Curtain types and curtain materials
Your choice of window solution is a great way to add beauty and expression to your home. But curtains and blinds can serve many more purposes – and multiple at the same time. For example, materials play an important part for the atmosphere and amount of light filtering.
This page will help you understand all the possibilities per curtain type so you can make the right choice for your space. We also discuss curtain materials.
Curtain types
- Product information page
Black-out curtains
Block-out curtains block light from shining through and completely darken your room. Therefor, your sleep won’t be disturbed by moonlight and street lights, and you will not be woken by the sun when sleeping in in late.
Block-out curtains have a block-out layer, while room darkening curtains have a dense construction of woven or thick fabric like velvet. They are often made with recycled materials.
An extra feature is that the textile also dampens the noise of slamming doors, music and the whole soundtrack of life. On top of that, they can help control the temperature of a room.
- Product information page
Room darkening curtains
Room darkening curtains prevent most light from entering and provide privacy all day and night by blocking the view into the room from outside. They are also sound absorbing and prevent cold and drafts.
- Product information page
Light filtering
A perfect solution when you want privacy or want to block glares on TV and computer screens. The outside light still comes through and creates a cosy atmosphere in the room.
- Product information page
Sheer curtains
Sheer curtains let sunlight through and allow you to sense what is happening in the world outside, while providing some privacy.
They are perfect as part of a layered window solution. Combine them with black-out or room darkening curtains to keep the cold outside and the warmth inside.
- Product information page
Blinds
Using blinds, you have complete control over the amount of light coming in. Blinds of sheer fabric keep your room light and airy while keeping out unwanted glare. Perfect for a reading corner next to the window. If you opt for a light filtering blind, you will have just a little more privacy, and the light will enter your room in a filtered manner. If you opt for a block out blind, no light will enter the room.
Roman blinds
Roman blinds are fabric curtains that can be pulled up in folds. The raised fabric folds in half into horizontal bands. Most roman blinds are partly translucent, which provides a subtle incidence of light with privacy. These curtains bring tranquility to any room due to their elegant shape.
- Product information page
Smart and electric blinds
These blinds ensure that you never miss a sunrise or sunset. You simply set the timer together with the IKEA Home smart app. Of course you can also operate them with the accompanying remote control. We have options for all types of light filtering.
- Product information page
Pleated & cellular blinds
Pleated blinds are curtains that fold themselves when closed. There can be a single or a double pleat in the curtain. With the double fold, you see a honeycomb structure, which creates an insulating layer of air between the window and the room. This saves energy.
- Product information page
Venetian blinds
Venetian blinds are blinds with slats that you can tilt backwards and forwards to set the light coming through the blinds. Our Venetian blind are easy to push up/pull down to effortlessly raise or lower them, without a cord. A modern look that works just as well all areas of the home. Not suitable to cut.
- Product information page
Top-down bottom-up blinds
This pleated blind can be mounted in any way to block out or soften light. Pull from top to bottom or from bottom to top – or just cover a section in the middle of the window. These are also easy to attach to your windows without drilling!
- Product information page
Window film
Window film creates privacy simply by placing a sticker on your window. It's preventing people outside from seeing directly into theroom while letting daylight in. Easy to cut to fit different window sizes. The packaging includes a scraper.
Materials for your curtains
Each material used for our window solutions has specific properties and has been chosen for a reason. As fabric is an important choice, we tell you more about different textile materials here. Also, take a look at the product information page for each product on our website to learn more about materials and sustainability.
Polyester
Polyester is a strong, wrinkle-resistant material that is easy to maintain. It absorbs hardly any moisture and is commonly used as a more affordable alternative to natural materials. Recycled polyester and virgin polyester have identical looks, attributes and characteristics. The incidence of light differs per type of curtain.
Linen
Linen has a timeless look and works perfectly in any season. The fabric is strong and durable and gets only softer with each wash. The natural fibres make the fabric highly breathable, allowing air to pass through and circulate. In most cases, linen provides soft light in your room.
Cotton
Cotton's softness and breathability has made it the world’s most popular natural fibre. The material is strong and can be washed at high temperatures. Natural fibres such as cotton are 100% renewable, and today many of our products are made of recycled cotton. Cotton curtains filter light, while the type of curtain determines how much light enters.
Viscose
Viscose fibres are strong, transport moisture away and are often combined with other materials such as cotton. As for its look, viscose offers lustre, colour brilliance and a satin-like sheen. This fabric softens daylight.
Mixed
Blended fabrics are a good way to get the best of both worlds. A blend consists of two or more textile fibers, which are then combined in different ways to create the desired effect to emphasize their good qualities.
