Linen vs Cotton Curtains — Which Material Is Best for Your Window Treatments?

Image of a sunny, modern room with a long, curved window wall that has a track of linen, beige curtains. The ceilings are wooden, and there is a beige sofa with a rustic wooden coffee table in front of it. A chrome dining table with leather and wood dining chairs around it is in the corner.

We are finally feeling the spring weather: warmer days, blue skies, and more hours of sunlight. And that shift means it's finally time to start shedding those cozy layers in our home. A soft, semi-sheer curtain is the ideal way to filter light and add a little privacy without blocking out spring daylight entirely — but should you go for a linen or cotton curtain?

A big part of why you should change your curtains seasonally has to do with fabric, as the type of curtain fabric you choose adds to the overall scheme of your space. While both cotton and linen are lightweight, breathable options (making them perfect for spring and summer windows), the materials cater to different aesthetics and purposes. If you care about the details — and of course you do, you're reading this — then these differences can make or break your window dressing.