Linings 101

Why Curtain Linings Matter (Especially In NZ)

Before we dive into the specific types of linings available, let's talk about why this matters so much—particularly here in New Zealand.

UV Protection is Critical

New Zealand has some of the highest UV levels in the world. We all know to slip, slop, slap when we're outside, but what about inside? That same harsh sunlight streaming through your windows is quietly damaging your curtain fabric, fading colors, weakening fibers, and shortening the lifespan of your investment.

A good lining acts as a shield, protecting your fabric from UV damage and ensuring your curtains look beautiful for years, not months.

Thermal Efficiency Saves Money

Here's something that surprises people: all curtain linings provide some level of thermal efficiency. How? By creating a layer of trapped air between the curtain and the window glass. That trapped air acts as insulation, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

The result? Lower heating and cooling costs, a more comfortable home, and a smaller environmental footprint.

Light Control Affects Your Quality of Life

Whether you're a shift worker who needs complete darkness during the day, a parent trying to get a toddler to sleep past 5:30am in summer, or someone who simply values a good night's rest, the right lining makes all the difference.

Aesthetics Matter Too

Linings aren't just functional—they also affect how your curtains look. The right lining gives curtains body and drape, creates a polished appearance from the outside, and can even enhance or soften colors depending on what you choose.

Now, let's look at your options.

1. Blockout Lining (Our Standard at Feather & Oak)

What it is:

A triple pass lining that blocks light completely while providing excellent UV protection and thermal efficiency.

How it works:

The "triple pass" refers to the manufacturing process—the fabric is passed through a coating process three times, creating multiple layers that block light entirely. This also creates that crucial layer of trapped air that provides insulation.

Best for:

• Bedrooms (adults and children)
• Media rooms or home theaters
• Any space where you want complete light control
• Protecting valuable or delicate fabrics from sun damage
• Most residential applications

The Feather & Oak perspective:

This is our go-to lining for the majority of projects. It's versatile, effective, and provides the crisp, polished look most people want from their curtains. From the outside, it gives that clean, uniform white appearance that looks sharp and intentional.

What to expect:

Complete darkness when curtains are closed, excellent UV protection for your fabric investment, and noticeable thermal benefits—especially in rooms with large windows or less-than-ideal insulation.

2. Triple Weave Lining

What it is:

A soft, luxurious lining where the 'black' light-blocking layer is woven between two outer fabric layers, creating a beautifully soft handle and a gentle grey or taupe appearance.

How it works:

Unlike blockout lining (which is coated), triple weave is actually woven with three layers. This creates a softer, more drapeable feel that pairs beautifully with delicate or sheer fabrics.

Best for:

• Pairing with sheer or lightweight fabrics
• Spaces where you want dimout rather than complete blackout
• When you prefer a softer, more relaxed aesthetic
• Living rooms, dining rooms, or spaces where some filtered light is welcome
• When you want a soft grey or taupe lining rather than stark white

The Feather & Oak perspective:

This is our favorite choice when we're working with beautiful sheers or soft, flowing fabrics. The handle (how the fabric feels) is noticeably softer and more luxurious than blockout lining, and the gentle grey or taupe tone creates a softer, more sophisticated look—both from inside the room and from the street.

What to expect:

Dimout (significant light reduction but not complete darkness), a beautifully soft drape, and a more relaxed, elegant aesthetic. Perfect for spaces where you want light control without the starkness of full blackout.

3. Coloured Linings

What it is:

Linings available in a range of colors that can either enhance your interior color scheme or create a specific aesthetic from the outside of your home.

How it works:

Coloured linings give you two distinct options:

Option 1: Interior Color Enhancement

Choose a lining color that intensifies or complements the color of your curtain fabric. When light filters through, it creates a beautiful glow and depth of color that you simply can't achieve with white lining.

Option 2: Exterior Aesthetic

If you have darker exterior cladding (black, charcoal, deep grey), traditional white-lined curtains can look stark and jarring from the outside. A coloured lining—perhaps a soft grey, taupe, or even a darker tone—creates a more cohesive, sophisticated look from the street.

Best for:

• Homes with dark exterior cladding
• When you want to create a specific color effect in your interior
• Creating visual cohesion between interior and exterior aesthetics
• Double track curtain systems (more on this below!)

The Feather & Oak perspective:

Coloured linings are one of those details that most people don't think about—but once you see the difference, you can't unsee it. They're particularly transformative on homes with dark exteriors, where white-lined curtains can look like bright white rectangles dotting the facade.

What to expect:

A more considered, cohesive aesthetic both inside and out. If you're choosing a color for interior enhancement, expect richer, more saturated tones when light filters through. If you're choosing for exterior aesthetics, expect a softer, more harmonious look from the street.

4. Interlining (Maximum Thermal Efficiency & Luxury)

What it is:

An additional layer (such as bumpf or similar products) inserted between your curtain fabric and your lining, creating a thicker, more substantial curtain with maximum thermal efficiency.

How it works:

Interlining creates an even thicker layer of trapped air, dramatically increasing insulation. It also adds significant weight and body to your curtains, creating that luxurious, heavy drape you see in high-end hotels and heritage homes.

