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General
How long with my items take to be delivered?

Normal Lead Time:

 

Soft furnishings

Approximately 2 – 4 weeks from receipt of written order subject to fabric availability and manufacturing capacity.

Bed Products

Approximately 3 – 5 days from receipt of written order – subject to availability.

Ready Made Products

Approximately 3 – 5 days from receipt of written order – subject to availability.

Cubicle Curtains Tracks

Approximately 3 – 5 working days.

Express services are available on. Cubicle Curtain Tracks and some made to measure soft furnishings.

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What are the Child Safety Regulations for Blinds and Window Treatments

Child Safety

Children are naturally curious about their environment, whether their exploring the home or further afield. At Direct Fabrics we understand the potential hazards faced when owning a blind around children.

That's why we believe that it's so important for a child's world to be kept safe and secure. All of our blinds either have a cord-free mechanism or come with a safety device in line with the latest European regulations, and will be supplied with all made to measure blinds as standard.

It's now illegal to supply or professionally install an internal window blind which doesn't comply with the new child safety requirements. Blinds fully compliant with BS EN 13120:2009+A1:2014 are confirmed as 'safe by design', and this standard applies to all blinds fitted in all rooms in every home, regardless of whether children are present or not.

 

If you are due to visit a prospective client who is contemplating buying a new window covering for a child's room, then you should strongly advise them to consider designs that work without cords or chains, as follows:

  • Roller blinds with slow rise spring mechanism
  • Crank operated Roller blinds - with removable crank handle
  • Electrically-operated Roller blinds
  • Vertical blinds with wand control operation
  • Curtain tracks for either hand draw operation or electric

This does not just apply to the home environment however! All areas open to the public should adhere to the same guidelines to ensure that they comply with the new standard. We suggest that you ask your client to complete a risk assessment form to inform you whether you have to provide internal blinds which are compliant with child safety standards.

Although following the introduction of the new legislation in February 2014, all new made to measure blinds are to be supplied with a child safety device, why not offer to check all other window coverings in the building for child safety compliance? In any room with a shading solution already in place, designs with cords or chains must be secured with a child safety device whether or not children are living there. This is a preventative measure due to the possibility of young ones visiting the home / property at any time in the future.

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How to Calculate Curtain Weight?

(Flat measurement of curtains x drop of curtains) * square metre weight of fabric. Example Regency flame retardant velvet curtains, fabric weight 363gm per square metre, plus lining 200gms per square metre. Thus circa 563 grams per square. Metre. 
flat curtain measurement 1000cm, drop of 300cm. Thus 30 sqm of fabric. Total weight is 30sqm x 0.563kg = 16.89kg.

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What is Acoustic Absorbtion
Acoustic absorption refers to the process by which a material, structure, or object takes in sound energy when sound waves are encountered, as opposed to reflecting the energy. Part of the absorbed energy is transformed into heat and part is transmitted through the absorbing body.
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Will my room be totally blackout with a blackout fabric?

Although a fabric is blackout doesnt mean the room will be totally blackout. You will get seepage around your blinds which means light will enter your space. The light into the room will be greatly reduced. But you will still get light in a room.

See the image below of our blackout roller blinds

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What is a printed fabric base cloth?
A printed fabric base cloth is the fabric that serves as the foundation for your custom printed design. It's the material onto which the design is printed, and the choice of base cloth can affect both the look and feel of the final product. At Direct...
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Flame Retardant Information
Are my products certified for use in a public place?

We have chosen our fabrics because they are certified to British Standards for flame retardant products. These are all certified for use in public spaces in the UK. Obviously it is worth speaking with your fire officer in case you think they may require special product requirements. But our flame retardant curtain fabrics are certified to BS5867 Part 2B or 2C, Bedding to BS7175 and our upholstery to BS5852.

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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.

Unlined Curtains

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.

Standard Lining

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.

Acoustic Blackout Lining
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Do I get a certificate to show my products are flame retardant?

All our flame retardant products have certification that is available. Please email the team through the contact form at the top of the website to get a copy certificate. 

