Clothes lined with thermal fabrics can keep the wearer warm or cool, and thermal-lined curtains can help a room stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
History
Fabric linings in coats, garments and curtains have been around for centuries. Linings provide extra warmth simply because they are an extra layer. But thermal lining has the added advantage of using modern technology to provide even greater insulating properties than standard lining fabric made of acetate, rayon, silk, cotton or polyester.
Types
Thermal linings are usually made from a polyester/cotton blend fabric that is faced with either a thin layer of aluminum or a thin layer of acrylic foam. According to the Natural Curtain Company, due to modern production methods, thermal linings are only a fraction of a millimeter thicker than standard linings.
Some people consider blackout lining a thermal lining, because it has insulating properties, but blackout lining is opaque and does not allow light to pass through. Thermal lining fabrics are a better choice for standard curtains and draperies, because they won’t block out light completely.
Function
When used as a lining for drapes or curtains, thermal lining fabric can noticeably improve the climate control in your home. Thermal lining keeps cold air out in winter and keep cooler air inside during the summer. The acrylic foam or thin aluminum layer prevents air from moving through the permeable main material of the draperies or curtains, thus keeping cold air at bay around windows and helping your home retain air-conditioned cooler air. Thermal lining also helps curtains or drapes hang better, with less wrinkling and a fuller, more finished appearance.
Purchasing
Most large fabric stores carry at least one type of thermal lining, which often comes in white or ivory. According to the article "10 Tips for Saving Energy (& Money) in Your Home" by the Natural Curtain Company, thermal lining is about 5 to 10 percent more expensive than regular cotton lining, but adding a thermal lining to curtains and draperies is up to 25 percent more efficient at insulating than the original curtains.
Care
Most thermal lining fabrics should be dry-cleaned to avoid damaging the material, so check washing instructions carefully before laundering.