The Most Sustainable Fabric Options For Curtains

If you have ever seen a room with and without curtains, you know how transformative the window treatments can be. Not only do they block unwanted light and drafts, but they also add color and texture, making a room feel warm, cozy, and complete. You can even elevate a room by decorating with curtains in unusual ways. Unfortunately, some curtains are produced in ways that harm the environment, and the dyes and treatments on non-sustainably made curtains may be exposing you to toxic chemicals. It is important to look at the manufacturing process and the type of fabric when choosing curtains to make your home feel stylish and healthy.

Natural fibers, especially when grown organically or recycled, are the most sustainable fabric options for curtains. Natural fibers are biodegradable, don't shed microplastics, and can use less water and chemicals in manufacturing when compared to synthetic materials. Curtains made from synthetic materials, including ones that sound more sustainable like recycled polyester, are common. However, they lack the benefits of natural fibers, shed microplastics, and may still expose you to toxins. So, if you're looking to choose the perfect curtains for your space, consider sustainable options made from natural fibers such as organic or recycled cotton, linen, wool, bamboo, or hemp.

Of the options made from natural fibers, recycled or organic cotton and linen are two of the most sustainable. Cotton is beautiful and breathable, making it a great option for curtains — as long as it is made with sustainability in mind. Organic cotton can be grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, so it has a smaller environmental impact. When cotton is recycled, materials do not need to be grown again, which prevents the environmental toll of producing new cotton. Linen, particularly organic linen, uses less water to grow the flax plant its made of. As a fabric, it is breathable but durable, though it can be prone to shrinking, wrinkling, and creasing.

If you are looking for sustainable curtains on a budget, you might have luck buying secondhand. Secondhand shopping avoids the negative environmental impact of manufacturing something new, and it keeps materials out of landfills. Another affordable and super-sustainable option is to repurpose what you already have. Whether you hang bed sheets or tablecloths as curtains or find other creative window-covering options, reusing is great for the environment. If you are replacing curtains, you can even find ways to repurpose old curtains around your home.