Bespoke Linen Curtains: The Pros, Cons & Everything In Between

May 22, 2025

It is no secret that we love bespoke curtains made from beautiful linen fabrics.  Linen cloth has many incredible qualities. It is naturally stain-resistant, anti-bacterial, and biodegradable.  It is also naturally absorbent, which means it requires much less dye than cotton cloth does, and it scores highly within our sustainability footprint.

It is no secret that we love bespoke curtains made from beautiful linen fabrics! Linen cloth has many incredible qualities. It is naturally stain-resistant, anti-bacterial, and biodegradable.  It is also naturally absorbent, which means it requires much less dye than cotton cloth does, and it scores highly within our sustainability footprint.

Linen has always been a popular fabric for interiors as it remains a timeless cloth that sits outside interior design trends and remains one of our most requested cloths for curtains and blinds.  In this article, you will discover why linen curtains are so special, how to choose the perfect linen for your home and tips to look after linen.

Why linen curtains continue to have a timeless appeal

Linen curtains have always been a favourite for interior design.  Linen is always my main go-to fabric for so many reasons.  Many of the independent textile designers use linen in their designs, not just for their beautiful natural textures and sustainable properties, but also for its function, longevity and the finish that it gives with digital printing. However, there are many other properties that make this cloth one of the most used sought after for curtains and blinds.

Linen cloth is woven from Flax, one of the oldest fibres but also one of the most versatile. It is a luxurious natural fibre that is strong and durable, and the finished linen cloth has a range of textures, from raw and robust to smooth and refined. It is this texture and durability which makes it perfect for linen curtains, upholstery, bespoke roman blinds and cushions, as well as a growing fashion for bedding too. And most importantly, it is one of our most environmentally friendly and sustainable fabrics for interiors.

Linen as a sustainable choice

Linen is a natural fibre made from the fibres of the flax plant.  Its sustainability stems from the way it is grown, processed and the properties it has when woven in to cloth. The process of making linen involves harvesting the flax fibres to produce linen yarn. The cultivation process is one of the main reasons that linen is so sustainable.  Here are some of the reasons why.

Linen uses minimal water consumption

Linen production requires minimal water in comparison to other thirsty crops like cotton, reducing the need for intensive farming production.

Linen does not require pesticides or chemical fertilizers

Linen production does not involve the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides and does not generate any toxic waste, making it an environmentally friendly and sustainable choice for our homes.  

Linen is biodegradable

One of linens incredible characteristics is that linen is biodegradable, and as a natural fibre, breaks down in the environment without leaving an harmful residues.

Linen has a low environmental impact

Linen’s journey from flax to fabric involves far fewer environmental processes, compared to synthetic fabrics like polyester, which means a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

Properties & characteristics of linen

Linen is also known for its natural properties and characteristics which make it an ideal option for curtains and blinds, and home accessories.

Linen is durable, breathable & absorbs moisture

Linen cloth is a strong and durable fabric, and I have often heard that it is three times stronger than cotton. It is one of our strongest fabrics. Linen is also a very breathable cloth and it allows a better airflow, which is one of the reasons why linen bedding is becoming so popular.  Linen fibres are hygroscopic, capable of absorbing moisture and releasing it into the atmosphere. This is because the structure of each fibre does not lock air in. 

Linen has antibacterial properties & is hypoallergenic

Linen also has natural antibacterial properties, increasing its longevity and reducing the need for frequent washing. Linen fabric has unique filtering properties that help to reduce allergens and germs.  It is effective against some types of allergens such as dust, mould, and mildew.

Linen is a strong fibre

Linen fibres are inherently strong and more resistant to general wear and tear than other fabrics.

Linen fabrics have a soft and natural appearance

While linen can be slightly rough at first, it soon softens with washing and handling. We will always be drawn to its beautiful woven textures and slubs, which are its main visual characteristic.

The pros of choosing linen for bespoke curtains in your home

There are many pros for using linen for your bespoke curtains, and the majority are listed above. In my work, sustainability is always an important factor, alongside longevity, and linen is the most perfect choice.

When considering aesthetics, linen curtains have much to offer. Linen has a unique and beautiful texture that is hard to replicate with any other fabric. It’s natural and earthy look adds elegance and timelessness to any room, and linen is now available in an array of colours, alongside the traditional natural tones of old. Regardless of whether you are looking for a traditional or contemporary aesthetic, linen curtains will complement any style.

Cons to consider when choosing linen for your bespoke curtains

While linen has far more pros than cons, there are a few things to consider.

The cost of linen fabrics

Pure linen fabrics can be more costly than man made fabrics but equally they will last much longer than fibres such as polyester. So do bear this in mind too, if you are looking at the longevity of your project.

Linen fabrics can crease and wrinkle

Linen is prone to wrinkles and creases, and many of my clients look at this as a definite pro as it is part of the beauty of this cloth.  However, not everyone likes wrinkles or creases, and I do have clients who will not consider linen.  So do consider this when you are choosing fabrics.

