The Best Materials For Basement Curtains

When it comes to decorating a home, basements are often overlooked. However, there are plenty of versatile design ideas that can easily brighten up a basement, taking it from dark and dingy to a stylish hangout. One top hack that is both easy and affordable is to install new drapes to meet your needs. Indeed, choosing the perfect curtains can make all the difference regarding light, privacy, and aesthetics. First, consider how you most often use the space, as this will dictate the best curtain material for you. For example, if you want to create a light and airy home office, choose a sheer, unlined curtain made of cotton, wool, or linen that best matches your aesthetic. A brighter hue or bold pattern is a great way to add a pop of interest to an otherwise neutral design. If, on the other hand, the space is filled with design-forward furniture, consider a more muted tone.

Alternatively, you may want increased privacy or a solution that blocks harsh direct sunlight. If so, choose curtains with a backing, also called a drapery liner. Oftentimes, this will be sewn directly onto the back, but there are also removable options (easily attached to any curtain material using Velcro strips) for optimal versatility. Finally, if you're building a moody man cave, guest bedroom, or dark media room, ensure the lining is made of blackout material to stop 99% of natural light from getting through.

Basements are notorious for being damp, and if you live in a particularly humid area or your basement is not waterproof, opting for a synthetic fabric is the safest choice. Drapes made of polyester, nylon, rayon, and acrylic are better suited to withstand moisture and are less likely to become moldy. It's also a good idea to install rail brackets that jut out 3 to 4 inches from the wall. This will ensure that the curtain is further away from the window and less likely to come into contact with any moisture that may accumulate on it.

If, on the other hand, your basement's biggest problem is being drafty, opt for a thick, heavy material like velvet. Not only will it make the space look cozy and inviting, but it will also help keep out the cold. For added insulation, search for a curtain that has both a drapery liner and an extra layer of flannel interlining between the outside fabric and its liner. As an added bonus, a heavy curtain can ultimately lower your utility bill by decreasing the amount of heating the basement requires.

There are plenty of things in your basement that you should be cleaning regularly but aren't, including drapes. While it's recommended to clean all the curtains in your home about every 6 months, this is especially important when it comes to fabrics hanging in your basement so as to keep mold and mildew at bay. Read the care label to confirm if your curtains are machine washable. If so, use regular detergent with cool water and low spin on a delicate cycle so the material doesn't become damaged or overly creased. Alternatively, if the material is light and unbacked, hand washing with a delicate detergent in cool water is the way to go.

Either way you wash them, the most important part of the process will actually be the drying. Curtains need to be fully dry before rehanging, or they risk becoming moldy. Ideally, line dry them outdoors, but if that's not possible, tumble dry them on the slowest possible setting. However, be sure not to run the entire cycle. Instead, remove the curtains from the dryer a few minutes early and allow them to finish drying naturally. As a last step, you can add an extra layer of protection from moisture by spritzing them with Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield.