Considering Your Many Options for Drapery Fabrics

David Raminfard has spent more than a decade as president and chief executive officer of Vernon, California’s Kaslen Textiles, LLC, a major company in the drapery and upholstery industry. An accounting and finance graduate of the Institute for High Education in Accounting and Finance, David Raminfard expanded his business operations in 2011, assuming presidency of New Point Fabric, Inc., also in Vernon.

When it comes to selecting draperies for the home or business, one should not overlook the importance of choosing the right fabric, as each offers its own benefits and drawbacks. Polyester curtains, for example, are a durable and affordable option that require little upkeep. That said, polyester is a flammable fabric, and is known to retain odor and hinder air circulation throughout a room. Linen, on the other hand, offers a more tailored look as a drapery fabric and is perfect for a room that is filled with natural light. Unfortunately, linen drapes can only be dry cleaned, and are highly susceptible to wrinkles.

A tightly woven cotton drape provides similar benefits to linen drapery, with the compact weave keeping out sunlight if desired (though looser weaves are available and make for a great option when designing a child's room). Silk, velvet, and lace are additional fabric options, while specialized drapery products include thermal drapes (which help retain warmth) and blackout curtains (which are designed to keep out as much natural light as possible).