What are my Curtain Lining Options?

Curtain Linings We offer a range of linings for your curtains, suitable for various applications. Each lining type serves a specific purpose, ensuring the best results for your needs. Choosing the Right Lining Domestic or Hotel Curtains: Blackout lining to block light and darken rooms. Hospital or Salon Cubicle Curtains: Unlined with dimout material to reduce light naturally. Room Dividers: Acoustic bonded blackout lining to reduce sound transfer, provide blackout, and offer thermal insulation. All linings from Direct Fabrics are flame-retardant and certified to BS5867 for commercial use. Curtain Lining Range Unlined Curtains Unlined curtains are a cost-effective option. If the fabric is dimout or blackout, it can provide up to 90% dimout or 100% blackout. The track location affects the light filtering. Polyester Light Weight Lining This low-cost flame-retardant lining enhances fullness and drape. It can be washed up to 50 times and adds a luxurious feel to dimout and blackout fabrics. Blackout Curtain Lining 3-pass blackout lining ensures 100% blackout. It is certified to BS5867 Part2B and can be washed 10 times. This lining enhances thermal insulation and draping. Acoustic Blackout Lining Heavyweight interlined 3-pass blackout fleece improves acoustics, blocks sound transfer, and provides excellent thermal insulation. Acoustically tested to 9db.

What are the different curtain heading options?

Please read this style guide for useful for information on heading choices for your curtains. You can go through our guide for choosing which heading style will work best in your room. They are in order of price with pencil pleat curtains being the lowest cost followed by eyelets, pinch pleats and finally goblet. Please read this style guide for useful for information on heading choices for your curtains. You can go through our guide for choosing which heading style will work best in your room. They are in order of price with pencil pleat curtains being the lowest cost followed by eyelets, pinch pleats and finally goblet. Pencil Pleat Heading Pencil pleat is the traditional style of curtain heading that is a used in most windows and gives a lovely finish. You have the flexibility from the stitched in curtain tape which allows you to alter the height above your track and pole. Eyelet Curtains Heading A modern finish which the pole slots through the curtains, this means you can a lovely feature of your pole with a contrast of the metal against the curtain fabric. 2 Options Available Standard 44mm Eyelets for 28mm & 35mm Pole 66mm Eyelets for 40mm+ poles can be opted for by contacting the team Pinch Pleat Curtain Heading A traditional heading style that looks grand in any setting. Wave Curtain Heading Modern and elegant curtain heading either in a 60mm deep pleat or 80mm.

How to Install Curtain Rails & Blinds into Plaster Board

The secret to a curtain rail or blind staying in place for years to come is the fixings, Using quality fixings enables you to rest assured that a window shading solution stays up and sturdy for a lifetime. For a strong fixing using the hollow wall anchors that grip the back of the plasterboard. Provides a very strong fixing, but always speak to your builder or carpenter for their recommendation

Which Size Curtain Eyelet do i need for my poles?

When you use eyelet curtains on your eyelet curtain poles. You want to have space for the eyelet to glide across the curtain pole. We suggest using the following dimater eyelets with the following poles Eyelet Size Pole Diameter 44mm 19mm 28mm, 35mm Max 66mm 50mm Poles

How much space will my curtains take up when stacking back

Choosing the right pole or track length for your curtains is essential to ensure they stack perfectly, providing an unobstructed view and allowing natural light into your room. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of calculating the ideal curtain pole or track length based on different curtain heading styles, how many fabric widths you need for proper fullness, and how much space you should leave for stacking. Whether you're working with pencil pleat, eyelet, triple pinch pleat, or the popular wave heading, this guide will provide all the information you need. Curtain Stack Back Calculator I know my window width I know my track length Enter Window Width (cm): Measure the actual glass width between reveals Enter Track Length (cm): Use this if you already have a fixed track, pole, or wall/ceiling run length Select Curtain Heading Style: -- Select heading style -- Pencil Pleat (25% stack) Triple Pinch Pleat (25% stack) Eyelet (20% stack) Wave 60mm pitch (23% stack) Wave 80mm pitch (18% stack) Curtain Split: Pair (two curtains) Single (one side only) Calculate Stack Back Results Your results will appear here after clicking Calculate. Window Width -- Recommended Track Length -- Total Stack Back -- Stack Back Per Side -- Visible Window Opening -- Track utilisation breakdown Stack Open Stack var dfCurrentMode = 'width'; function dfSwitchMode(mode) { dfCurrentMode = mode; var widthBtn = document.getElementById('dfModeWidthBtn'); var trackBtn = document.getElementById('dfModeTrackBtn'); if (mode === 'width') { document.getElementById('dfWidthInputGroup').style.display = 'block'; document.getElementById('dfTrackInputGroup').style.display = 'none'; widthBtn.className = 'px-5 py-2 text-sm font-semibold bg-blue-600 text-white'; trackBtn.className = 'px-5 py-2 text-sm font-semibold bg-gray-100 text-gray-700'; } else { document.getElementById('dfWidthInputGroup').style.display = 'none'; document.getElementById('dfTrackInputGroup').style.display = 'block'; widthBtn.className = 'px-5 py-2 text-sm font-semibold bg-gray-100 text-gray-700'; trackBtn.className = 'px-5 py-2 text-sm font-semibold bg-blue-600 text-white'; } // reset results when switching modes document.getElementById('dfResultsPlaceholder').style.display = 'block'; document.getElementById('dfResultsPlaceholder').textContent = 'Your results will appear here after clicking Calculate.'; document.getElementById('dfResultsData').style.display = 'none'; } function dfCalcStackBack() { var heading = document.getElementById('dfHeadingStyle').value; var splitEl = document.querySelector('input[name="dfSplit"]:checked'); var split = splitEl ? splitEl.value : 'pair'; var rates = { pencil: { rate: 0.25, div: 0.75 }, triple: { rate: 0.25, div: 0.75 }, eyelet: { rate: 0.20, div: 0.80 }, wave60: { rate: 0.23, div: 0.77 }, wave80: { rate: 0.18, div: 0.82 } }; var s = rates[heading]; var trackLength, windowWidth; if (dfCurrentMode === 'width') { windowWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('dfWindowWidth').value); if (!windowWidth || windowWidth < 10 || !heading) { dfShowError('Please enter a window width and select a heading style.'); return; } trackLength = Math.round((windowWidth / s.div) * 10) / 10; } else { trackLength = parseFloat(document.getElementById('dfTrackLength').value); if (!trackLength || trackLength < 10 || !heading) { dfShowError('Please enter a track length and select a heading style.'); return; } windowWidth = null; } var totalStack = Math.round((trackLength * s.rate) * 10) / 10; var perSide = Math.round((totalStack / 2) * 10) / 10; var opening = Math.round((trackLength - totalStack) * 10) / 10; // Adjust labels/rows depending on mode if (dfCurrentMode === 'width') { document.getElementById('dfWindowRow').style.display = 'flex'; document.getElementById('dfWindowLabel').textContent = 'Window Width'; document.getElementById('dfResWindow').textContent = windowWidth + 'cm'; document.getElementById('dfTrackLabel').textContent = 'Recommended Track Length'; } else { document.getElementById('dfWindowRow').style.display = 'none'; document.getElementById('dfTrackLabel').textContent = 'Your Track Length'; } document.getElementById('dfResTrack').textContent = trackLength + 'cm'; document.getElementById('dfResTotal').textContent = totalStack + 'cm'; document.getElementById('dfResPerSide').textContent = perSide + 'cm each side'; document.getElementById('dfResOpening').textContent = opening + 'cm'; document.getElementById('dfPerSideRow').style.display = (split === 'single') ? 'none' : 'flex'; var stackPct = (s.rate / 2) * 100; var openPct = (1 - s.rate) * 100; document.getElementById('dfBarStack1').style.width = stackPct + '%'; document.getElementById('dfBarOpen').style.width = openPct + '%'; document.getElementById('dfBarStack2').style.width = stackPct + '%'; document.getElementById('dfResultsPlaceholder').style.display = 'none'; document.getElementById('dfResultsData').style.display = 'block'; } function dfShowError(msg) { document.getElementById('dfResultsPlaceholder').textContent = msg; document.getElementById('dfResultsPlaceholder').style.display = 'block'; document.getElementById('dfResultsData').style.display = 'none'; } Full article on Curtain Stacking

How do I place an order?

