Silk and silk-like draperies are great options for when you want window treatments that are both soft and smooth to the touch, as well as luxuriously radiant when struck by light. If you’re in the market for new curtains or drapes that fall under the “silk” category, you basically have two options: real silk and faux silk.

If you aren’t sure which type of product to choose for your home, no worries. We’ve prepared this short guide about the pros and cons of each type of silk drapery material.

Real Silk Curtains

As the name suggests, real silk curtains are made of natural silk, which is a protein fiber produced from the spun cocoons of the silkmoth Bombyx mori. The long individual fibers of each silk cocoon are collected and reeled in before they are twisted into yarn strands to make them strong enough for weaving or knitting.

Real silk is known for its plush and luxurious feel while also affording that signature, sumptuous shine that has made it so popular throughout the centuries. However, due to the high costs involved in silkworm farming and in manufacturing the actual silk fabrics, natural silk curtains also often comes with a substantial price tag—something that will probably deter a lot of homeowners who are looking for the right window treatments.

Curtains that are made of natural yarns like real silk are also particularly at risk of fading and photodegradation. Constant exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can break down the fabric’s dyes while also causing the fabric itself to become more brittle over time. To make your silk curtains last longer, consider having your windows tinted with an anti-UV film that can block as much as 99 percent of the sun’s UV rays. You can also pull your silk curtains fully back from the window during the day to avoid directly exposing them to sunlight. 

Age is but a number, so they say. Getting older is something we all have to get our head around, but scratching off another birthday doesn’t necessarily have to have a negative impact on your health or wellbeing. We tend to think of aging as a limiting process. However, there’s a lot to be said for embracing the notion that ‘you’re only as old as you feel.’ If you’re keen to stay fit and healthy through the ages, here are some golden rules to keep you young. Whether you’re 25, 45 or 65, there’s no reason you can’t feel great.

Embrace exercise

Exercise is one of the best tonics when it comes to boosting health, preventing illness and making you feel incredible. We often focus on exercise as a means of burning fat and trimming down, but it’s so much more than a weight loss tool. While exercise can help you shift pounds, which is hugely beneficial if you are in the overweight or obese category, this is far from the only reward it brings. If you’re not an active person, moving more will benefit you no matter your age.

Exercise is essential for good health, and if you make an effort to be more active, you’ll notice a difference in your body and your mindset after just a few sessions. Exercise is known to improve circulation, and it also increases strength, endurance, and stamina. If you exercise on a regular basis, your heart muscle will become stronger, your body fat percentage will fall, and your bones will also become more robust. Studies show that people who train on a regular basis and those with an active lifestyle have a lower risk of chronic illnesses and potentially life-threatening conditions, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Many of us assume that being overweight is the main issue when it comes to diseases like diabetes and risk factors like high blood pressure, but research suggests that inactivity can be even more dangerous.