You will get a certificate showing that the product complies with British Standards for flame retardancy depending on the products it will be;

BS5867 - Flame Retardant Curtains

BS7175 - Flame Retardant Bedding

BS5852 - Flame Retardant Upholstery

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Made to Measure Curtains
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.

Wave Curtain Heading
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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
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How much space will my curtains take up when stacking back
Stacking varies depending on heading, between 15-25% of the track width....
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What is Curtain Fullness & What Fullness will my Curtains be?

Curtain Fullness – This is the amount of fabric that is used to cover the width of your curtain track or pole. Depending how much flat fabric you have covering your curtain track will mean when it is gathered up you will have more fullness or pleats.

Direct Fabrics uses 2x the track width rounded to the nearest width of fabric for the amount of fullness in curtains, this is 100% of fullness.

If you want to read more see our curtain fullness guide 

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How do I calculate how much curtain fabric I need?
Calculating curtain fabric requires three key measurements: track width, curtain drop, and fabric width. Follow this step-by-step method: Step 1: Calculate Fabric Widths Needed Formula: (Track Width × Fullness) ÷ Fabric Width = Number of Widths Always...
Cubicle Curtain Rails
How to install cubicle tracks on suspended ceilings?

The Direct Fabrics cubicle curtain track can be installed easily to the a suspended ceiling using a noggin and some screws. By spreading the weight across the grid with a noggin the track can be installed securely and safely. Always check the weight restrictions of the false ceiling grid..

 

installing cubicle track to suspended ceiling

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How to Install Cubicle Curtain Tracks?
Latest information on how to install the cubicle curtain track can be seen here
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Measuring Guides
How to Measure for Curtains and Blinds?
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...
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Blinds
What types of blinds do you offer?

Direct Fabrics manufactures and supplies a comprehensive range of flame retardant blinds suitable for commercial and domestic use:

  • Roller Blinds - Available in blackout, dimout, and standard fabrics. Certified to BS5867.
  • Cassette Roller Blinds - Premium enclosed system with side channels for complete blackout. 10-year guarantee.
  • Vertical Blinds - Ideal for large windows and patio doors. Available in flame retardant fabrics.
  • Metal Venetian Blinds - Durable aluminum blinds for commercial environments.

All our blinds are made to measure in the UK and come with a 5-10 year guarantee depending on the product type.

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What is the difference between roller blinds and cassette roller blinds?

The main differences between standard roller blinds and cassette roller blinds are:

Standard Roller Blinds

  • Exposed roller mechanism at the top
  • Fabric hangs freely with bottom bar
  • More affordable option
  • 7-day delivery time

Cassette Roller Blinds

  • Enclosed cassette housing protects the fabric
  • Side channels guide the fabric for complete light blocking
  • Premium finish with no light gaps
  • Ideal for bedrooms and hotels requiring total blackout
  • 10-year guarantee

Cassette roller blinds are our premium option and particularly popular in hospitality and healthcare sectors.

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Are all your blinds flame retardant?

Yes, 99% of our blinds are flame retardant and certified to BS5867 for commercial use. Our roller blinds and vertical blinds use fabrics certified to British Standards, making them suitable for hotels, care homes, schools, hospitals, and other commercial environments.

Each blind comes with certification documentation upon request. Any exceptions are clearly marked on the product page.

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How do I measure for roller blinds?

Measuring for roller blinds depends on whether you want a recess fit (inside the window frame) or face fit (outside the window frame):

Recess Fit (Inside Mount)

  1. Measure the width of the recess at the top, middle, and bottom
  2. Use the narrowest measurement
  3. Measure the height from top to bottom at three points
  4. We'll make appropriate deductions for fitting

Face Fit (Outside Mount)

  1. Measure the width you want the blind to cover (usually 10-15cm wider than the window)
  2. Measure the drop from where you want to fix the blind to the desired bottom point

For detailed measuring guides with diagrams, visit our measuring guide page.

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Can I get blackout roller blinds for hotels?

