Often we only shop for a certain color of blind or curtain when redecorating. What we forget is that the fabrics that make up these window treatments, plays a larger role in how it looks than we think.

Brocade - Often a weighty fabric woven of silk, cotton, wool or a combination. A raised, floral design in a Jacquard a brocade's distinguishing feature. It is typically formal styles.

Cambrie - A plain, tightly woven linen or cotton fabric been on one side. Curtain panels can be successfully made from cambric.

Canvas - A coarse woven-cotton material available in heavy or lighter gauges. Canvas is strong and inexpensive. This is the best for room darkening shades.

Chintz - Cotton fabric, often in a floral or other all-over at is coated with a resin that gives it a sheen. Dry cleaning is necessary.

Cotton Duck - A cream-colored cotton that comes in various weights. It is ideal for no sew curtains.

Crewel - Plain woven, natural-cotton fabric with wool ery. Dry cleaning is required.

Damask - Another Jacquard material made of cotton, ol, or a combination with a satin, raised design. This is type is mostly used for draperies.

Gingham - Plain-weave cotton fabric woven in block or checked prints. Its crisp look makes gingham popular for borders and curtain panels.

Lace - Cotton or cotton-polyester-blend material featuring an openwork design. Lace is favored for cafe curtains.

Linen - An unusually strong fabric made from processed flax. Linen is best when used in simple designs.

Understated fabrics are a good choice for a bedroom. Here, a sheer voile is paired with a light silk that drapes beautifully into soft folds when it is drawn back.

Gauzy curtains made of voile have a translucency that is airy and feminine. This type of fabric looks pretty loosely draped, swagged, knotted, or twisted.

Contrasting two materials, such as a heavy velvet over light organdy or a toile pattern over bamboo, adds an interesting layered look on a window.

Moire - This term actually refers to a finish, usually or acetate, that resembles water marking. Washing r the finish, so dry-clean the fabric. Depending on weight moire can be suitable for draperies.

Muslin - Ranging from coarse to fine, a plain weave cotton fabric. Muslin is also called voile.

Organdy - Light cotton washed in acid for a crisp Organdy is used for trimmings, borders, and curtains.

Satin - A silk, linen, or cotton weave with a glossy s and dull back, sometimes with a moire finish. Satin particularly durable but is fine for draperies.

Silk - A shiny fabric made from fibers produced b worms. Silk is favored for swags and formal drapes.

Taffeta - A silk-and-acetate weave that is shiny and maintains shape. Taffeta is used for borders and curtains.

Carry S is an interior decorator that likes to publish her thoughts online about home decor and fashions. You can read more of her decorating tips about window coverings Decormotif.com in the Window Fashions Section or from our shopping blog newsletter at http://www.decormotif.com/newsletter/