Woven Linen

Yes, woven linen is a denser and fuller linen. It makes a heavy linen curtain with a visible weave and a weighty drape, without feeling bulky.

The difference from sheer linen is noticeable both in the hand and at the window. The denser weave means the curtain softens more light, offers more privacy and hangs in deeper folds. Yet the fabric keeps the natural, lively surface of linen, so the room feels cosy rather than dark.

If you want heavy linen curtains that clearly frame the window and give the room a stronger presence, woven linen is the natural choice.

Tip: Compare fabric samples of sheer and woven linen side by side in your window.

Woven linen softens the light noticeably but does not block it out. If you want a dark bedroom, you will need a blackout curtain.

The dense weave makes the room considerably darker and more private when the curtain is drawn, but some light still comes through, especially in lighter colours. This makes woven linen a lovely choice for rooms where you want to soften the light and create a calm feel.

If you need darkness for sleeping, choose a blackout version or add a blackout Roman blind behind it.

Tip: Make the curtain wider than the window and let it reach all the way to the floor, so less light leaks in at the edges.

Hang a sheer curtain closest to the window with woven linen in front. This gives you soft light during the day and a calm, private room in the evening.

The sheer layer, for example voile or sheer linen, can stay drawn all day to filter the light. The woven linen is drawn in the evening. Choosing sheer linen behind gives a tonal, naturally Scandinavian look. Voile creates a slightly more contrasting and airy feel.

Hang the curtains on a double curtain track, ideally on the ceiling so both run from ceiling to floor. Choose double width for full folds.

Tip: Read more about combining curtains for a hotel feel in "Ask the Curtain Expert".

Linen works best with other natural materials, such as wood, stone, ceramics, wool and rattan. Together they create a calm and harmonious room.

Light wood and woven linen give an airy, Scandinavian look. Darker woods and stone add contrast and depth. Textiles in wool, bouclé or knits offer lovely variations in texture next to the matte weave of linen. Ceramics and woven details enhance the natural feel.

Glossy and cool surfaces can work too, but then the linen becomes what brings warmth to the room.

Tip: Vary textures rather than colours, so the room feels lively even in a calm colour palette.

Generous width, the right length and a little patience. Woven linen looks best in full folds with a slight break on the floor.

Choose roughly twice as much curtain width as the area to be covered, so the linen gathers in soft, deep folds. Measure the length from the track or pole to the floor and add 2 cm. After delivery, the linen needs a few days to settle. To speed things up, you can gently steam the curtain while it hangs.

Curtain weights in the hem can help the folds fall straight, especially by windows that are often open.

Tip: Arrange the folds evenly by hand after hanging and draw the curtain back and forth a few times during the first days.