Sunday, June 27, 2010

Which Fabric Do You Like Best?




I'm shopping for fabric to use for draperies in our bedroom for our new house. I've narrowed it down to two. On my computer they both appear bluer than they really are. The acutal color is more of a light teal, "robin's egg green." But they're equally distorted, so we can still use these photos to compare.
The first one is shown in the 3 photos above. It has a subtle damask pattern in the background, so we'll call that one "Damask."
The three photos below show the other fabric. We'll call that one "Linen." The dark green in this one is a little cooler than the fabric above. (It has less yellow in it.)

They are about the same price; the linen may be a little less. I'll be making the draperies myself. Easy enough for a quilter, right?



So, which one do you like better? Damask or Linen? Thanks for your help.
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55 comments:

Shana Putnam said...

Linen

Infodetective said...

Damask. It's crisper and looks more modern.

Laurie said...

ARe you going to live there long enough to have the fabric wear out? If you won't I'd get the fabric that would best be suited for the back of a quilt when you move.

Linda said...

I'd vote linen too.

Linda

melanie said...

Damask looks richer. Depends if you want your room to look simple or rich.

Cyndi loves to stitch said...

Think I like stonger design on the damask better as well. It is probably easier to work with the damask and it will let slightly less light through, the linen will appear more airy.

Kristopher K said...

I'd go the linen - for a more relaxed "lived in" look - but both are lovely :)

Janette said...

Damask for me - much crisper and fresh

Annelies said...

I would go for the damask. It looks richer. Whatever you choose, boths fabrics are beautiful

Dawn said...

I like the linen! Blue is my favorite color!!!!

antique quilter said...

damask, might be easier to work with too then the linen ....
LOVE this fabric where did you find it?
Kathie

Bonniedoo said...

linen

Abby and Stephanie said...

Both beautiful but I vote for linen.

Carol said...

I love the look of the linen! It looks like we're pretty evenly divided, so you'll have to be the deciding vote.

Unknown said...

Damask. I like this one because the color is richer.

Ruby said...

Damask is my favorite. They are lovely choices. Someone mentioned light shining through. Don't you line drapes?? AND No, drapes are NOT a particularly EASY task for a quilter!! :)

Juli said...

I like the first one. The blue pops out more...at least on the computer it does! =)

Millie said...

Damask. Great sheen. Lovely weight.

lisa said...

if you want something more tropicxal I'd go linen, I don't knwo why but it makes me think of furnishings in a hawaiian bungalow, the fabric texture I think

Jocelyn said...

Karen, what color are your walls?? I like Damask the best for drapes. I think they would be a beautiful addition to any room. We are moving into a new house too!! And I have a lot of decisions to make.

Sharon@LoftyQuilts.com said...

The Damask has more character, interest and life!

Carla said...

I love the textured feel of the linen for a more relaxed look.

Ardis said...

Damask. I prefer the pattern, colors, weave of the damask. Step away from the samples all the way across the room and you will be able to choose the fabric and the effect you want to achieve.

Selvage Quilter said...

Lots of good input here.

The walls will be the same color as the background of the fabrics. I think that will make for a soothing, somewhat monochromatic look. I love that color.

I've had good luck making simple window treatments before, and I found a good book to help me make those pinch pleats at the top.

There will be a room darkening lining behind the drapery fabric.

I found the damask in a little upholstery shop, but the linen is a special order item at JoAnn, going on sale today. Either way it's about $25/yd.

It really helps to read all your thoughts here. And it's fun. Can you imagine if we all walked into the store and talked it over like this? That would really freak them out at the store. Haha. "These are my friends, they're helping me shop today."

Melody (lacyquilter) said...

They are both beautiful. The damask appears to be more blue overall and the linen more of a sage green. So that might make a big difference in your room. As a blue lover, of course I'd pick the damask.

Niesz Vintage Home said...

They're both beautiful.
I like the subtle look of the linen, myself. It has a soft, lived-in feel.
But if you need a "Pop" in the room, I'd say the damask.

Quilt Rat said...

Well, the question is which do you like best? I prefer the damask, I love the subtle secondary design that is happening.

Trudi said...

Personally, I prefer the damask :)

Kathi's Kreations said...