Ordering from Direct Fabrics is simple: Online Orders Browse our products and select your chosen item Choose your specifications (size, color, lining, heading style, etc.) Add to cart and proceed to checkout Complete payment securely online You'll receive an order confirmation by email Quote Requests For larger projects or if you need assistance: Use our "Get Quick Quote" button on any page Call us on 0117 205 0561 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) Email through our contact form Use our live chat service We provide PDF quotes with full specifications suitable for tenders, meetings, and committee approvals.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept the following payment methods: Credit/Debit Cards - Visa, Mastercard, American Express PayPal - For secure online payments Bank Transfer - For larger orders (details provided with quote) Trade Accounts - Available for approved businesses with payment terms All online payments are processed securely through our encrypted payment gateway.

What are your delivery times?

Delivery times vary by product type: Curtain Tracks: 3-5 working days Made-to-Measure Curtains: 3-4 weeks (as little as 15-20 working days) Roller Blinds: 7 working days Fabrics: Next-day delivery Printed Fabrics: 7 working days For urgent orders or large projects, please contact our team to discuss expedited production options.

What is your returns policy?

Our returns policy depends on the product type: Standard-Size Items We offer a 30-day returns policy for standard-size items (fabrics, tracks, poles, accessories). Items must be unused, in original packaging, and in resaleable condition. Made-to-Measure Items Made-to-measure curtains and blinds are manufactured specifically to your requirements and cannot be returned. However, if there's a manufacturing fault or error on our part, we'll resolve the issue fairly and promptly. Damaged or Faulty Items If your order arrives damaged or has a manufacturing fault, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos. We'll arrange collection and replacement at no cost to you.

Can I return made-to-measure curtains?

Made-to-measure curtains cannot be returned as they are manufactured specifically to your measurements and specifications. This is standard practice across the industry for bespoke products. However, we stand by our quality and service: If there's a manufacturing fault, we'll remake the curtains at no cost If we've made an error in production, we'll rectify it immediately If you're not satisfied with the quality, we'll work with you to find a fair solution We recommend ordering free samples before placing your order to ensure you're happy with the fabric, and using our measuring guides or check measure service to ensure accuracy.

How to Measure for a Ceiling-Fixed Curtain Track?

Direct Fabrics · Measuring Guides How to Measure for a Ceiling-Fixed Curtain Track For curtains fixed straight into the ceiling rather than the wall, used for wall-to-wall runs, bay windows, and rooms with no wall space above...

How to Measure for a Wall-Fixed Curtain Track?

Direct Fabrics · Measuring Guides How to Measure for a Wall-Fixed Curtain Track For curtains fixed to the wall above the window, the most common fixing method for standard windows with enough wall space above the frame. ...

How do I add or remove gliders from a curtain track?

Most curtain track gliders can be easily added or removed. The method depends on the type of curtain track, but usually involves removing the end stop, cord mechanism or using the glider insertion point on recessed tracks.

What is Curtain Fullness & What Fullness will my Curtains be?

What does curtain fullness mean and how much do I need? Curtain fullness refers to how much fabric is used compared to the width of your curtain track or pole. More fullness creates deeper pleats and a more luxurious finish when the curtains are closed. At Direct Fabrics we manufacture most made to measure curtains as standard using 2x the track width , also known as double fullness . This is the industry standard for pencil pleat and eyelet curtains, and means you do not need to calculate or choose fullness unless you want something different. We automatically allow for the correct amount of fabric and round up widths where needed to ensure the best finish. Certain heading styles, such as pinch pleat or wave, require more fabric due to how the pleats are formed, and are handled automatically based on the heading you select. For a visual explanation, examples and guidance on how fullness affects the appearance of your curtains, see our full guide on Understanding Curtain Fullness .

Main image Click to view image in fullscreen

Best seller

Electric Curtain Track Shuttle Wifi Dongle - Alexa Compatible

Name: Electric Curtain Track Shuttle Wifi Dongle - Alexa Compatible
SKU: Electric Curtain Track Shuttle Wifi Dongle - Alexa Compatible
Price: 139.99 GBP
Rating: 100 (1 reviews)

5.0 (1)

Happy Customers

Electric Curtain Track Shuttle Wifi Dongle - Alexa Compatible

5.0 (1)

Happy Customers

Total Cost:

Estimated Delivery

Next Day Expected But Not Guaranteed. (Ex NI, SH, I)

UK Mainland £5.99

UK Mainland Over £250

FREE

Other Location Delivery Info

Forest Smart Wi-Fi Dongle for Electric Curtain Tracks

Upgrade your Direct Fabrics electric curtain track to app control with the Forest Smart Wi-Fi Dongle. This compact plug-in module connects to the Forest Shuttle motor in the track system, letting you open, close, and stop your curtains from your phone using the Forest Connect app. Once paired, you can also run schedules and automations, including timed opening and closing for day-to-day convenience and added security.

