NATURAL FIBERS
Cotton
Advantages. Stable and durable; myriad weights, textures, and patterns.
Disadvantages. Fades and rots in direct sun; mildews; shrinks with washing; burns unless treated.
Linen
Advantages. Strong and durable; resists sun rot.
Disadvantages. Fades in direct sun; wrinkles unless blended with a more stable fiber, such as cotton or polyester; can stretch or shrink
in humid climates unless blended with a nonabsorbent synthetic fiber, most commonly polyester; burns unless treated.
Silk
Advantages. Long-lasting if lined and kept out of direct sun; versatile (can be made into fabrics as different as chiffon and velvet).
Disadvantages. Fades and rots in direct sun; wrinkles; mildews; shrinks with washing or in humid climates; picks up static electricity;
burns unless treated.
Wool
Advantages. Durable; more stable if blended with a synthetic fiber.
Disadvantages. Fades and rots in direct sun; reacts to humidity and temperature changes; picks up static electricity; burns unless treated.
SYNTHETIC FIBERS
Acetate
Advantages. Stable; colorfast when solution-dyed; resists sun rot; melts rather than burns.
Disadvantages. Wrinkles; picks up static electricity.
Nylon
Advantages. Stable and durable; washable; wrinkleproof; melts rather than burns.
Disadvantages. Fades and rots in direct sun; picks up static electricity; has a synthetic appearance unless blended with other fibers.
Polyester
Advantages. Stable and durable; colorfast and resistant to sun rot; washable; wrinkleproof; often made into fabrics that look like silk;
blends well with other fibers.
Disadvantages. Picks up static electricity.
Rayon
Advantages. Drapes well; dyes well, making it available in beautiful, sophisticated colors; blends well with other fibers.
Disadvantages. Rots in direct sun; mildews; shrinks when washed; wrinkles unless blended with a more stable fabric; burns unless treated.
Sunset Ideas for Great Window Treatments
