There are many different types of curtain material, and many of them will help to make your home more energy-efficient. Insulated curtains keep cold air out in the winter, and cool air inside during the summer months. There are various materials you can use for making curtains. Some are more cost-effective than others, but you usually get what you pay for.
Making curtains and liners at the same time will save you some work. Select the materials that you want to work with, from the various colors, weights and styles available. The linings can be purchased in different weights, depending on the privacy or energy-efficiency you are seeking. You can use lightweight fabrics for linings on summer style curtains, and heavier fabrics to keep the cold wind outside in the winter.
Quilted curtains give your room a country look, and they usually have a built-in liner. You can sew the quilt as you usually would, and then use a blanket between the back and front instead of batting. The blanket will add helpful insulation, and the quilt's heaviness will make your windows more efficient at keeping cold air out. If you're not a sewer, buy a quilt from a yard sale, store or flea market.
If you have selected the type of curtain material you will be using, you can sew a lining on them, or add another set of curtains. Hang the second set inside the frame of your window, using a tension rod. You can also use flannel flat sheets to make curtains from, and these will hang the same way as traditional drapes do. You can use flannel curtains all year round. If you use two sets, just take the extra set down in the summer, and put it back up when the weather gets colder.
Shower curtains can be used to make a strong liner for your drapes. Use clean shower curtains, and use the pre-made grommets along with safety pins to create a liner for your curtains. This is an easy way to have insulated curtains. You can throw the shower curtain away when Spring arrives. Start with a new shower curtain in the Fall.
Soft and flowing fabrics make very good materials for curtains. They can control or filter the light coming in, reduce the level of noise in a room, and soften the lines of the window where you hang them. There are many patterns available to choose from, and infinite color schemes. You can mix and match various types of materials, too.
When you select material to use for curtains, consider the color scheme of your room, and the types of fabrics of your furnishings. Longer curtains tend to give your room a more formal air, while shorter ones convey a more relaxed atmosphere. If you want a striking and romantic bedroom, you can use silken drapes that puddle on the floor.
You'll want to coordinate your colors in each room, as well. Make sure that the fabrics and colors you choose go well with the furnishings already in the room. You can use grays and black or white to set a formal tone, or a more colorful type of curtain material, to create a vibrant look.