The dongle connects to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network and keeps your curtain track accessible when you are at home or away. It is a straightforward way to add smart control to a quiet, made-to-measure electric curtain rail, with voice assistant support via Google Home and Amazon Alexa.

Key benefits

✓ App control via Forest Connect (iOS and Android)
✓ Remote control over the internet, not limited to your home Wi-Fi
✓ Voice control support through Google Home and Amazon Alexa
✓ Timers, routines, and automation options in the app
✓ Stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity (one dongle per motor)
✓ Ideal add-on for the Direct Fabrics home automated electric curtain track system

Forest Wi-Fi Dongle FAQs

Answers to the most common setup, connectivity, and compatibility questions for the Forest Wi-Fi Dongle used with Forest Shuttle motors.

General

Where do I get the Forest Connect app? ⌄

Download “Forest Connect” from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Which phones and tablets are supported? ⌄

iOS 9.0+ and Android 4.4+ are supported.

Connecting

No LEDs light up on the dongle when connected to the Shuttle. What do I do? ⌄

Confirm the Shuttle motor has power.
Confirm the dongle is connected to Port 1 on the Shuttle.
Hold the connect button for 10 seconds until the dongle shows orange.

If it still does not light, power the dongle via its Micro-USB port using a 5V USB adapter and Micro-USB cable, then retry.

The dongle will not connect to my Wi-Fi. ⌄

Repeat setup in the app and confirm the correct network and password.
Check the dongle is within range of your router.
Use a 2.4GHz network. 5GHz is not supported.
If SmartConfig fails, try Access Point mode.

SmartConfig setup fails (blue flashing). ⌄

Configure using Access Point mode in the Forest Connect app.

I changed router/modem. Do I need to reconnect? ⌄

Yes. Reset the dongle (hold connect for 10 seconds), then add it again in Forest Connect and connect it to your Wi-Fi.

Will it reconnect after a power cut? ⌄

If your Wi-Fi details are unchanged, it should reconnect automatically. If your network changed, reset and add it again as a new device.

My Wi-Fi password or SSID changed. Do I need to reconnect? ⌄

Yes. Reset (hold connect for 10 seconds) and reconnect using the Forest Connect app.

Can I use the dongle data port for Ethernet networking? ⌄

No. The data port is intended for the Forest Shuttle motor connection, not for a network cable.

Can I use the dongle without Wi-Fi? ⌄

No. The dongle must be connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Google Home or Alexa cannot find the dongle. ⌄

Confirm it is configured and controllable in the Forest Connect app first, then retry linking it to your smart assistant.

I have a Shuttle with Z-Wave. Can I add Wi-Fi using this dongle? ⌄

Yes, the Wi-Fi dongle can be used with a Forest Shuttle that has Z-Wave.

Configuration

The dongle flashes yellow instead of blue (or blue instead of yellow). ⌄

Hold the connect button for about 6 seconds until the light turns purple, then release to switch modes.

What does flashing blue mean? ⌄

Blue flashing means SmartConfig mode, ready to pair using the Forest Connect app.

What does flashing yellow mean? ⌄

Yellow flashing means Access Point mode, ready to pair using the Forest Connect app.

What does flashing red mean? ⌄

The dongle has lost Wi-Fi connection and needs to be reconnected in the Forest Connect app.

What does solid red mean? ⌄

The dongle has lost communication with the Shuttle. Check: Shuttle has power, dongle is in Port 1, cable works (swap to test), and cable length is within 1.5m (5ft).

How do I reset the dongle? ⌄

Hold the connect button for 10 seconds until the LED turns orange, release, wait a moment, then it should start flashing blue.

SmartConfig vs Access Point mode, what is the difference? ⌄

SmartConfig (blue) is the default, simpler setup method. Access Point (yellow) is the fallback method when SmartConfig does not work and requires extra steps.

Configured, but the master carrier does not move. ⌄

Ensure the track is commissioned and limits are set. If limits are set, confirm the dongle is in Port 1, the cable is functional, and the cable length is within 1.5m (5ft).

Can I configure the dongle without Wi-Fi, or from another location? ⌄

No. Initial setup requires your phone/tablet and the dongle to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Can I configure using Google Home or Alexa? ⌄

No. Configure in the Forest Connect app first, then add it to Google Home or Amazon Alexa.

