Linen or velvet curtains: which material to choose?

The linen or velvet curtain is a choice of material which determines both the visual ambiance of a room and its functional performance. Linen provides lightness, filtered light and natural character, while velvet offers warmth, thickness and significantly greater blackout capacity. For a living room bathed in light, linen will often be preferred; for a bedroom or an intimate space, velvet is essential. The choice therefore depends as much on your needs in terms of insulation and light as on the decorative style you wish to create in your home.

What are the characteristics of linen curtain?

Linen is a natural fiber grown mainly in Northern Europe, recognized for its robustness and slightly irregular texture which gives it a unique charm. A linen curtain lets in soft, subdued light, creating a soothing and warm atmosphere in a living room or dining room.

Its natural breathing makes it particularly suitable for living rooms. It discreetly regulates room temperature and stands up well to repeated washing. Over time, linen develops a pleasant patina, gaining flexibility and character.

In terms of concealment, unlined linen remains translucent. To achieve partial blackout, it is advisable to combine a linen curtain with a lining or sheer curtain underneath. Its natural, ecru, sand and terracotta color palette harmonizes with many interior styles.

• Touch : slightly textured, matte, natural
• Brightness : filters the light without obscuring it
• Occultation : low to moderate (liner recommended)
• Maintenance : machine washable, iron easily slightly damp
• Style : natural, bohemian, Mediterranean, contemporary
  
  

What are the characteristics of the velvet curtain?

Velvet is a thick, short-pile fabric that absorbs light and creates incomparable visual depth. A velvet curtain instantly brings warmth and character to a room: it thickens the lines, enriches the palette and dresses the windows with an assertive presence.

Its density makes it a valuable ally for thermal and sound insulation. According to ADEME, 25 to 30% of heat loss from a home passes through openings. A thick velvet curtain, correctly placed down to the floor and falling slightly against the walls, contributes significantly to limiting these losses.

Velvet also offers much better concealment than linen, especially when lined. It is ideal for bedrooms, screening spaces or north-facing rooms where visual warmth is also important.

• Touch : soft, thick, velvety
• Brightness : absorbs light, creates depth
• Occultation : high, especially with lining
• Insulation : thermal and sound superior to linen
• Maintenance : dry cleaning recommended for thick velvets; some are machine washable at 30°C
• Style : bohemian chic, modern baroque, cozy, Marrakech
  
  

What is the difference between linen and velvet for living room curtains?

In a living room, the choice between linen and velvet depends above all on the orientation of the room and the desired atmosphere. A south-facing living room will benefit from a linen curtain which tempers the light without making it darker. A dimly lit or north-facing living room will be enhanced by warm-colored velvet which will visually compensate for the lack of natural light.

Ceiling height also plays a role. A thick velvet curtain, placed from ceiling to floor, amplifies the feeling of height and grandeur. Linen, lighter and more fluid, is better suited to contemporary interiors or spaces where fluidity is desired.

• Bright living room, facing south or east → favor linen to filter without obscuring
• Living room with little light, facing north or west → the velvet will compensate and warm the atmosphere
• Natural, bohemian, minimalist style → linen fits easily
• Cozy style, travel, modern baroque → velvet is a natural choice
• Budget : linen is generally more accessible; quality velvet represents a higher but more durable investment

 

 

How to choose according to the desired level of concealment?

Concealment is often the decisive criterion, especially for bedrooms. There are three levels: filtering (allows light to pass through), partial blackout (filters without completely obscuring) and total blackout (blocks daylight).

1. Unlined natural linen : filtering. Ideal living room, dining room, office.
2. Linen with thermal lining : partial obscuring. Good compromise for an east-facing room.
3. Thick unlined velvet : partial to high blackout depending on weight.
4. Velvet with blackout lining : total occultation. Recommended for children's bedrooms, home theater spaces.
   
   

For living room curtains where you want to retain natural light, linen remains the reference solution. For a bedroom, opt for lined velvet, or even combine the two materials: a velvet curtain for insulation and a sheer curtain for the day.

 

 

How to coordinate linen or velvet curtains with the rest of the decoration?

Coordinating textiles is essential for a harmonious interior. A linen curtain in natural tones: ecru, sand, terracotta goes easily with a cotton or rattan sofa, cushions in printed fabric and accessories in natural wood or wicker.

A velvet curtain in deep colors requires more balance. Combine it with neutral surfaces (off-white walls, light parquet floors) to avoid the cluttered effect. The velvet cushions plain or embroidered, linen tablecloths and the linen in coordinated tones form a coherent whole.

What dimensions should I choose for a linen or velvet curtain?

Length is the first parameter to control. A curtain should ideally fall to the floor, or even slightly beyond for an elegant effect and better insulation. The common rule is to allow between 1 cm and 3 cm of drape for linen, and up to 5 cm for velvet which floats slightly on the parquet floor.

In width, the recommended gathering coefficient is 2 to 2.5 times the width of the window for linen, and 2.5 to 3 times for velvet in order to maintain the visual richness of the folds. Velvet that is too loosely gathered loses its character.

• Recommended height : from the ceiling (or high rods) to the floor, +1 to 5 cm depending on the material
• Width for linen : 2 to 2.5 × the width of the window
• Width for velvet : 2.5 to 3 × the width of the window
• High pose : attach the rod 10-15 cm from the ceiling to increase the height of the room, whatever the material
  
  

Find our Size guide for curtains for a perfect drape.

 

What mistakes should you avoid when choosing between linen curtain and velvet curtain?

• Choosing velvet for an already dark room without compensating with additional lighting: the effect can be oppressive.
• Hang a linen curtain that is too short : the floating effect disappears and the rendering is abrupt.
• Neglecting the lining : without lining, neither linen nor velvet offer satisfactory thermal insulation.
• Mixing Mismatched Fabric Weights on the Same Rod : a light linen panel and a heavy velvet panel do not fall the same way.
• Machine wash heavy velvet without checking the label : some velvets require dry cleaning to maintain their appearance.
• Underestimate the necessary width : a curtain that is too narrow, even if beautiful, will result in a poorly dressed window.
  
  
  

Frequently asked questions