Drapes get boost from lining

DEAR GAIL: I'm going to tackle my first do-it-yourself project and sew drapery panels for my master bedroom. I've noticed that most of the panels now sold in stores are not lined. Do I need to line mine? -- Joan M.

DEAR JOAN: Back in the days of full walls of traverse drapery panels, you always had them lined. It seems that with more and more draperies being sold in stores, catalogs and online, they no longer come lined, which I feel is simply a matter of price. The home décor industry is very competitive and to keep prices down, they skip the lining. But whenever I have draperies custom made, they are lined whether they will be covering the whole window or are just stationary panels tied back.

Lining actually originated back in the Middle Ages as a way to insulate the windows, as well as provide additional security and privacy in a room. Even though our homes now have insulated windows and we cover them with blinds for privacy, lining does more than add labor and cost to your treatment; lining serves an important function to the look and life of your draperies.

Drapery panels without lining is like wearing a dress without a slip. Lining adds body, prevents clinging and eliminates any see-through in the fabric. Lined drapes hang better by offering shape retention to the fabric and add an unwrinkled effect, which also gives inexpensive fabric a richer look. But the most important reason to line your draperies, especially here in Las Vegas, is to protect your fabric from fading and sun rot. Lining also has insulation value, as well as giving your draperies water- and stain-resistance features.

Lining comes in two basic colors: white and ivory, although as with paint, there are many shades of these two colors. Usually I use the ivory lining as it blends best with most fabrics and the window shades. But if you have a fabric with a very bright white background, I would use the white.

There are a couple of different weights and types of lining for you to consider.

Lightweight lining comes in either 100 percent cotton or a cotton/polyester blend and is good to use on heavy fabrics so it won't make the treatment too heavy for the brackets.

Medium-weight lining is normally a blend of 50 percent cotton and 50 percent polyester and has a rubber feel. It is good with most light- to medium-weight fabrics.

Black-out lining is considered a heavyweight lining that is normally used in bedrooms or theater rooms to block out any light. Since this lining is heavier, it is also bulkier and your draperies will take up more room on the wall when you open them. That's just something to keep in mind. Also, due to the lining's weight, the panels will not hang as softly as with a medium-weight lining.

There are also specialty linings. Flameproof lining is typically used in commercial settings, such as hotels and theaters. Thermal lining, is used when climate control in a room is most important. It is made out of acrylic foam and will keep the room warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Another type of specialty lining is interlining, which you place between the main fabric and the lining or between two thicknesses of the fabric. Interlining is usually a cotton flannel and sometimes a canvas. You would use interlining with silks to give them added body, richness and protection from the sun.

When selecting your lining, try to select one that has similar construction and cleaning requirements as your fabric. They will hang better together and you will not have to worry about either the lining or fabric puckering due to shrinkage if they can be cleaned the same way.

The only types of fabric that you wouldn't line are a sheer or open casement weave, as you would take away the beauty and characteristics of the fabrics. Just be aware that if you do not have a good window or blinds on the window, these fabrics will not last as long as other treatments due to our harsh sun.

Lining is very inexpensive per yard, so it is well-worth the little extra money and time. It will give your drapery panels a professional look and they will last longer.

Gail Mayhugh, owner of GMJ Interiors, is a professional interior designer and author of a book on the subject. Questions may be sent by e-mail to: gail@gmjinteriors.com. Or, mail to: 7380 S. Eastern Ave., No. 124-272, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Her Web address is: www.GMJinteriors.com.