The Complete Guide to Curtain Linings: Every Lining Type Explained

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Last Updated

November 3, 2026

Curtain lining types at a glance

Lining type	Blocks light	Warmth	Best for
Standard cotton	Low	Low	Living rooms, kitchens, everyday curtains
Blackout	Very high	Medium	Bedrooms, nurseries, home offices
Thermal	Medium	High	Living rooms, draughty or older homes
Interlining	Medium	Very high	Formal rooms, period homes, luxury curtains
Decorative	Low	Low	Statement curtains, curtains seen from outside

1. Standard cotton lining

Standard lining is a plain, closely woven cotton or poly-cotton fabric. It adds body, helps curtains hang in neat folds and protects the face fabric from fading. It tends to come as standard with many ready-made curtains and is a budget-friendly option for made to measure curtains and blinds.

Choose it if: you want a classic finish with no need for extra darkness or warmth.

Our picks: Cotton Lining Deluxe Fabric / Pale Ivory or the budget-friendly Poly Cotton Lining Deluxe Fabric / Ivory.

2. Blackout curtain lining

Blackout lining has a dense coating on the back that stops light passing through. It’s the best choice for anyone who needs a properly dark room, for example, a child’s bedroom or a home cinema room.

It also protects furniture and face fabrics from sun damage, and the extra layer helps reduce outside noise while adding extra insulation, keeping rooms warm in winter and cool in summer.

Choose it if: you need darkness for sleep, shift work or a home office with screen glare.

Our picks: Blackout Lining Deluxe Fabric / Natural, or JF Ticking Blackout Lining / Flax for a pretty woven striped finish on the reverse.

3. Thermal curtain lining

Thermal lining is thicker than standard lining, with a brushed or coated surface that traps air. This creates an insulating barrier at the window, keeping heat in during winter and helping rooms stay cooler in summer.

Choose it if: your room is large or feels chilly or draughty. Good for period properties or homes with single glazing.

Our picks: Thermal Lining Fabric / Natural, or the Superior Thermal Energy Reflecting Lining for extra performance - proven to retain up to five times the usual heat loss via windows.

Want the best of both? The Superior Blackout Energy Reflecting Lining is a new kind of hybrid lining, combining blackout and thermal benefits in one layer.

If you’re not sure which you need, compare curtains in our blog, Blackout versus Thermal Curtains: Which is better For Your Home?

4. Curtain interlining

Interlining is a soft, thick layer sewn between the face fabric and the lining. Interlined curtains have three layers, which makes them the warmest option and gives the fullest, most luxurious drape.

There are a few types to know:

Cotton interlining: thick and heavy, for maximum warmth and fullness. Try Cotton Interlining Fabric / Natural.
Domette: a lighter cotton interlining that adds softness with less bulk.
Acrylic interlining: lighter and more affordable. Try Acrylic Interlining Fabric.
FR interlining: for commercial projects or where fire-retardancy is needed. See FR Interlining Fabric.
Nap lining: with brushed cotton on one side, this sits somewhere between standard cotton lining and interlining. See Nap Lining.
Bonded lining: made from a sateen cotton lining and polyester fleece, this gives you an interlined feel without the work. See Bonded Lining.

Good to know: Interlined curtains are heavier, so they need a sturdy pole or track. Read more about the benefits of interlined and thermal lined curtains.

5. Decorative linings

Coloured and patterned linings are a lovely way to add interest to window dressings. They give a beautiful finish when curtains are pulled back and a flash of colour at the leading edge can make an interior scheme feel really pulled together. Equally impressive when the curtains are seen from outside..

Choose it if: your curtains are a statement piece or the reverse is on show.

Our picks: JF Ticking Deluxe Lining is a woven lining, available in six beautifully muted stripes; it also comes in a blackout version. For a bolder contrast, Coloured Linings Fabric is a coloured cotton lining available in nine rich colourways.

Which curtain lining is best for each room?

Bedrooms: blackout, or blackout plus thermal for winter.
Nurseries and children’s rooms: blackout for daytime naps.
Living rooms: thermal or interlining for warmth and a fuller look.
Kitchens and bathrooms: standard lining, as it’s lighter and easier to care for.
Home offices: blackout or thermal to cut glare and keep the room comfortable.
Period homes and draughty rooms: interlining for the best insulation and dramatic drapes.

Choosing curtain lining by season

If you can only choose one lining, think about when the room matters most. Thermal and interlining help most in autumn and winter, when heat escapes through windows. Blackout comes into its own in summer, when early sunrises and long evenings disrupt sleep. Combined blackout-thermal linings work well all year round.

Choosing made-to-measure curtains?

Lining works best when it’s matched to the fabric, the window and the room, for example, with made-to-measure curtains. Ready-made curtains usually come with one standard lining, but made to measure lets you choose exactly the lining you need.

A perfect fit. Curtains made to your exact measurements overlap the window properly, so blackout and thermal linings work as they should, with less light and fewer draughts sneaking round the edges.
Get the look you love. Pair the lining you need with the fabric you want. Create a unique look by choosing a coloured lining that contrasts with the curtain fabric, or to add extra interest when viewed from the outside.
Free measuring and design service. Get measuring and fabric advice in your home or online. Book a free consultation and we’ll help you choose the right lining for your room.
Expert quality with a 5-year guarantee. We’ve been fabric experts since 1988, and our made-to-measure curtains can be hand-made with beautiful interlining stitched in.

Prefer to sew your own? Follow our guide to making lined curtains.

Frequently asked questions

What curtain lining is warmest?

Interlining is the warmest option. A thick cotton bump interlining paired with a thermal lining gives the best insulation.

Which curtain lining blocks the most light?

Blackout lining blocks the most light. Choose a well-fitted curtain that overlaps the window frame to stop light creeping round the edges.

Can you get blackout and thermal lining in one?

Yes. Energy-reflecting blackout linings combine both, so you get a darker room and better insulation from a single layer.

What is the best lining for curtains?

It depends on the room. Blackout is best for bedrooms, thermal or interlining for living rooms, and standard cotton for kitchens and lightweight curtains.

Do curtains need lining?

Not always. Sheers and voiles are usually unlined, but most curtains hang better and last longer with lining.

Can I choose the lining on made-to-measure curtains?

Yes. With made-to-measure curtains you choose your lining when you order, so you can match it to the room. If you’re unsure, our free measuring and design service can help.

Ready to look at curtain linings?

The right lining makes your curtains look better, work harder and last longer. Start by deciding what matters most in the room, whether that’s darkness, warmth or drape, then choose your lining to match.

Ready to get started? Explore our curtain lining fabrics to find the right lining for your project. For more help and advice when it comes to made to measure curtains, book a virtual appointment or visit us in our Cheltenham or Burford showrooms.