A Guide to Specifying Linings

Windows are often the focus of energy conservation efforts because of their impact on temperature control within a home. Uncovered windows can lead to overheating in the summer months, and heat loss in the winter months. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority of New Zealand estimate that professionally fitted, lined drapery can reduce window heat loss by 40-60% when closed. Working all year round, lined drapery is an important tool in creating a thermal insulation barrier.

There are many advantages to drapery lining:

• Creates a thermal insulation layer by trapping warm air inside in cold climates, or reducing heat transferring into a room in hot climates.
• It helps prolong the life of your drapes and other soft furnishings by shielding them from UV rays.
• Resistance to dust and mildew.
• Ability to darken a room, (dimout or blackout).
• Improves drapability.
• Stronger acoustic properties due to more layers of fabric.

One layer, (1 Pass), of coated acrylic suede compound is known as thermal lining. Fabric is treated with a layer of thermal coating during manufacturing to reduce the amount of harmful ultraviolet light passing through it, whilst increasing its insulation. Thermal linings preserve energy and help keep rooms warm in the winter, but some light will pass through this construction. Like all high-quality upholstery linings, thermal linings protect furniture from fading; they are treated to resist mildew and have good drapeability.

The coated side of both thermal linings and blackout linings should face the glass in order to maximize UV resistance and mildew protection. Thermal and blackout linings should be gently hand washed if necessary, with coated surfaces facing out. Professional cleaning by a specialist is the recommended option.

Unlike a coated lining, which completely blocks light, dimout linings allow a small amount of light through—hence the name ‘dimout’ as opposed to 'blackout.' The affordability, washability, and noise reduction properties make dimouts a popular lining choice for both commercial and residential applications. The soft, thick handle adds fullness to lightweight fabric such as silk and taffeta. Darker dimout fabrics achieve a higher degree of light reduction than lighter colours.

Interlinings add body and fullness to lightweight fabrics such as silk and taffeta, and are typically composed of either blended polyester/viscose/cotton or 100% napped cotton. Interlinings improve the insulation and acoustic properties of a room, reducing noise while also protecting against harmful UV rays. They work as extra padding for headboards and pelmets when used between the face fabric and lining.

Due to technological advancements, coated linings are made of a silicone compound which creates a soft, agile handle and does not elicit or hold any loose dust as experienced with acrylic suede lining. Silicone-backed linings are coated with three layers of silicone on one side and offer protection from the sun and moisture. While they can't be dry cleaned, they're easy enough to maintain by hand washing.

Fire retardant linings have either had a treatment applied to the yarn or fabric, or been engineered from inherently fire-retardant fibres. FR linings meet all government requirements/standards for residential and commercial use.

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is an independent international certification. Lining fabrics carrying this certification are free from harmful chemicals.