Yes, we specialize in blackout roller blinds for hotels and hospitality environments. Our hotel blackout blinds feature:

  • 100% Blackout Fabrics - Certified BS5867 Part 2B flame retardant
  • Cassette System Option - Side channels eliminate light gaps
  • Durable Construction - Built for frequent commercial use
  • 10-Year Guarantee - On cassette roller blinds
  • Quick Turnaround - 7 days for standard roller blinds

We work with major hotel chains including Marriott and Hilton, and can provide full specifications, fire certificates, and installation services nationwide.

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Do you install blinds or is it DIY only?

We offer both options:

Professional Installation

We provide nationwide installation services with over 20 trusted fitters across the UK. Our installation service includes expert fitting, all necessary fixings, and quality assurance.

DIY Installation

All our blinds come with comprehensive fitting instructions and all necessary brackets and fixings. Most customers find roller blinds straightforward to install with basic DIY skills.

We also provide installation guides and video tutorials on our website, and our support team is available by phone for guidance.

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What are vertical blinds best suited for?

Vertical blinds are an excellent choice for:

  • Large Windows - Ideal for wide expanses of glass
  • Patio Doors - Easy to operate and don't obstruct doorways
  • Commercial Spaces - Offices, meeting rooms, reception areas
  • Care Homes - Easy to clean and maintain, flame retardant certified
  • Schools - Durable and safe for educational environments

Our vertical blinds are manufactured using flame retardant fabrics certified to BS5867, making them suitable for commercial use.

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Installation
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

 

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How to Dress 3" Pencil Pleat Curtains
Information on how to dress and hang 3" Pencil Pleat Curtains
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How to install Metal Curtain Poles
What are vertical blinds best suited for?

Vertical blinds are an excellent choice for:

  • Large Windows - Ideal for wide expanses of glass
  • Patio Doors - Easy to operate and don't obstruct doorways
  • Commercial Spaces - Offices, meeting rooms, reception areas
  • Care Homes - Easy to clean and maintain, flame retardant certified
  • Schools - Durable and safe for educational environments

Our vertical blinds are manufactured using flame retardant fabrics certified to BS5867, making them suitable for commercial use.

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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...
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Acoustics
Will my curtains stop sound as a Room partition / Room Divider?

- This is an excellent use of our acoustic curtains. standard acoustic herringbone fabric with duo lining is well suited to reduce sound passing from space to space at about 7db, combing this with our vinyl will get you approximately 10db.

https://www.direct-fabrics.co.uk/curtains/acoustic

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Ordering & Payment
How do I place an order?

Ordering from Direct Fabrics is simple:

Online Orders

  1. Browse our products and select your chosen item
  2. Choose your specifications (size, color, lining, heading style, etc.)
  3. Add to cart and proceed to checkout
  4. Complete payment securely online
  5. 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.

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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.

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Do you offer trade accounts or payment terms?

Yes, we offer trade accounts for businesses, contractors, interior designers, and regular customers. Benefits include:

  • Trade Pricing - Competitive rates for bulk orders
  • Dedicated Account Manager - Personal support for your projects
  • Priority Service - Fast-track quotes and orders
  • Invoice Facility - Simplified billing for multiple orders

To apply for a trade account, please contact our team with your business details including company registration number, VAT number, and business address. Account approval typically takes 1-2 business days.

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Can I get a VAT invoice?

Yes, all orders automatically include a VAT invoice. As a VAT-registered company (VAT Number: GB181905107), we provide full VAT invoices for all purchases.

Your VAT invoice will be emailed to you with your order confirmation, available in your account area for download, and included with your delivery.

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Do you offer discounts for bulk orders?

Yes, we offer competitive pricing for bulk orders and large projects. As a UK manufacturer with significant buying power, we can provide excellent value for multi-room hotel projects, care home refurbishments, school installations, build-to-rent developments, NHS facilities, and commercial office fit-outs.

For bulk order pricing, contact our team with your project details and quantities. We'll provide a detailed quote with itemized pricing. We also offer flexible payment terms and phased delivery for large projects.

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