Best for:

• Maximum thermal efficiency (ideal for poorly insulated homes or very cold climates)
• Creating a luxury, high-end aesthetic
• Large windows or floor-to-ceiling curtains where weight and drape matter
• Period homes or spaces where you want that traditional, substantial curtain feel
• Rooms where sound absorption is important (interlining helps dampen noise)

The Feather & Oak perspective:

This is the ultimate luxury option. Interlined curtains feel substantial, hang beautifully, and create a level of insulation that's genuinely noticeable. They're an investment, but if you're in a cold home, have large windows, or simply want that five-star hotel feel, they're worth every penny.

What to expect:

Noticeably heavier curtains with a beautiful, full drape. Significant thermal benefits—you'll feel the difference in winter. A quieter room (interlining absorbs sound). And that unmistakable sense of luxury and quality.

5. Double Track Curtain Systems

What it is:

A curtain system with two tracks: sheers on the front track (closest to the room) and lined curtains on the back track (closest to the window).

How it works:

During the day, you pull the sheer curtains across for privacy, UV protection, and beautiful dappled light. At night, you pull the lined curtains (on the back track) for complete privacy, light control, and thermal efficiency.

Best for:

• Maximum flexibility in light control and privacy
• Rooms where you want options throughout the day
• Showcasing coloured linings (the sheer layer softens and filters the color beautifully)
• Large windows or living spaces where you want layered, sophisticated window treatments
• Homes where daytime privacy is important but you don't want to sacrifice natural light

The Feather & Oak perspective:

This is one of our favorite solutions for living rooms, master bedrooms, and any space where you want ultimate control. It's also the perfect setup for coloured linings—the sheer layer in front creates a beautiful, filtered effect with the color.

What to expect:

Two layers of curtains, two tracks, and complete flexibility. Pull the sheers during the day for soft, filtered light and UV protection. Pull the lined curtains at night for privacy and warmth. It's the best of both worlds.

6. Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Lining Options

What it is:

Curtain linings made from recycled materials, offering the same functionality as traditional linings while reducing environmental impact.

How it works:

Recycled linings are manufactured using post-consumer or post-industrial recycled materials, diverting waste from landfills and reducing the need for virgin materials.

Best for:

• Environmentally conscious homeowners
• Anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint
• Projects where sustainability is a priority alongside aesthetics and function

The Feather & Oak perspective:

Recycled linings are really growing in their offering, and we're excited about it. It's such a great way to include environmental considerations into your curtain refresh without compromising on quality or performance. These linings perform just as well as traditional options—they block light, protect from UV damage, and provide thermal efficiency—but with a significantly lower environmental impact.

What to expect:

The same performance and aesthetics as traditional linings, with the added benefit of knowing you've made a more sustainable choice. As the market grows, we're seeing more options, better quality, and increasingly competitive pricing.

How to Choose the Right Lining for Your Space

Still not sure which lining is right for you? Here are some real-world scenarios to help you decide:

SCENARIO 1: Master Bedroom

You want complete darkness for sleep, good insulation, and protection for your beautiful fabric investment.

Recommendation: Blockout lining (our standard). Add interlining if your room is particularly cold or you want that luxury hotel feel.

SCENARIO 2: Living Room with Sheer Curtains

You love natural light during the day but want privacy and warmth at night.

Recommendation: Double track system with sheers on the front track and blockout-lined curtains on the back track. Consider a coloured lining if you have dark exterior cladding.

SCENARIO 3: Dining Room with Soft, Flowing Fabric

You want elegant drape and some light control, but complete darkness isn't necessary.

Recommendation: Triple weave lining for that beautifully soft handle and gentle dimout effect.

SCENARIO 4: Home with Dark Exterior Cladding

You're tired of how stark white-lined curtains look from the outside.



Recommendation: Coloured lining (grey, taupe, or charcoal) to create visual cohesion between interior and exterior.

SCENARIO 5: Poorly Insulated Home or Very Cold Room

Your heating bills are high and the room never quite feels warm.

Recommendation: Interlining for maximum thermal efficiency. You'll notice the difference immediately.

SCENARIO 6: Eco-Conscious Renovation

Sustainability is a priority and you want to make environmentally responsible choices.

Recommendation: Recycled lining options—same performance, lower environmental impact.

Choosing the right curtain lining isn't just about ticking a box on a quote—it's about understanding how you live, what you need from your space, and how to protect your investment for years to come.

At Feather & Oak, we take the time to walk you through your options, explain the pros and cons of each, and help you make a decision that works for your lifestyle, your budget, and your aesthetic. Because beautiful curtains aren't just about the fabric you fall in love with. They're about creating a space that feels right, functions beautifully, and lasts.

Ready to Choose the Perfect Lining for Your Curtains?

If you're planning a curtain project—whether it's one room or your entire home—we'd love to help you navigate your options and create something beautiful.

Book a consultation and we'll walk you through fabrics, linings, and all the details that make custom curtains an investment you'll love for years.