The Best Fabrics for Pergola Curtains

Pergolas can be a calming space in your garden or space. But sadly, we can’t always count on the weather in the UK to behave! Curtains for your pergola can make all the difference in cases of not-so-good weather, so what’s the best material for them to be made from?

In this blog, we will share information on the best fabrics for pergola curtains.

Here at Kingswood Canvas Limited, we believe in crafting more than just products, we’re dedicated to building relationships within our local Bristol community. Since our beginning some 40 years ago, we’ve poured our expertise into creating bespoke canvas and PVC solutions that truly stand out.

Whether you’re a local business looking for durable protective covers or an individual needing looking for outdoor curtains we’ve got it all and more! We’re here to provide unmatched quality and exceptional customer service.

Join us as we explore how our custom-made creations can bring your unique ideas to life, one blog at a time!

Why is fabric important for a pergola?

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Fabric is important for a pergola as it directly influences how it looks, how long it lasts, and how comfortable you are with it. Here’s why specific fabrics are important for a pergola:

Environmental resistance:

Your pergola curtains will be exposed to the elements for long periods of time. It can range from endless showers to intense summer rays, dampness and strong winds. As such, the fabric has to be something that can easily deal with these issues:

UV damage: The sun’s UV radiation can damage certain, cheaper fabrics relatively quickly. This can result in fading, and even tears and a brittle feel.
Moisture & mould: The UK is known to have a humid climate in the spring and summer months, this can lead to mould and mildew growth in certain areas, which can spread quickly. As a result, water-resistant/waterproof fabric is a key requirement.
Wind: Strong gusts can cause fabrics to flap, stretch, and abrade against the pergola structure. A durable fabric with good tensile strength will resist tearing and fraying.

User experience & comfort:

Shade & temperature: Fabric, and colour can affect how much heat and sunlight penetrates the curtain. The darker the colour, the more absorbent, the lighter the colour, the more heat reflective the curtain will be.
Privacy: From sheer to opaque, the fabric’s transparency dictates how much privacy you gain from neighbours or passersby.
Airflow & breathability: Some coated fabrics, while waterproof, can reduce airflow, potentially making the enclosed space feel stuffy on warm days. Breathable fabrics allow for better air circulation.

Return on investment:

You may think that a cheaper fabric might save money, but it will likely degrade quickly, fade, or become unhygienic within a year or two. This leads to you needing to replace it, which isn’t really value for money.
On the other hand, investing in a high-quality, purpose-designed outdoor fabric, while more expensive upfront, offers superior durability, retains its appearance longer, and performs effectively for many years. Proving more cost-effective in the long run.

Is there a ‘best’ fabric for pergola curtains?

Yes, solution-dyed acrylic is the overall best fabric for pergola curtains, this is due to its multiple benefits that make it perfect for unpredictable British weather. Pergola curtains with this fabric are:

Fade resistant, this means its colour won’t fade due to constant UV rays.
Durable, they can withstand harsh winds and other unpleasant weather like hailstone.
It is water-repellent and breathable, giving it a helpful resistance against mould.

Because of these features and the labour involved in production, solution-dyed acrylic is generally the more expensive option to choose.

Are there other effective options for pergola curtains?

Yes! However, it should be considered that even though the benefits may be similar, there may be aesthetic differences that not everyone may be like, below is a look at other effective options.

Coated polyester blends

A popular and practical choice. These polyesters are often coated with PU or PVC, making them highly water-resistant or even fully waterproof. They offer good UV resistance and are very durable, usually at a more affordable price point than acrylic.

The only ‘setback’ is more aesthetic, as they might feel a bit stiffer depending on the coating.

PVC

If absolute waterproofing and extreme durability are your main concerns, PVC is excellent. It’s very tough, easy to wipe clean, and resistant to mould. However, it tends to have a more “plastic” look and feel, and isn’t as breathable or aesthetically soft as fabric options.

Fire safety– which material is the least fire-resistant?

When it comes to the common fabrics used for a pergola curtain, the material with the least inherent fire resistance would be an untreated and lightweight natural fibres. This can be helped with a fire-retardant treatment.

A pergola curtain fabric that is natural is untreated cotton or linen, here is why it needs to be treated before using for a pergola curtain:

Natural fibres like cotton and linen are highly flammable in their untreated state. They ignite easily and burn rapidly, often leaving behind embers.
While some very rustic or DIY pergola curtains might be made from untreated cotton, it’s generally not recommended for outdoor use due to its poor water resistance, susceptibility to mould, and critically, its flammability. If you see “canvas” curtains, and there’s no mention of “fire retardant” or “FR” (Flame Retardant) certification, and it’s a natural fibre, assume it has very poor fire resistance.

Water absorption

Conversely, natural fabrics like untreated cotton and linen are also very water absorbent, making them unsuitable for the wet weather in the UK. Unless dried quickly, the moisture can result in mould forming. Mould can spread quickly onto many surfaces, and its spores can be a contributor to illness, especially for immune compromised individuals.

In addition, the weight from the water can make the curtain heavier, putting stress on the pergola it’s hanging from. As a result, the curtain can stretch and sag, ruining the shape. Furthermore, unpleasant smells can develop, making the pergola less enjoyable for everyone involved.

How to get Bespoke pergola curtains?

Kingswood Canvas Limited provides bespoke outdoor curtains designed to fit any external structure, including pergolas. We offer these curtains for both domestic gardens and commercial properties.

Here’s how we can provide pergola curtains for a multitude of needs:

Bespoke/custom-made: Our products are custom-made to cater to the unique requirements of each customer and structure. It doesn’t matter the location, or unique shapes that your curtain needs to be, we can make them.
Material options: We offer a range of materials in various colours. For residential gardens and for industrial areas, heavy-duty PVC is also available. We aim to use the best, durable, weather-appropriate fabrics suitable for outdoor use.

Where to buy Pergola curtains?

Looking for durable, elegant pergola curtains? Contact Kingswood Canvas for custom-made solutions using the finest outdoor fabrics.

In this blog, we hope to have shown you helpful information whilst discussing the best fabrics for pergola curtains.

If you’re looking for high-quality, custom canvas or PVC solutions in Bristol, then you should look no further than Kingswood Canvas Limited. We’re dedicated to exceptional customer service and pride ourselves on being a key part of our local community and beyond.

We craft bespoke products—from protective covers to unique bags—tailored to your exact needs, perfect for both personal and business applications. We encourage you to schedule a visit to our Bristol location, where our professional team is ready to provide expert guidance and recommendations.

Location:

Units 8 & 9 Douglas Road Industrial Park,

Kingswood,

BS15 8PD

Phone number:

0117 9601281

Email:

info@kingswoodcanvas.co.uk