Cotton Curtains

Cotton wins when budget, durability, and ease of care matter most. Cotton panels are typically priced below comparable linen and significantly below velvet, machine-wash on a normal household cycle without special handling, and stand up to frequent re-hanging. Choose linen for a more refined drape and natural texture, velvet for formal rooms and insulation; choose cotton for everywhere else.

Cotton Slub has a visible weave irregularity — small thick-thin variations in the yarn create a relaxed, hand-loomed texture. Textured Cotton has a subtler all-over grain, more uniform than slub. Piped Edge Cotton features a sewn-in welt cord along the leading edge for a more tailored, structured look. Each suits a different room aesthetic; the underlying fiber is the same.

Some panels use GOTS-certified organic cotton; others use conventional cotton. Each product page lists the exact certification. The standard for Quince natural-fiber bedding is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 testing across both organic and conventional cotton lines, meaning the textile is verified free of harmful chemicals from dyes and finishing.

Machine wash cold or warm on a gentle cycle with mild detergent — one or two panels at a time. Skip fabric softener (it coats the cotton and reduces breathability over time). Tumble dry on low. Pull panels out while slightly damp and hang to finish drying — gravity will straighten most wrinkles. Iron from the back side on a medium-heat cotton setting if needed.

Cotton is more sun-resistant than synthetic fibers but less than linen. Direct, all-day sun exposure can lighten cotton panels over time — most noticeable on saturated colors and darker dyes. For sun-facing windows, choose lighter colors, add an under-layer of sheer panels to diffuse direct UV, or rotate panels every few years so any fading stays even.

For width, measure the window frame and add 4-8 inches on each side so the panels can stack off the glass when open. For length, decide your hem rule first (above the floor, brushing the floor, or puddled), then measure from the rod position down. Hang the rod 4-6 inches above the window frame to make the window feel taller. For a floor-to-ceiling look, hang the rod near the ceiling.