Often we only shop for a certain color of blind or curtain when redecorating. What we forget is that the fabrics that make up these window treatments, plays a larger role in how it looks than we think.

Brocade - Often a weighty fabric woven of silk, cotton, wool or a combination. A raised, floral design in a Jacquard a brocade's distinguishing feature. It is typically formal styles.

Cambrie - A plain, tightly woven linen or cotton fabric been on one side. Curtain panels can be successfully made from cambric.

Canvas - A coarse woven-cotton material available in heavy or lighter gauges. Canvas is strong and inexpensive. This is the best for room darkening shades.

Chintz - Cotton fabric, often in a floral or other all-over at is coated with a resin that gives it a sheen. Dry cleaning is necessary.

Cotton Duck - A cream-colored cotton that comes in various weights. It is ideal for no sew curtains.

Crewel - Plain woven, natural-cotton fabric with wool ery. Dry cleaning is required.

Damask - Another Jacquard material made of cotton, ol, or a combination with a satin, raised design. This is type is mostly used for draperies.

Gingham - Plain-weave cotton fabric woven in block or checked prints. Its crisp look makes gingham popular for borders and curtain panels.

Lace - Cotton or cotton-polyester-blend material featuring an openwork design. Lace is favored for cafe curtains.

Linen - An unusually strong fabric made from processed flax. Linen is best when used in simple designs.

Understated fabrics are a good choice for a bedroom. Here, a sheer voile is paired with a light silk that drapes beautifully into soft folds when it is drawn back.

Gauzy curtains made of voile have a translucency that is airy and feminine. This type of fabric looks pretty loosely draped, swagged, knotted, or twisted.

Contrasting two materials, such as a heavy velvet over light organdy or a toile pattern over bamboo, adds an interesting layered look on a window.

Moire - This term actually refers to a finish, usually or acetate, that resembles water marking. Washing r the finish, so dry-clean the fabric. Depending on weight moire can be suitable for draperies.

Muslin - Ranging from coarse to fine, a plain weave cotton fabric. Muslin is also called voile.

Organdy - Light cotton washed in acid for a crisp Organdy is used for trimmings, borders, and curtains.

Satin - A silk, linen, or cotton weave with a glossy s and dull back, sometimes with a moire finish. Satin particularly durable but is fine for draperies.

Silk - A shiny fabric made from fibers produced b worms. Silk is favored for swags and formal drapes.

Taffeta - A silk-and-acetate weave that is shiny and maintains shape. Taffeta is used for borders and curtains.