Linen Curtains - Excellent Choice For Summer Curtains - Linen And Cotton Fabrics

Linen and cotton are superb fabric choices for summer curtains. Besides classic good looks, linen has many attributes that make it exceptionally practical for summer curtains, and perhaps a better choice than cotton ones. Made from the flax plant, linen has been highly prized for thousands of years. Due to its many practical qualities it is not surprising that the Latin scientific name for the flax plant translates to most useful plant.

Many people are drawn to the look and feel of linen or cotton curtains for summer use. Linen and cotton can be woven many ways and there is quite a range of curtain styles that will enhance various types of dcor. Depending on the weave, these fabrics look quite formal or quite casual. Many decorators love this versatility. Because linen fabric possesses a natural luster and has a unique light-reflecting quality, it is a particularly striking choice for summer window treatments. Although cotton does not possess this same natural luster, it can share linens crisp freshness. Clean, simple and natural all describe the look and feel of linen and cotton and mirror the characteristics of summer itself.

The list of practical reasons to use linen or cotton summer curtains is long, but it falls into three basic categories. The first is easy, cost-effective housekeeping. While linen and cotton are machine washable, linen naturally rejects dirt and lint. Linen curtains get softer with each washing and their color will not fade as cotton does. While linen curtains soften with each wash, they are two to three times more durable than cotton. The natural silica present in the flax from which linen is made protects it from rotting as well, so linen curtains do not need to be replaced as often as cotton ones.

Next, linen and cotton possess many life-enhancing qualities, particularly during summer. Linen is one of the few fabrics that naturally reduce solar radiation. It effectively reduces solar radiation by almost half, and it filters chemical and dust exposure too. Linen naturally absorbs humidity and can actually contribute to cooling an area. For these reasons, and because it is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, linen is a perfect choice in hot, muggy summer conditions. Since linen and cotton are natural fibers, they will not give off toxic chemicals like curtains made of man-made fibers do.

Lastly, both linen and cotton curtains are sound choices for the environmentally conscientious decorator, though linen has some advantages. Since linen repels dirt and needs minimal machine washing, fewer resources are needed to care for them. Due to their durability, they do not need replacing as frequently as cotton curtains, which minimizes land fill space. When linen or cotton curtains do need replacing, the fabric can be easily re-purposed for other decorator items such as pillow covers and the like. Once these fabrics have outworn their usefulness, they are completely biodegradable.

Summer will soon be here. For summer curtains, there is no man-made fabric that can offer the benefits that linen or cotton can. Linen or cotton summer curtains are beautiful, sensible and responsible choices for todays decorators.