How to Choose Your Linen Curtains
Curtains are far more than a simple accessory: they play a key role in the atmosphere and style of a room, whether it’s a spacious living area, a cosy nook or a bedroom. They bring warmth, elegance and privacy while allowing you to control the light levels to suit your mood. However, choosing the right curtains can quickly become something of a puzzle.
Should you favour neutral shades for a calming atmosphere, or vibrant colours to energise your décor? Opt for lightweight sheers that let the light in, or thicker fabrics with blackout lining for total darkness? And let’s not forget the question of length and hanging style, both of which influence the overall harmony of the room.
To help you make the right choice for your space and your needs, Embrin is here to guide you through the essential criteria to consider in your search for the perfect curtains!
Choosing the fabric for your curtains with Embrin
Curtains do more than simply dress your windows: they structure the space and enhance the overall atmosphere of your interior. When chosen well, they add a touch of elegance, privacy and warmth, transforming the mood of any room, be it a living room, bedroom or office.
As for fabric type, there’s no need to hesitate: all our models are made from linen—and that’s a very good thing! Linen offers numerous advantages for your home. It boasts a unique style, striking a balance between rustic charm and modernity. It complements any interior and brings a delightful natural touch to your décor.
It is also a superb thermal regulator: it keeps your home cosy in winter and cool in summer! Linen is an ideal fabric for those with sensitive skin or allergies, as it is naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic. What’s more, our fabrics and dyes are Oeko-Tex certified: this limits the use of chemicals that are harmful to both your health and the environment.
With Embrin, you can configure your own linen curtains to your liking and order them directly online.
Configure my made-to-measure curtains
What width should my curtains be?
The answer is simple: to begin with, you need to decide on the number of panels you wish to hang at your window. In any case, whether you choose one or two panels, the total width of your curtains should be around twice the width of the pole, bearing in mind that the pole usually extends about 20 cm beyond each side of the window. For sheers, allow for 2.5 times the width of the pole.
At Embrin, the fullness used in the making of your curtains ranges between 1.6 and 2, which corresponds to the width of the curtains taking the pleats into account. This fullness is adjusted according to the finish (eyelets, single or double pleats, or flat pleats), to optimise the number of drops and thus avoid unnecessary joins. This also ensures beautiful waves whether your curtains are open or closed.
Choosing the right colour
One of the key criteria to consider is colour. It should harmonise with the rest of your décor to create a coherent and pleasing whole. You might opt for soft, neutral shades (beige, grey, off-white) that blend subtly into the space, or, on the contrary, choose more distinctive colours (emerald green, deep blue, terracotta) to add contrast and character.
Also think about the visual effect you’re after: light-coloured curtains make a room feel larger and enhance brightness, while darker tones create a more intimate, cocooning atmosphere. For a truly harmonious effect, you can match your curtains to other decorative elements such as cushions, rugs or furniture. By taking time to choose the right shade, your curtains will become a genuine aesthetic asset for your home.
If your room is lacking a touch of pep, don’t hesitate to go for vivid colours such as our fig red. Conversely, for a more understated look, opt for nacre, pollen or natural linen. Finally, for a touch of elegance, spruce, navy blue and granite are perfect choices. Ideally, choose a colour already present in your room, such as that of your sofa or a rug.
Which lining should you choose?
Wondering which fabric to choose for the lining of your curtains? Start by defining their purpose. Ask yourself whether they are mainly to protect you from light, prying eyes or the cold. Your answers will help you select the ideal lining.
For a bedroom, it may be wise to opt for a blackout lining, so as not to let in the early morning light. After that, it all depends on your interior and your specific needs!
Find out more about curtain linings
The curtain pole & heading
The curtain pole is an essential element that does more than simply support your curtains: it also contributes to showcasing them and to the overall aesthetic of your room. Its choice should not be left to chance, as it influences not only your décor’s style, but also the practicality of your curtains.
There are several models to suit different styles and preferences. The two most common systems are tracks and poles. The track is ideal for those seeking a discreet, understated finish. The pole is more visible and supports your curtain with elegance, adding an extra decorative touch to the room.
Beyond style, consider functionality: tracks are perfect for lightweight curtains and a subtle mechanism, while poles are better suited to heavier fabrics and curtains with eyelets or rings. By coordinating the pole with your curtains and the rest of your décor, you’ll enhance your space’s aesthetic while ensuring everyday practicality.
Choosing the right fabric weight
Once again, the weight of your curtains depends on their purpose. If you’re leaning towards a very light sheer, the fabric should weigh around 125 g/m². On the other hand, if you want curtains that insulate you from light, heat or even sound, choose a fabric of around 800 g/m².
Which weight should you choose? At Embrin, all our curtains are around 310 g/m²: they let the light through and do not affect the room temperature. And then there’s the lining: depending on your choice, your curtains will be more or less blackout and insulating. In the end, weight isn’t everything, though it does give you an idea of the fabric’s quality and delicacy.
Now that you have all the information you need to choose your linen curtains, you can create and personalise them directly with our online tool.
Configure my personalised curtains
If this article hasn’t answered all your questions, head over to our ultimate curtain selection guide by Embrin, where you’ll find every question you might have on the subject!
