Linen, Wool, Cotton—or Jacquard? Choosing the Perfect Curtain Fabric for Your Space

An image displaying the immersive exhibition "Grand Volumes" created by Alexander May in New York, featuring Nordic Knots' rug Grand in the shade Butter.

Curtains have the power to transform a room—but it’s not only about color or pattern. The fabric you choose plays a crucial role in how your curtains look, feel, and function, and ultimately shape the space. From light and airy to rich and textural, here’s a textile guide to help you find the perfect fit for your space.

Wool: Luxurious, Structured, and Versatile

Wool might be our favorite curtain fabrics—for good reason. It has a beautiful, effortless weight that gives curtains a clean, elegant fall. It’s insulating, sound-absorbing, and naturally wrinkle-resistant, making it as practical as it is beautiful. Wool curtains add a sense of calm and elegance to a room, whether you’re dressing tall windows or creating cozy definition in an open-plan space. If you're looking for curtains that feel intentional and elevated, start with our Grand wool curtain.

Wool curtain The Grand in Pale Sand displayed in large windows in a home with soft and muted colours.

Jacquard Wool: Texture Meets Artistry

For something expressive and textured, jacquard-woven wool brings a soft pattern and depth without overwhelming the room. Unlike prints, jacquard patterns are woven directly into the fabric, creating a tactile surface that plays beautifully with light and shadow. Ideal for adding warmth yet a quiet interest to a minimal room.

Nordic Knots

Cotton: Clean and Casual

Cotton is a go-to for good reason. It’s easy to care for, holds its shape well, and comes in a variety of useful purposes. Lighter cotton feels breezy and fresh, while denser weaves with a blackout fabric offer privacy and light control. It’s a great option for most rooms where you’d like to keep out the light.

Nordic Knots The Blackout curtains in the color Leo pictured in a bedroom with rust orange bedsheets and a black nightstand.

Linen: Soft and Relaxed

Linen brings a lived-in softness to any space. It filters light gently and offers a natural, slightly crinkled texture that feels calm and casual. While it’s less structured than wool or cotton, linen is perfect if you’re going for that airy, understated look. Yes, it may wrinkle—but that’s part of its charm.

Nordic Knots

In Short:

Wool = tailored, timeless, luxurious

Jacquard Wool = artistic, textural, expressive

Cotton = practical, neat, easygoing

Linen = soft, breezy, effortless

Choose the fabric that supports the feeling you want in your space—and let the curtains do the rest.

The Zero Basket rug in Sand Mix set in a bright living room, paired with a white set of curtains alongside two minimalistic armchairs and a coffee table made out of stone.