When it comes to choosing fabric for curtains we advise people to go for fabrics that are appropriate to a rooms purpose. If the room is to be used as a lounge room you are not going to choose the same fabric as you would pick for a bedroom. It's better to go with something versatile for a living area, while something with too much of a sheen is also not suitable for a family area. Luxurious fabrics are usually much better in the bedroom or home theatre. - A fabric with tight weave is usually more resistant to humidity and damage from the sun, (such as sun rot|). Fabrics that are resistant to sun rot include linens, cottons and micro fibre blends.
A fabric with a tight weave will also block out more light, so look for a lightweight weave if you prefer a translucent window treatment.
Consult on a curtain specialist to decide the best material for your needs.
Ask to bring a sample of swatch fabric home to test in your own lighting and see how it looks with the room colours.