Select Liners

What Is a Liner?

A liner is an extra layer of fabric sewn behind curtains or shades. It sits on the inside, hidden from the room, and changes how the drapery performs.

Beige curtain fabric and liner with labels on a neutral background
Close-up of green and white curtains on a neutral background

Why Use a Liner?

Liners add support, help with light control, and protect the main fabric. They can also soften sound, improve privacy, and keep the back of the curtain looking clean.

Main advantages include:

  • The back of the curtain appears smooth and uniform
  • Protects against UV fading
  • Moderately reduces outside noise
  • Helps manage sunlight
  • Creates insulation that may lower heating and cooling usage

Note: Curtain liners are usually not hemmed at the very bottom or side edges. For fewer light gaps, consider:

  • A slightly longer length so the fabric pools at the floor
  • Wider panels that extend past the window frame

Fabric and Liner Combinations

Below is a simplified reference showing how different liners vary in weight, shading power, and intended use.

Type Shading Color Material Weight Layers Works With
Privacy 60 percent White Polyester 90 gsm Single Drapery and Roman Shades
Privacy 70 percent White Cotton 117 gsm Single Drapery
Room Darkening 70 to 80 percent White Polyester 140 gsm Single Drapery and Roman Shades
Room Darkening 90 to 95 percent Grayish white Polyester 220 gsm Single triple weave Drapery
Blackout 100 percent Grayish white Microfiber coated 150 gsm Single double pass Drapery and Roman Shades
Thermal Blackout 100 percent White Microfiber coated 250 gsm Single triple pass Drapery
Combo Interlining 70 percent White Cotton and flannel 282 gsm Double Drapery
Combo Blackout Interlining 100 percent White Polyester and flannel 315 gsm Double Drapery
Same Fabric Backing Varies Same as front fabric Same Varies Single Drapery
Unlined No shading Depends on fabric None None Single Drapery and Roman Shades

Terms

  • Weave structure refers to how the fabric is woven for thickness and durability
  • Pass count refers to how many coating layers are applied
  • Layer count refers to how many fabric sheets are stacked together

Some liners may slightly influence the original fabric color, especially heavier blackout styles.

Liner Types Explained

Close-up of a navy blue fabric texture on a light gray background

Unlined Curtains

No extra fabric at the back. Light passes freely and creates a soft glow.

Best for

Sheers and fabric collections designed to block light on their own.

Benefits

  • Natural daylight
  • Highlights the fabric texture and weave
  • Keeps the curtain light and airy
Close-up of a navy blue fabric texture on a light gray background

Privacy Liner (60 Percent)

Fabric

100 percent polyester, 90 gsm, white

Light Block

60 to 80 percent

Benefits

  • Adds body to the curtain
  • Gives the back a finished appearance
  • Helps reduce creasing and stains
Close-up of a navy blue fabric texture on a light gray background

Privacy Liner (70 Percent)

Fabric

Cotton, 117 gsm, white

Light Block

60 to 70 percent

Benefits

  • Natural fiber feel
  • Allows some light while softening visibility from outside
Close-up of a navy blue fabric texture on a light gray background

Room Darkening Liner (70 to 80 Percent)

Fabric

Polyester, 140 gsm

Light Block

70 to 80 percent

Benefits

  • Resists wrinkles
  • Better insulation than cotton privacy liners
Close-up of a navy blue fabric texture on a light gray background

Room Darkening Liner (90 to 95 Percent)

Fabric

Heavyweight polyester, 220 gsm, triple weave

Light Block

90 to 95 percent

Benefits

  • Strong light control
  • Extra insulation

Note: The grayish backing can influence the color slightly.

Close-up of a navy blue fabric texture on a light gray background

Blackout Liner (100 Percent)

Fabric

Microfiber with foam coating, 150 gsm

Light Block

100 percent

Benefits

  • Full darkness
  • Ideal for bedrooms and media rooms
  • Adds privacy

Care Notes

  • Do not machine wash
  • Clean with gentle wiping
  • Small pinholes may allow tiny dots of light
  • Stitching may appear dark due to coating friction
Close-up of a navy blue fabric texture on a light gray background

Thermal Blackout Liner (100 Percent)

Fabric

Microfiber with triple foam coating, 250 gsm

Light Block

100 percent

Benefits

  • Sound softening effect
  • Extra insulation and darkness

Care Notes

  • Clean with wiping
  • Pinholes may appear around seams
Close-up of a navy blue fabric texture on a light gray background

Interlining Combo (70 Percent)

Fabric

Two combined layers totaling 282 gsm

Light Block

70 percent

Benefits

  • Added thickness
  • Warmer feel
  • Soft room darkening and structure
Close-up of a navy blue fabric texture on a light gray background

Blackout Interlining Combo (100 Percent)

Fabric

Two combined layers totaling 315 gsm

Light Block

100 percent

Benefits

  • Full light block
  • Extra thermal protection
  • Quiet atmosphere in the room
Close-up of a navy blue fabric texture on a light gray background

Same Fabric Liner

Uses the same curtain material on the back.

Best For

Room dividers and areas where both sides are visible.

Benefits

  • Both sides match
  • Creates a uniform, polished look

Woven Shade Liner Options

Unlined

Light enters freely and brings out the natural texture of the weave. Good for bright rooms that need wide open daylight.

Privacy Liner

  • Beige white
  • 50 to 75 percent shade
  • Light enters softly while limiting visibility

Blackout Liner

  • White
  • 96 to 100 percent shade
  • Full light block for bedrooms or media rooms
Green textured fabric on a beige background

FAQs

No. Some fabrics work fine alone. A liner simply adds control over light and privacy.

Heavy blackout liners may shift the tone slightly. Most lighter liners do not.

Yes. Dense fabrics and coated liners slow heat transfer and help stabilize room temperature.

Many lined curtains should not be machine-washed. Spot cleaning or light steaming is usually safer.