insulating factor and add dramatically to the fullness of your custom drapes.

Interlinings are available in neutral colors and are typically ivory, white or natural. It is essential that the correct shade of lining is used to correspond to the primary fabric as the Interlining shade may effect the appearance of the primary fabric. At DrapeStyle, our Production Standards specify the correct Interlining Shade for each Fabric used.

3. Bump Interlining: Bump Interlining, or "English Bump" as it is often called is an extremely heavy-weight 100% cotton flannel interlining. The name "English Bump" refers to it's use a homes primary insulation in early nineteenth century England. At more than twice the thickness and weight as our standard interlining, bump is the perfect choice when sound and climate insulation are required.

4. Blackout Lining: We often refer to "Blackout Lining" as the "Boutique Hotel Look". Blackout is almost exclusively used in hotel rooms as it blocks nearly 100% of the outside light from penetrating the drape. Blackout lining is a synthetic material which is very heavy and (like in most hotels) can be very rigid. There are several types and grades of Blackout. At DrapeStyle we use a very specific (and expensive) Blackout that is extremely flexible and soft. Blackout Lining is quite expensive but if you are looking for nearly complete blockage of sunlight, streetlights and UV Protection, it is a great investment.

Here is is short example of lining and interlining combinations and their effect on the drape.