Silk Collections

Silk fabric has adorned exquisite homes for centuries. Our silks certainly continue this tradition with modern design twists for today’s tastes.

Our faux silk adds the element of practicality with high degrees of lightfastness to make ‘silk’ curtain an easier and often more practical option.

Our extensive silk collections include plain and patterned fabrics. If you would like to see more then please either contact us or request cuttings.

Collections

Omega Faux Silk

Fibre type: Faux silk

Composition: 100% polyester

Alternative names: faux silk curtain fabric, artificial silk, polyester silk look, silk effect fabric

Width: 158 cm

Repeat: None (plain)

Suitable uses: Curtains

UV resistance: Yes; resistant to ultraviolet light

Pilling resistance: Grade 4

Washing: Machine washable at 30 degrees

Shrinkage: 0.5 to 1.0%

Sample availability: Cuttings available; request via kothea.com/cuttings

Bella Silk Velvet

Fibre type: Silk velvet

Composition: 73% silk 27% cotton

Martindale rub count: 14,000

Width: 140 cm

Pile type: Cut pile

Repeat: None (plain)

Suitable uses: Light domestic upholstery, curtains

Weaving origin: Europe

Colourways available: 7

Sample availability: Cuttings available; request via kothea.com/cuttings

Cashmere Silk Velvet

Fibre type: Cashmere and silk velvet

Composition: 70% cashmere 30% spun silk

Width: 140 cm

Pile type: Cut pile

Repeat: None (plain)

Suitable uses: Curtains

Weaving origin: Europe

Colourways available: 12

Sample availability: Cuttings available; request via kothea.com/cuttings

Frequently Asked Questions

Does silk fabric fade in sunlight?

Yes. Real silk has poor light fastness and is susceptible to fading when exposed to direct or sustained natural light. It is not recommended for south-facing windows or any application with significant UV exposure without additional UV protective glazing. Where a silk appearance is required for curtains in a light-exposed room, a faux silk such as Omega Faux Silk is a more practical specification, as it is specifically rated as resistant to ultraviolet light.

What is faux silk and how does it differ from real silk?

Faux silk is a fabric woven to replicate the appearance and drape of real silk but made from synthetic fibres, typically polyester. The practical advantages over real silk are significant for interior specification: faux silk is more resistant to fading, easier to clean, more dimensionally stable, and considerably more durable in use. Omega Faux Silk from Kothea is machine washable at 30 degrees and UV resistant, characteristics that real silk cannot offer.

Is silk suitable for upholstery?

Real silk is generally not recommended for upholstery. Its Martindale rub count is low relative to other natural fibres, and it is susceptible to damage from abrasion, perspiration, and cleaning. Bella Silk Velvet at 14,000 Martindale rubs is suitable for light domestic upholstery in low-use applications such as occasional chairs, but it is not a contract-grade fabric and should not be specified for high-use seating. For a silk appearance in an upholstery context, discuss the specific application with Kothea before specifying.

What width is faux silk available in?

Omega Faux Silk from Kothea is available at 158 cm wide, which is wider than the standard 140 cm of most curtain fabrics. The additional width reduces the number of widths required to cover a given window, which can reduce fabric consumption and making costs on large curtain drops.

Can silk curtain fabric be dry cleaned?

Real silk curtains should be professionally dry cleaned and handled with care. Omega Faux Silk is machine washable at 30 degrees, making it a more practical choice for projects where ease of maintenance is a consideration, such as rental properties, hotel rooms, or any scheme where the curtains are likely to be cleaned frequently.

Request a cutting of any silk or faux silk at kothea.com/cuttings.