--- title: "Drapery Linings: Blackout & Thermal | Shade Design Gallery" description: "Unlined, standard, blackout, thermal and interlined drapery explained: how each lining affects light, insulation, fading and how your custom drapes hang." url: https://www.shadedesigngallery.com/drapery-linings-blackout-thermal.html updated: 2026-10-24 --- [Drapery](https://www.shadedesigngallery.com/drapery.html) · Designer Guide # Drapery Linings: Blackout, Thermal & Interlining The lining you can't see does most of the work. Here is what each one does. By [Layla, Lead Designer](https://www.shadedesigngallery.com/our-story.html), and the Shade Design Gallery team · Updated October 24, 2026 Two drapes in the same fabric can perform completely differently depending on the lining. Lining controls how much light comes through, how well the window is insulated, how the fabric is protected from sun and how richly the drapery hangs. ## Unlined Light passes through the fabric, so colors glow and the look is airy. Unlined drapery is best for sheers and casual rooms where privacy and darkness aren't a priority. ## Standard lining A lining fabric sewn to the back gives the drapery more body, a finished look from outside and some protection from sun fading. It's the most common choice for living and dining rooms. ## Blackout lining A dense lining that blocks direct light through the fabric. It's the go-to for bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms. For the darkest room, pair it with a blackout shade behind the drapery, because light can still come around the edges of any drape. Read our [blackout shades guide](https://www.shadedesigngallery.com/blackout-shades-spokane.html). ## Thermal lining An insulating lining that helps reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. In Spokane's climate, thermal-lined drapery over a [cellular shade](https://www.shadedesigngallery.com/shades.html#cellular) is one of the most comfortable combinations you can have. ## Interlining An extra soft layer between the face fabric and the lining. Interlining gives drapery a full, luxurious drape, adds insulation and protects delicate fabrics like silk. It's a favorite for formal and historic rooms. ## Designer's Tip For bedrooms, we almost always recommend blackout-lined drapery over a blackout shade. The drapery gives softness and blocks the edges, the shade does the heavy lifting, and you get a truly dark room that still looks beautiful. From our design team, led by Layla · 20+ years in interior design ## Common Questions **Q: Do blackout curtains make a room completely dark?** Blackout lining blocks light through the fabric, but light can still come in around the edges. For full darkness, layer blackout drapery over a blackout shade. **Q: Are thermal curtains worth it in Spokane?** Yes, especially on large or older windows. Thermal-lined drapery helps keep rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and works even better over a cellular shade. **Q: What is interlining?** A soft layer sewn between the face fabric and the lining. It makes drapery hang more fully, adds insulation and protects delicate fabrics. **Q: Does lining protect drapery from fading?** Yes. Lining shields the face fabric from direct sun, which helps it last longer and keeps colors richer. **Q: Can sheers be lined?** Sheers are usually left unlined to keep their soft, light-filtering look. If you need privacy at night, we pair them with a shade or a second layer of drapery. ## More Drapery Guides ## See Fabrics in Your Own Light Layla brings drapery fabrics and samples to your home, measures every window and gives you a clear written quote. No pressure, ever. --- Shade Design Gallery · 720 N Argonne Rd, Suite C, Spokane Valley, WA 99212 (showroom by appointment only) · (509) 599-7034 · https://www.shadedesigngallery.com/ Lead designer: Layla, 20+ years of interior design experience. Free in-home design consultation, measuring and quote.