Linen fabric can change in length

Linen absorbs moisture and naturally drops and retracts with the weather, so bespoke linen curtains can have slight length variations. I often see curtains that have dropped a little in the winter, after a few days of rain and moisture in the air, and yet this always disappears, and the curtains are back to their normal length in warmer days.  It is part of the beauty of this natural cloth; however, it is also something to bear in mind when you are deciding on the finished length of your curtains. I usually aim for a middle ground, leaving the curtains just touching the flooring, to allow for these small variations in length.  

Oatmeal Chunky Laundered Linen

It is the perfect time to highlight one of our beautiful linens which we hold in stock! This is the perfect natural linen and it is a beautiful weight for curtains and blinds.

Our Beautiful Oatmeal Chunky Laundered Linen fabric is one of the Dune collection of plain linens, woven in Belgium. Belgium Linen is renown for its high quality and this linen is no exception. Chunky and soft, with a laundered slightly crumpled finish and a lovely and raw texture of a plain linen.  It is a wonderful quality with a lovely drape.

Perfect for your bespoke curtains or made to measure roman blinds.This linen fabric is a medium to heavy weight linen in a soft oatmeal. Think of Farrow & Ball ‘Dropcloth’ and add texture and tonal shade flecks in its chunky, wonderfully ‘slubby’ texture. A linen that is very reminiscent of old grainsacks. Thick, soft and wonderfully floppy.

Perfect for floppy heading linen curtains, beautifully timeless natural curtains and blinds, as well as cushions and occasional use upholstery.

How linen compares to other curtain fabrics, like cotton, wool or polyester

This is a question I am often asked! Linen is very different from any other curtain fabric, and it very much depends upon the look you wish to achieve.

Wool is a natural fibre and has a very different texture and weight to it.  Wool makes the most beautiful curtains and blinds, however, it is heavier and denser, and so is an incredible fabric to help keep warmth in too.  if you love the texture and look of pure wool, then this is an option for you too.

Linen and cotton fabrics differ significantly in how they handle and feel. Pure cottons are derived from the cotton plant, which relies on lots of sunshine and rain to thrive.  Cotton requires much more water in its growing phase and production than linen, and many people consider this a negative factor for sustainability, as it is a very water heavy cloth.

Cotton curtains can feel lighter very crisp too, but they are a much firmer fabric without the texture and properties of linen. Some cottons are heavy and will not flow and move like linen curtains will, so this is something to bear in mind.

Polyester fabrics are considerably different.  Any man-made fabrics are derived from chemicals or some form of synthetics, so will not have the durability or breathability of a natural cloth. I find most man-made fabrics are stiff, unyielding and I avoid at all costs. They simply do not have the longevity of a natural fabric and will not give you the beautiful end finish either.

Things to consider: caring & maintaining the beauty of bespoke linen curtains

There are many different weights of linen available, varying from fine linen voiles through to the heavy, chunky laundered linens, and each weight can require different needs.  Caring for linen fabric is quite simple though, and I have added some tips below. However, always consider the weight of the linen and experiment with any scraps of fabric first, if you have them. 

Washing linen curtains

I am often asked if it is fine to wash linen curtains, and I am always honest with my thoughts on this topic.  Lighter weight linen fabric can be washed in cold or lukewarm water with a mild, non-chlorine detergent. I would recommend avoiding fabric softener, as it can soften and damage the linen fibres.  However, you should also bear in mind that the linen may shrink a little and it will crease a lot.  Another consideration is the weight of the linen and whether the lining or interlining can be washed, and most of the time the answer to this is no. Therefore, I would always recommend dry-cleaning lined and interlined curtains if you have no other option.

Drying linen curtains

Linen should always be hung and dried outside, in the open air in a shady place, avoiding direct sunlight, as this will discolour the fabric. 

Ironing linen curtains

When washed, linen fabric will always crease easily, so I would recommend ironing it while it is still damp. Use a medium to hot iron and experiment with temperatures first. be very careful with steam as this can also stretch some linens. 

Some of the beautiful linens available, from left to right: Josephine Munsey, & Inchyra Linens

Final thoughts on bespoke linen curtains

Bespoke linen curtains are incredibly beautiful, and can last for many years, if not for many decades.

Linen has always been one of the most popular fabrics in interior design, as it is a classic timeless cloth that is a great choice for longevity.

However, not everyone loves or appreciates the characteristics of linen and so it is important to be aware of these to avoid disappointment.  There are so many benefits for using linen and I hope this blog post has shown you the proc and cons to help you choose your fabrics.

We have a regular newsletter ‘From Cloth to Home’ where I often chat about linens and have a regular spotlight on some of the UK fabric designers and the linens I use in my projects. If you would like to be part of our newsletter community, please sign up. I look forward to connecting with you.

If you would like help with choosing linen for your projects, or if you are interested in our bespoke services, please contact me at [email protected] or through our contact form.

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