I like the Linen one better! They're both really gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

I like the Damask better. The texture is richer and looks more like drapery fabric to me. I also kind of think how it will be in the winter...if you plan to keep up year round. The Damask looks for season-less with the linen being definitely summer weight, light airy fabric. Will you be backing them with a lining fabric for light or warmth, especially since you live in the upper northeast and with the winters that you have. Hope this helps.

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

For me it would help to see the room with the wall color, furnishings, size of room, etc. to make the best decision. Just choosing a fabric base on my own personal preference I would choose the Damask. Like some of the other comments, I too like the crisper line to the print and the clearer colors. However, if my furniture was older and had that old "comfy" look I might choose the linen. If I had more modern new furniture, the Damask would work better. So for me it's not just the color or the print, but the look of the rest of the room that would make the final choice.

Girltwin64 said...

Honestly I do not think you can go wrong either way.

To me the linen seems to relax me more in just looking at it, kind of like a spa.

The Damask looks rich and durable. I love them both!

Sorry I am no help here huh? I do favor the Linen for softness. Just my humble opinion.

Diane said...

I love the texture of the linen. It looks more vintage too.

Jan said...

My vote is for the linen. It has a soft, richness to it. Beautiful, but not formal. I had linen curtains in my last house in two rooms, and it was wonderful. Light in feel. You won't be sorry!

Joan said...

Damask. Just because.

Darlee said...

Hmmm... my choice would be the fabric with the tighter weave. It would be easier to sew with. Both prints are lovely. I prefer the damask.

Kathleen C said...

You hardly need another opinion, but I can't help but comment: I like the crispness and contrast in the damask design. It won't add too much contrast to the room, but just enough, I think.
I'm relieved to hear that someone else is staying with off white walls! That's what I have done, and everyone tells me I should put color on the walls. But then my future wall quilts might not go with the wall colors! (Such wonderful problems to have).
Kathleen

Shirley said...

Hi Karen,
Chipping in with my pennyworth of comment. The linen would be more casual and the damask more tailored and posh. The trend here in the uk is to pick out a colour and paint one feature wall say behind the bed. I prefer the damask. Does it have redeemable selvages to use?
Shirley.

Sue said...

We put windows in our homes so we can see out, welcome in nature & sunshine. The Damask is too heavy. Go with the Linen and enjoy your windows & views!

LN in TX said...

Linen.

Kristy said...

Damask....I will want to see the finished product. They would both be lovely I am sure.

FlourishingPalms said...

I think the answer depends on what look you're going for. If formal and elegant: damask. If traditional and light: linen.

Liz B. said...

Definitely linen. Much more organic and natural looking.

Unknown said...

Linen

Leeann said...

The Damask looks much richer and like it would last longer (tighter weave). Linen always wrinkles too much for my liking. Linen would be a nightmare to iron after you have washed the curtains. So go for Damask

Heather said...

Damask is more distintive.

sandra said...

I like the damask

Kucki68 said...

I like the damask better, the linen looks like it had too much sun.

Steffi´s Candy Quilts said...

I like the colors and the pattern of the linen better!

susi said...

definately linen!

Barb said...

Damask - definitely. Unless you are going for a shabby chic look and have old things in the room, then the linen would work well.

margot said...

I really like the linen and it is what I would personally choose. It looks more updated and relaxed (which reflects my personal style). If you have a very formal traditional house the damask might fit it better.

Browndirtcottage said...

Ok...I haven't read the other comments yet...here is my view...if you are wanting a more traditional look...use the damask. If you are wanting a more soft vintage/cottage/trendy style then use the linen. My pick is for the linen...I think it can be dressed up or dressed down...the damask I feel will always have a more formal feel. The linen is very similar to what I have hanging in my sewing room only in touches of soft green and raspberry. Now, I'm off to read what others think...LOL...you know we all lov to jump at the chance to give our opinions!! Let us know what you choose ok??

JustGail said...

I haven't a clue as to which to use, I like them both. In fact, they both have bits that would make wonderful embroideries. I just wanted so say that if you can make a quilt, you can make draperies, I'm not so sure the reverse is true.

Nicole Gendy said...

Linen all the way!