Many people discount the use of blinds in their homes, because they tend to think of blinds as being hard formal, while they are looking for a softer feel in their home. This is a pity, because there many styles of fabric blinds available that can be used on your windows that will give you the softness you are looking for, while still benefitting from the functionality that a blind can give.

Pretty much any style of blind that we have mentioned on this site has a fabric equivalent. The roman blind is obviously the most popular of fabric blinds, and coming a close second would be roller blinds. The fabric used in roman blinds is usually softer, allowing for the gentle folds, while roller blinds and fabric vertical blinds utilise a stiffened style of fabric, keeping them tight and taut across your window.

With the softness of fabric also comes the problem of less strength. There is no argument that a wooden or vinyl blind is going to withstand a lot more punishment than a fabric blind will, however you can get fabric blinds with a vinyl backing that allow you to have the best of both worlds. From inside your house, you are rewarded with the soft lines of fabric, while on the outside the blind is protected from the sun by the vinyl backing.

There are many different kinds of fabrics used in the manufacture of blinds, but I’d like to look at the five most popular ones in this article.

Linen – Linen is a fabric that is manufactured from the fibres of the flax plant. It is a material that has, in recent times, become extremely popular in clothing, but has been used in home furnishings for many years. Although linen is expensive, it is extremely hardy, and will last a long time without fading or wearing. The reason it is so expensive is because of the labour intensive processes that are used to manufacture this fabric. The best quality of linen is its insulating properties; it will keep your home much cooler in the summer than other materials can. This is the same reason why it has become so popular as a clothing textile.

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Velvet – We have discussed velvet curtains before, this material is woven using many different types of fabric, and is considered an extremely rich and regal material for use in your home. The best velvet is made from silk, but this is also the most expensive option. Velvet makes a great material for those rooms were you need to block out a lot of light.

Chenille – Chenille is a unique type of fabric that is loved around the world. It is manufactured by twisting short lengths of yarn together, and provides a soft look to your window treatments. Chenille has the unique characteristic of looking different depending on which angle you look at it from. The way it plays with the light makes it an excellent choice for giving your home character and depth.

Silk – Silk has been used for thousands of years, originating in China. It is produced from the cocoons of silkworms or caterpillars. Some people argue that the use of silk is cruel, as the cocoons of the caterpillar are dipped in boiling water, killing the pupa before they can emerge. The fabric that is create from these cocoons is one of the strongest types of fabrics in the world, which contrasts with its smooth soft texture.

Cotton – Cotton has literally been around as long as man. Since the beginning of time we have spun cotton and used it for clothing and covering. It is one of the most natural forms of fabrics, as it is harvested directly off the cotton plant. Farmers all over the country harvest this material year after year, trying to keep up with demand.

These are only a few of the most popular types of fabrics that are available. There are hybrids, polyesters, and mixtures of vinyl and materials, all which have their own unique properties and characteristics. Hopefully this has helped you to understand the choices of fabric window blinds that are available. It pays to go to a shop that has samples of these fabrics, as choosing a fabric is a very tactile thing, and being able to feel the different textures of each will help you in your decision.