What Lies Beneath: Specifying Curtain Linings for Made-to-Measure Windows in Sussex

The lining of a curtain is the part no one notices until it fails. In a made-to-measure scheme, it is also the layer that governs much of the curtain’s behaviour: how softly it folds, how much daylight it admits, how well it resists draughts and how long the face fabric survives. For homeowners in Midhurst and across the South Downs, where windows range from wide south-facing bays to narrow sash openings in older cottages, the choice deserves as much attention as the visible fabric.

Why the hidden layer matters

Face fabric sets colour and character, but lining supplies structure. It shields the reverse of the fabric from sunlight and dust, gives the curtain body, and determines whether the finished window treatment feels generous or thin. A well-specified lining can improve drape, reduce fading, add privacy and make a room feel calmer. A poor one can make even an expensive fabric hang stiffly, shrink unevenly or allow condensation to gather behind the curtain. In other words, the lining is not an accessory; it is part of the curtain’s architecture.

Standard lining

A standard lining is usually cotton or polycotton, often in a sateen weave. It provides a clean finish, protects the face fabric and helps the curtain hang neatly. It is not blackout, and it is not a thermal barrier in its own right. Standard lining suits living rooms and studies where some daylight is welcome and where the face fabric needs a supple companion rather than a heavy support. It is also the usual base layer when interlining is specified.

Blackout lining

Blackout lining blocks light through a coated or densely woven construction. It is useful in bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms, and in any room where glare makes the space uncomfortable. One distinction matters: blackout is not automatically thermal. A coated blackout may reduce light without adding meaningful insulation. Ask whether the blackout is a separate lining or bonded to the face fabric. Separate blackout generally gives better drape and allows the face fabric to be cleaned or replaced with less difficulty.

Thermal lining

Thermal lining is designed to reduce heat loss and take the edge off draughts. Performance varies considerably, so ask for the composition and, where available, test data. In period Sussex homes with single glazing and open chimneys, a thermal lining can make a bedroom feel less austere in winter, but it is not a substitute for draught-proofing. For a more substantial barrier, thermal lining is often combined with interlining.

Interlined curtains

Interlining is an extra layer, often domette or bump, placed between the face fabric and the lining. It adds body, softness, insulation and some acoustic benefit. Interlined curtains hang beautifully and suit traditional windows, but they are heavier and need robust tracks, poles and fixings. They are usually combined with a standard lining, and a blackout interlining can be specified where light control is also required. Interlined curtains are rarely washable; dry cleaning is usually the safer route.

Bonded lining

Bonded lining is fused to the face fabric, a method common in ready-made curtains and some budget made-to-measure work. It can be neat and economical, but bonding restricts movement. Fine or unstable fabrics may pucker, and the bond can fail over time. For bespoke curtains, a separate lining usually gives superior drape and longevity, particularly with natural fabrics and traditional headings.

Matching the lining to the room

A south-facing sitting room in Midhurst may receive strong sun for much of the day. Fading and glare are the main concerns, so a good standard lining with UV resistance, or a separate blackout lining where television glare is an issue, will protect the face fabric. A period bedroom with sash windows often benefits from interlining and thermal lining, but ventilation must be maintained to avoid trapping damp. Bathrooms and kitchens need a different approach: moisture and cooking grease are hard on textiles, so choose a practical synthetic lining, avoid heavy interlining in bathrooms, and ventilate well. North-facing rooms, which can feel cold and dim, often justify thermal and interlined treatment.

Questions to ask before commissioning

Before confirming a made-to-measure order, ask the curtain maker: What is the lining composition? Is the blackout separate or bonded? Has the lining been pre-shrunk? How will it behave with my chosen face fabric? What are the cleaning instructions? Does the quotation include interlining, and if so, which type? Are the tracks and fixings suitable for the finished weight? Can I see a sample of the lining against the face fabric in my own light? A reputable maker will welcome these questions. The answers will reveal whether the specification is genuinely suited to the window, the room and the way you live.