Unlike the luxurious look of velvet or the durability of polyester, linen curtains have their drawbacks—they shrink and wrinkle easily. But none of this stops people from loving them. These curtains have a unique texture and feel that you just don't get with other fabrics. The way light filters through them creates a soft, warm glow that perfectly captures a natural, relaxed style. The trade-off? They need extra care and attention to keep them looking their best.
Linen Curtains: What You Must Know
Linen is made from the fibers of the flax plant. For thousands of years, people have loved this fabric because it is both strong and breathable.
It has a unique, slightly rough feel and a natural, matte finish that gets softer after each wash, and the natural and minimal aesthetic is loved by many, too.
Key Characteristics of Linen
- It is breathable, keeping you cool even in warm weather
- It absorbs water quickly and dries fast
- It is more durable than cotton when properly cared for
- It is naturally resistant to bacteria and allergens
- It gets better with age: softer and more comfortable over time
Types of Linen Curtains: Quick Comparison
| Type | Light Filtration | Privacy Level | Weight | Maintenance |
| Sheer Linen | High (soft, diffused light) | Low to Medium | Lightweight | Easy, frequent washing OK |
| Semi-Sheer Linen | Medium (filters light) | Medium | Medium | Moderate, regular care needed |
| Blackout Linen | Very Low (blocks 85-99% light) | Very High | Heavy | Difficult, professional cleaning recommended |
| Lined Linen | Low to Medium (depends on lining) | High | Heavy | Moderate to difficult |
What Linen Fears Most
- High heat: Shrinks the fabric and can damage fibers permanently
- Sharp objects: The fabric can snag or tear relatively easily, especially when wet
- Harsh chemicals: Bleach and strong detergents weaken the natural fibers
- Wringing or twisting: Causes stubborn creases and can break fibers
- Prolonged direct sunlight: Fades colors and weakens the fabric over time
Proper Washing Techniques for Linen Fabrics
Check the Label and Use Cold Water
Before anything else, check the care label. Some linen curtains, especially blackout ones, are dry-clean only. If yours are machine washable, always use cold water. Hot water will shrink linen and weaken the fibers over time.
Keep Detergent Simple
Use a mild detergent and nothing else. Skip the bleach—it damages linen fibers and causes yellowing. Fabric softener is also a no-go since it coats the fabric and makes it less breathable. The good news is linen naturally softens with each wash, so you don't need any extras.
Wash Gently with Plenty of Space
Put your curtains on the delicate cycle with a slow spin speed. Don't pack the washing machine full or your curtains will come out a wrinkled disaster. If you have delicate sheer linen, hand washing in a tub is actually easier and safer. Just use cold water, swish them around gently, and let them soak for 15-20 minutes.
Take Them Out Right Away
As soon as the wash cycle finishes, get your curtains out. Leaving them sitting wet and bunched up in the machine lets wrinkles set in deep, and those are much harder to smooth out later.
How to Avoid Linen Shrinkage and Wrinkles
Shrinkage and wrinkles are what make linen curtains look cheap and ill-fitting. So where do these problems come from?
Why Linen Shrinks
Heat makes linen fibers contract. Hot water is the biggest culprit, followed closely by dryer heat. When you combine heat with the agitation of washing, linen can shrink 3% to 10%. That's enough to turn your perfectly sized curtains into something that doesn't quite reach the floor anymore.
Preventing Shrinkage
Cold water only. This is non-negotiable. Never use warm or hot water. Skip the dryer completely if you can—air drying is the safest route. If you must use a dryer, pick the lowest heat setting and remove the curtains while they're still slightly damp.
Here's a pro tip that saves headaches: wash your curtains once before hanging them up for the first time. This pre-shrinks them so they'll actually fit your windows later.
Why Linen Wrinkles
Linen fibers don't bounce back like cotton or synthetic fabrics. When the fabric gets bunched up wet, it creases and stays that way. Leaving curtains sitting in the machine after the cycle? That's just asking for deep-set wrinkles that won't come out.
Preventing Wrinkles
The single most important thing you can do is pull your curtains out the second the wash finishes. Seriously, set a timer if you need to. Shake them out right away and hang them up while still damp. The fabric's weight will smooth out most wrinkles as it dries.
Other things that help: don't overcrowd the washing machine, use gentle cycle with slow spin. If you're ironing, do it while the linen is still damp—dry linen is stubborn and takes forever.
REALITY: Linen Will Wrinkle
Those natural creases are part of the charm—they give linen that relaxed, effortless look. Trying to get linen perfectly crisp and smooth is fighting the fabric's nature. So instead of stressing over them, accept a few wrinkles and you'll actually enjoy the beauty and natural charm of your curtains.
How to Store Linen Curtains Seasonally
When you're switching out your curtains, start with clean, completely dry fabric. Any moisture will cause mildew and ruin them.
Once they're dry, here's the key: don't fold them tight. Roll them loosely or fold once with tissue paper in between. Those deep creases from storage are hard to iron out months later.
Next, choose the right storage. Use a breathable cotton bag or wrap them in a clean sheet. Never use plastic—it traps moisture and creates problems.
Find a cool, dry spot away from sunlight. A closet or under-bed box works fine.
Easiest option? If you have the space, just hang them on a padded hanger with a breathable garment bag. No folding, no creases to deal with later.
Fixing Yellow or Old Linen
Over time, oxidation or exposure to the sun can make linen lose its luster. But you don't need strong chemicals to bring it back to life.
To safely remove that dingy cast, try an oxygen-based bleach soak (like OxiClean). Submerge the curtains in a lukewarm solution to lift stains without hurting the fibers. For white sheers, adding a liquid bluing agent to the rinse cycle neutralizes yellow tones and makes them look fresh and snowy white again.
Conclusion
Thoreau famously wrote, "Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify." That's exactly the kind of simple, natural lifestyle linen curtains represent. With the right washing and care methods, they'll keep your home beautiful for many years to come.
Visit Joydeco to explore more inspired living and find the perfect linen curtains for your space!
