Interlined Curtains: When Heavier Isn’t Always Better

Interlining sits between the face fabric and lining. It can give curtains a softer handle, a fuller drape and a more substantial appearance, particularly in bedrooms, sitting rooms and period properties.

It can also add a layer of warmth and help the curtain feel more generous at the window. Used well, interlining is one of the details that makes curtains feel properly made.

Very heavy interlining is not automatically the most luxurious choice. Some fabrics do not need it, and some windows, poles, tracks or brackets are not suited to the extra weight.

If the treatment becomes too heavy, curtains can become difficult to draw, put strain on tracks or poles, and may sag over time. The heading style also matters: what works beautifully with one fabric may be too much for another.

Fabric weight, lining, heading style, window size and fitting position should be considered together. A wide bay window, a tall full-length curtain and a delicate pole all ask different questions.

Professional advice helps avoid over-specifying the curtain while still achieving softness, substance and longevity.

Joanna Jackson Interiors takes a careful approach to interlined curtains, helping clients choose a finish that suits the room as well as the fabric.

The aim is not simply to make curtains heavier. It is to make them hang beautifully, work well and last.