Technical

What is the connector cable type? ⌄

A standard UTP cable with RJ45 connectors.

Can I control it remotely? ⌄

Yes, as long as your phone has an active internet connection via Wi-Fi or mobile data.

What is the USB cable type? ⌄

A standard Micro-USB cable.

Operating temperature range? ⌄

0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F).

Power requirements for the Micro-USB input? ⌄

5V. Use an adapter rated at least 600mA, and do not exceed 1000mA. Fast chargers are not recommended.

What Wi-Fi specification is supported? ⌄

2.4GHz only, IEEE 802.11 b/g/n, channels 1 to 14 (2400 to 2483 MHz).

Maximum connector cable length? ⌄

1.5m (5ft).

Controlling

Can I use voice control? ⌄

Yes, via Google Home or Amazon Alexa.

Which devices can I control? ⌄

Forest Shuttle S, M, and L motors.

Can I use it when my phone is not on Wi-Fi? ⌄

Yes, as long as your phone has internet access via mobile data or another network.

Do I need to be near the dongle to control it? ⌄

No, remote control works after configuration.

Does it need cloud connectivity? ⌄

Yes, it needs to be connected to the cloud to function.

Can I create timers, sunrise/sunset actions, and flows? ⌄

Yes, these can be set up in the Forest Connect app.

Can I keep using Forest RF remotes and switches? ⌄

Yes, the dongle can operate alongside Forest RF remotes and switches.

Can one dongle control multiple Shuttles? ⌄

No. Each Shuttle requires its own dongle.

The app shows movement, but the curtains do not move. ⌄

Check limits are set on the track, confirm the cable is in Port 1 (not Port 2), keep cable length within 1.5m, test a replacement cable, and consider that the Shuttle could be outdated.

Compatibility

Is it compatible with Google Home? ⌄

Yes.

Is it compatible with Amazon Alexa? ⌄

Yes.

Does it support Z-Wave? ⌄

No. For Z-Wave control, you need a Shuttle Z-Wave product.

Is it compatible with Apple HomeKit? ⌄

No. If you need HomeKit style control, use a Wireless Connector with a HomeKit compatible smart plug instead of the Wi-Fi dongle.

Delivery	Next Day Expected But Not Guaranteed. (Ex NI, SH, I)

5.0 (1)

Customer Product Reviews

5.0

1 reviews

100% of customers recommend this product

Write a review

Share your thoughts with other customers

Top customer reviews

C Caffrey

14 May 2026

I recommend this product

Fast Service

Review

100%

Fast Service, and "Live Chat" worked fine. No issues at all placing and receiving my order

Was this review helpful?

0 people found this helpful

Write Your Own Review

Only registered users can write reviews. Please Sign in or create an account

Excellent

Quick Quote & Free Sample Requests

SAVE TIME - Send your project requirements, large or small. Sample Lists etc

100% privacy guaranteed

Type of Curtains	Fitted On	Where to Measure from - to desired length
Pencil Pleat Curtains	Curtain Track	Top of the Track - If using a extra wide track or designer track like silent gliss metropole, then measure from the underside of the track.
Pencil Pleat Curtains	Curtain Pole	Measure from small ring at the bottom of eye under the ring, this is where your curtain clips into.
Eyelet Curtains	Curtain Pole – Only	Top of the pole *we add on the upstand to our curtains,
Pinch Pleat Curtains	Curtain Track	The underside of the track
Wave Curtains	Curtain Track Designer Pole	The glider underneath the track. The curtain will sit under the track.
Acoustic Curtains	See Heading Style of Choice above	Same but make sure wider than normal ideally 30cm past either side and 30 above. Also to the floor.

Eyelet Size	Pole Diameter
44mm	19mm 28mm, 35mm Max
66mm	50mm Poles

Quick Quote & Free Sample Requests

Electric Curtain Track Shuttle Wifi Dongle - Alexa Compatible

Electric Curtain Track Shuttle Wifi Dongle - Alexa Compatible

Key benefits

General

Connecting

Configuration

Technical

Controlling

Compatibility

Customer Product Reviews

Quick Quote & Free Sample Requests

Get Your Free Quote

Quick Quote & Free Sample Requests

Get Your Free Quote

Quick Quote & Free Sample Requests

Get Your Free Quote

Quick Quote & Free Sample Requests

Unlined Curtains

Polyester Light Weight Lining

Blackout Curtain Lining

Acoustic Blackout Lining