So, you're looking for new curtains, and you have heard of jacquard, but you're not sure what they are. There are so many types of curtains out there, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Have no fear, though; we are here to tell you everything you need to know about jacquard curtains.
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Jacquard curtains are made from jacquard fabric, a textured fabric featuring woven patterns. Because the designs are woven and not printed, the material is durable, heavy, and often gives off a regal vibe. Typical patterns found on jacquard fabrics are florals, paisleys, or animal prints.
Keep reading to find out what jacquard curtains are, why they are great, and how you can incorporate them into your home.
Why Choose Jacquard Curtains?
With a variety of window treatment options out there, it can be challenging to figure out what you need. From sheer curtains to pleated, it seems like there are endless options. But if you are looking for something classy, stylish, and detailed, jacquard curtains are for you.
Jacquard refers to the style of weaving used to make the curtains. Jacquard fabric is woven on a unique loom that uses a punch-hole system to create intricate, beautiful patterns. Jacquard fabrics are not printed or embroidered but are woven directly into the fabric. This leads to the designs being raised on the material. Because of this technique, Jacquard curtains are extremely durable and thick. The method was invented in 1804 by Joseph Marie Jacquard and was a tremendous innovation for the textile industry. Fun fact: the punch card system used to weave the patterns in Jacquard fabrics helped inspire the invention of early computers! If you're interested in the history of Jacquard fabrics, click here for more info!
Choose jacquard curtains if you are looking for something long-lasting, or you are looking for a curtain that will keep out a great deal of light. While jacquard curtains will vary depending on the fabric used, their patterns will be less likely to fade over time. They will lend your home or office a regal, luxurious feeling.
Another way to add a regal vibe to your room is to hang your curtains without rods or nails. Click here for simple instructions on how to hang curtains without nails.
How Do You Care For Jacquard Curtains?
The raised woven patterns on jacquard curtains are delicate and susceptible to damage, bleeding, and distortion. To preserve the integrity of Jacquard curtains, you will want to be delicate in your treatment of them. Use a light brush to clean the curtains and prevent any damage regularly. A light brush with delicate, soft bristles will help remove any built-up dirt or dust inside the fabric.
To clean a jacquard curtain more thoroughly, use a pre-conditioner on the specific spot or stain. Pre-conditioner, like soft soap or foam, will help to maintain the integrity of the fabric. Once the spot is pre-conditioned, use a padded silk brush (or wrap a silk handkerchief around a brush) and gently massage the stain out.
Click here for more information on how to clean your curtains.
Is Jacquard Material Soft?
Yes, jacquard material can be soft. It all depends on the fabric used. Jacquard material refers to the weaving technique, and not the material itself. Therefore, jacquard materials can range from soft to scratchy, smooth to textured. If you are looking for a soft curtain, look for one made from cotton or silk. Alternatively, if you are looking for a more heavy-duty material, you will want to choose a curtain with a thicker, more durable material, such as polyester.
These red polyester curtains, for example, will not be the softest, though they will be durable.
Click here to get a closer look at these red polyester jacquard curtains on Amazon.
These silk curtains, on the other hand, will be delightfully soft. As you can see, both add a regal touch to the room.
Click here to check out these silk jacquard curtains on Amazon.
What is the Difference Between Jacquard, Brocade, and Damask?
While jacquard is the type of loom or the weaving technique, damasks and brocade are two types of fabric. Both brocade and damask are woven on a jacquard loom. Therefore, you could have a jacquard curtain made from a brocade or a jacquard curtain made from damask.
Because jacquard looms were easier to operate than older looms, the jacquard loom quickly took over the textile industry. After its invention in 1804, jacquard looms became a favorite for all intricate fabrics woven in the West, including damasks and brocades.
Here is an example of a brocade curtain, intricately designed.
Almost all brocades are woven in a jacquard loom, so all brocades are jacquards, but not all jacquards are brocades. Brocade is a luxurious, decorative fabric, often made from silk, and sometimes even gold threads. Today, brocade generally describes the look of cloth rather than a specific weave. Continuous brocades are looser, with threads left floating on the back. A discontinuous brocade, on the other hand, has additional yarn woven into the patterned areas. A discontinuous brocade will have a smoother back.
The main difference between damasks and brocades is that they are reversible. Damasks are often constructed from silk, wool, linen, or even synthetic fibers. The yarn is woven so that the pattern is visible on both sides.
Here is an example of a damask curtain. Click here for more information on damask fabrics.
Click here to see more about this damask curtain on Amazon.
Can You Use Upholstery Fabric For Curtains?
Yes, you can use upholstery fabric for curtains. Upholstery fabric is dense and heavy, which will give your curtains a more tailored look. Upholstery fabric will be more durable and long-lasting. They will give your room a regal, fancy finish. Note that if you are considering making curtains out of upholstery fabric, you might want to give your curtains a liner so that light does not damage the fabric.
Your other option is drapery fabric, which is lighter weight than upholstery fabric. It will hang looser than upholstery fabric, and will also let more light in. If there is a pattern on drapery fabric, it will be printed, not woven, meaning that drapery fabric is less durable than upholstery fabric. The main benefit of using upholstery fabric is that the patterns are woven, and therefore won't fade as easily as a printed design.
More Jacquard Curtain Examples
If you are interested in the luxury and durability of jacquard curtains, all you need to do now is decide the material and design. Here we have curated a list of some jacquard curtain examples to give you an idea of the variety of options out there. Nowadays, you can find jacquard curtains in polyester, which is a more durable material, and machine washable. If the idea of a sensitive upholstery fabric stresses you out, polyester may be the way to go.
Polyester
This red patterned curtain is 100% polyester, making it durable and easy to clean. Machine washable materials will make your life easier; however, you will not have the same heavy, luxurious weight of other materials.
Click here to find this regal red jacquard curtain on Amazon.
These blue jacquard curtains offer a chic and classy vibe.
Click here to find these sleek and chic blue jacquard curtains on Amazon.
These jacquard curtains are made from faux silk. They have the appearance of a smoother material but are still machine washable--a good compromise if you can't decide on fabrics.
Click here to find these jacquard curtains on Amazon.
Chenille
This stunning jacquard curtain is constructed from chenille, a velvety yarn. They add a majestic look to the room.
Click here to find these stunning chenille curtains on Amazon.
Another example of a chenille curtain, this one is 50% polyester, making it sheer, lightweight, and allowing more light to pass through. The design is still woven into the fabric, making it longer lasting than a print.
Click here to find these sheer chenille jacquard curtains on Amazon.
If you think that maybe Jacquard curtains aren't for you, you should perhaps consider sheer curtains. Click here for information about sheer curtains.