Curtains are one of those home items that have both a decor aspect and a function. Apart from affecting the insulation in a room, curtains can also affect the ventilation.
Depending on the material that they are made of, curtains may or may not block airflow in a room.
Here are the Types of Curtains that Block Airflow:
Generally, curtains made from heavyweight and tightly-woven textiles like velvet, tapestry, tweed, and denim, will block the airflow. Velvet curtains are especially great for this as they will not let air through the tightly knit weave.
Do COTTON Curtains Block Airflow?
Cotton is a natural fiber that allows air to move and circulate through the fabric. Cotton fibers are naturally porous materials that allow air to flow.
That being said, cotton curtains do not block airflow. Cotton curtains normally have a high thread count that enables airflow and allows air to circulate and move freely in a room.
Curtains made from cotton are very versatile and can come in a range of designs to suit any room. They look clean and fresh, and they drape nicely.
Cotton curtains are lightweight and highly breathable. They are great to place on your windows especially during a hot summer day, as they would easily let a breeze in, thus allowing your room to cool.
The downside to cotton curtains is that they are very absorbent. When placed in moist environments, they can be prone to mold and mildew.
Do SILK Curtains Block Airflow?
Silk is another light and breathable material that is commonly used for curtains, draperies, and even upholstery. Silk fibers are natural fibers that allow air to move freely and circulate.
Silk curtains are lightweight curtains that do not block airflow.
They look and feel luxurious while allowing air in to cool a room. Silk curtains are quite expensive and add an elegant feel to any space. They are functional as they do not restrict airflow.
Silk is one of the strongest and most resilient fibers out there. This means that with the right care, your silk curtains can last for a very long time. They are not prone to ripping or tearing easily, even when they are stretched.
The downside to silk curtains is that they wear out easily with direct sun exposure. They also wear out easily when they are exposed to moisture for a prolonged period.
Do POLYESTER Curtains Block Airflow?
Polyester is another popular material for curtains. Polyester fibers are lightweight and breathable. Polyester curtains do not block airflow.
Polyester curtains easily let air in and allow it to circulate freely in the room. The fabric does not fade easily nor do they wear out faster. They are also very affordable. This is why polyester curtains are a popular choice.
In addition, polyester curtains are easy to clean and durable.
They are a good choice if you want a curtain that is low maintenance.
However, polyester curtains do have a downside. They tend to shrink or get deformed when they are exposed to extreme heat.
Do VELVET Curtains Block Airflow?
Velvet curtains are thick with heavyweight and tightly-woven fibers. These curtains tend to block airflow.
Velvet curtains are soft, and thick and add a luxurious feel to any room. Because their fibers are woven very tightly, they do not allow air to pass through and circulate in the room.
However, velvet curtains are great for cold weather.
They create a thick barrier that does not let cold air in. Since they block airflow, they are good for warming up a room during cold months, especially when it is winter.
If you want a curtain that is breathable and allows good airflow, then velvet curtains are not recommended.
Do ACRYLIC Curtains Block Airflow?
Acrylic has a similar texture to wool. Acrylic curtains are lightweight and they drape beautifully.
Acrylic curtains also provide good insulation and they do not block airflow.
They can let air in and allow it to circulate in the room. However, they are less breathable compared to cotton and polyester.
These curtains let air in, but not as much as cotton or polyester does. Acrylic is a good breathable fabric for curtains, but it is not the best option.
Do LACE Curtains Block Airflow?
Lace curtains are made of thin materials that let a lot of light and air pass through. Lace fabrics are often made of cotton or polyester, or a blend of these materials.
The lace fabric is often made by knotting, looping, and twisting the threads together to create intricate patterns.
Since lace fabrics are made from breathable materials like cotton and polyester, lace curtains do not block airflow. They are very light and airy, and they drape nicely.
Do SHEER Curtains Block Airflow?
Sheer curtains are made of slightly transparent materials. Some of the common materials used to make sheer fabric are chiffon, georgette, and gauze.
Sheer curtains are lightweight, and they add a breezy feel to a room. They are either used on their own or as an additional layer under heavy curtains.
Although sheer curtains are made of light fabric, they are actually not good insulators. Sheer curtains are not good for letting in and circulating air. And they tend to block airflow a bit.
When the weather is warm, they can even make the room warmer.
What are the Best Breathable Curtain Materials?
If you are looking for a curtain that is breathable, here are the best curtain materials that you may want to consider. These curtains materials are great for when you want to let air in the room and allow it to circulate freely.
Cotton
Cotton is a light and durable fabric that is great for curtains. This natural fabric is very versatile in the way that it can be used for so many different styles of curtains.
Cotton generally has a high thread count. Its weave is strong enough that any curtain made from it can hold its shape on its own, without the need to add a curtain lining.
When opting for cotton curtains, just make sure to place them in rooms that do not get a lot of moisture. Cotton is very absorbent and can be prone to mold and mildew when they get exposed to moisture for a prolonged period.
Linen
Linen is another natural fiber that is commonly used for curtains. Linen fabric is slightly heavier than cotton and is more textured.
Even if the linen fabric is a bit heavier, it is still breathable. It has a good weight and structure that makes it a great option for curtains and drapes. It falls nicely and can hold its shape.
Muslin
Muslin is a type of cotton fabric. It is very lightweight and loosely woven, that it is almost airy. Depending on its wave, it can even be almost transparent.
Since it is another type of cotton, muslin is very breathable.
Muslin curtains are great if you like ones that look floaty and billowy. Plus they are also very cheap, so they are an excellent choice if you are on a budget.
Wool
When you look at wool, you would think that it blocks airflow because it can be thick and heavy. However, wool is actually one of the most breathable fabrics out there.
Despite the fibers being thick, the weave of wool curtains allows enough air to circulate in the room. This is what makes them good insulators.
The downside to wool curtains is that they are a bit high-maintenance. They are heavy so they can be difficult to wash.
Silk
Silk is a highly breathable fiber, that is resilient and can last very long. They make for beautiful curtains that add a hint of luxury to any room.
However, silk curtains are quite expensive and high-maintenance.
They cannot go in the wash. They require dry cleaning and they can fade easily when exposed to direct sunlight.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is light and breathable. The fibers are not absorbent so they can handle moisture. They also have anti-bacterial properties.
Polyester curtains are a great choice if you want something curtains that are breathable, lightweight, and easy to clean. They can go in the wash.
Plus, since they are not prone to mold and mildew, you can place them in the kitchen and bathrooms, or anywhere that has a lot of moisture.
Rayon
Rayon is a material that is made from processed wood pulp. Even though it is derived from wood, it slightly resembles silk.
Rayon curtains are also lightweight, and somewhat airy. They have thin fibers that make them very breathable. Plus they are quite affordable.
The downside to using rayon is that they cannot go in the wash, and they require dry-cleaning.
Sources:
What Kind of Curtains Keep Cold Air Out?