Drapery Linings - Decorating with Fabric

Good quality linings on a drapery allows for more fullness and body to the pleats and folds due to the extra layering of fabric. Lined draperies also fight off condensation and moisture that often seeps in through windows with their water-repellant finish. These linings act as a protective layer for expensive face fabrics.

People aren’t the only ones who need protection from the sun. Fabric is often left neglected to battle against light. Drapery linings help protect against sun deterioration, decreasing the amount of exposure to face fabric upholstery and carpets and fading.

Who said extra weight was a bad thing? The extra weight that drapery linings add allows the draperies to hang beautifully. Linings de-wrinkle, allowing creases to smooth out.

To a long, healthy life. The extra protection provided by linings greatly extends the life of draperies. Linings also promote good health because they provide the dark, quiet environment that is important for quality sleep.

Energy savings = cost savings. The air pockets in the extra layering that drapery linings provide insulate windows, blocking solar heat gain during the summer or in warm climates and reducing drafts during the winter.

Privacy, please. In this time of heightened security awareness, drapery linings prevent wandering eyes from peering into your home. Silhouettes that can be seen through most draperies at night are eliminated.

What is a “Blackout” Drapery Lining?
A Blackout Drapery Lining (BDL) is a base fabric with a coating that prevents exterior light from entering through a window.

Why is that important?
BDLs are important for the home and the well being of the client. Linings prevent the damaging effects of Ultra-Violet rays on furniture as well as the draperies themselves. As a result of this added on defense system, heating and air conditioning costs are reduced.

But how are they important to people? Sleep deprivation is increasing annually as people juggle work, school, family, and friends into their lives. Sleeping in turn is put on the backburner and this can have disastrous effects such as irritability, drowsiness, lack of concentration, and even deterioration of the immune system. Linings may not change a person’s mind to sleep longer, but at the bare minimum the quality of sleep will improve dramatically. BDL’s completely block out any light and impair sound disturbance, so absolute undivided attention is placed to getting rest, and getting it quickly.

Who will benefit the most from BDLs?

BDLs do not just target one client niche, but are recommended for just about anyone, including but not limiting to:
* Hospital personnel, pilots, police, firefighters, military and transportation personnel who work shifts
* Seniors who need to maintain a good quality of life and good health
* Infants who have not yet developed a proper sleep cycle and their parents
* Students who keep irregular hours
* Patients who need sufficient amount of rest to recover
* Computer operators who can experience eye fatigue
* EVERYONE who requires a good day’s or good night’s sleep. Anyone who wants to have more energy and to live healthier and longer.

Are there different types of BDLs?
BDLs can be divided into two main categories— “3-pass” and “2-pass”. The difference between the two types lies in the manufacturing process. Your specific needs of the finished drapery treatment will in turn determine from which to choose.

Can you describe the difference?
In order to differentiate between the two, we will break down the processes. First, all BDLs start as a base cloth of some polyester/cotton blend. The 3-pass goes through a first coat or “pass” of white acrylic foam that seals the weave and will finish as the cloth side of the lining. The second pass consists of a black “opaque” coat, creating the lining feature to block light. The third pass is a “finish” coat available in either white or ecru coloring.

The 2-pass goes through the same manufacturing process, the exception being the very first pass of white acrylic foam. Therefore, the black opaque coat is applied directly to the base cloth and the cloth side in turn gives off a gray color.

How do I decide whether to use a 2-pass or 3-pass BDL?
A 2-pass is recommended when the lining is to be sewn into the drapery. A 3-pass is recommended when the lining is to be used as it’s own drapery. If the face fabric for sewn-in installation is light or transparent, a 3-pass is advised to prevent possible bleed-through of gray from 2-pass use.

Both styles hold same degree of blackout ability.