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.

How to Dress 3" Pencil Pleat Curtains

Information on how to dress and hang 3" Pencil Pleat Curtains

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

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

What is the difference between blackout and dimout fabric?

The key differences are: Blackout Fabric Blocks 100% of light when properly fitted Usually has a 3-pass coating or woven construction Ideal for bedrooms, hotels, and shift workers Provides excellent thermal insulation Heavier weight fabric Dimout Fabric Reduces light by 85-95% but doesn't block it completely Lighter weight than blackout Suitable for living rooms, offices, and care homes Allows some natural light while providing privacy More affordable option Both are available with flame retardant certification to BS5867 for commercial use.

What are thermal curtains and how do they work?

Thermal curtains are designed to provide insulation and reduce heat loss through windows. They work by: Multiple Layers - Fabric, lining, and sometimes interlining create air pockets Dense Materials - Heavier fabrics trap more air and provide better insulation Blackout Lining - Our 3-pass blackout lining provides excellent thermal properties Acoustic Lining - Our heavyweight acoustic lining offers the best thermal insulation Benefits Reduce heating costs by up to 25% Keep rooms warmer in winter Keep rooms cooler in summer Reduce condensation on windows Improve energy efficiency All our lined curtains provide some thermal benefits, with acoustic blackout lining offering the highest level of insulation.

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 .

Garda Luxury Flame Retardant Velvet Curtains

Type of Curtains	Where to Measure from - to desired length
Pencil Pleat Curtains - Curtain Track	Top of the Track - If using an 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 eye for hook on the rings of the pole ( 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	Underside of the track or pole.
Wave Curtains Curtain Track or Designer Pole	The glider underneath the track. The curtain will sit under the track.

Garda Fire Retardant Blackout Velvet Curtains: Made to Measure with 3-Pass Coating

Garda is a soft velvet curtain fabric with a 3-pass blackout thermal coating designed to deliver strong light control without relying on an added lining. Made to measure in the UK and supplied to your specification, with free samples available for approval.

Benefits Overview Who uses it Specifications

Fire Retardant

Contract standards listed in specs

3-Pass Blackout

Blackout coating applied to face fabric

Thermal Benefit

Heat-loss reduction claim stated in source

Made to Measure

Made in the UK to your sizes

Colour Tones

Palette designed for interiors

Free Samples

Swatches available for sign-off

Expectation setting: Garda is a true blackout velvet due to its 3-pass coating, but room darkness can still be affected by light seepage at the sides, top, and bottom depending on track/pole position and fit. This is not a sheer product. The blackout coating means lining is not required for blackout performance; lining can be added if you want a fuller drape.

Why specify Garda blackout velvet

Garda is specified when you want a velvet appearance with strong light control, without automatically adding a lining. The fabric is coated with a 3-pass blackout thermal coating (off-white backing), applied to seal the fabric for blackout use.

The source content states the coating can help reflect heat at the window when curtains are drawn, and references a heat-loss reduction of 30% over a double glazed window (see specifications and spec tab documentation).

Fire performance is listed to BS 5867 Pt 2 B, EN 13773, IMO, Cig & Match and NFPA 701. For project files, certificates and additional documentation are available in the specification tab/attachments.

Where this fits in our range

Choose Garda when the requirement is velvet + blackout with a coated backing, and you want the option to specify unlined curtains while maintaining blackout performance. If you prefer a non-velvet surface or a different handle/texture, consider one of our woven blackout or non-velvet contract ranges.

Lead time note

Estimated delivery is stated as 3–4 weeks (UK manufactured).

Who uses Garda flame retardant blackout velvet

Garda is commonly specified where a blackout velvet finish is required alongside listed fire performance. Typical applications include hospitality rooms, care environments, education settings, theatres and performance spaces, as well as domestic projects where FR compliance is requested.

Best suited for

Bedrooms and guest rooms where blackout is a priority
Hotel & leisure interiors needing velvet appearance with listed FR standards
Projects aiming to reduce additional lining specification (coated blackout face fabric)
Rooms where thermal performance is part of the brief (as stated in source content)

Specification clarity

Garda is a blackout velvet. If you require daylight diffusion or a privacy sheer, this is not the right product. For compliance-led projects, please refer to the Specs tab for certificates, care guidance and supporting documentation.

Note: lining is not required for blackout due to the coated backing, but adding lining can improve drape fullness.

Technical specifications

Composition	100% Polyester
Fabric Width	280cm
Weight	450gsm
FR Standards (as listed)	BS 5867 Pt 2 B, EN 13773, IMO, Cig & Match, NFPA 701
Usage	Drapery – Do Not Railroad Fabric
Colour Fastness	5/6
Pattern Repeat	NA
Blackout / Thermal note	Coated with a 3-pass blackout thermal coating (off-white). Source content references heat-loss reduction of 30% over a double glazed window.
Care / cleaning (stated)	Face Fabric: 30°C (when blackout lined). Refer to Specs tab for full guidance.

Documentation for tenders and sign-off

For contract documentation, please use the Specs tab to access certificates, technical attachments and the latest care guidance. If you require a project pack for hospitality, healthcare or education, our team can supply supporting paperwork from the same source set.

Video is provided for visual reference. Always approve colour and handle by swatch sample prior to manufacture.

Curtain Heading Options - Click for More info

Curtain Headings for Made to Measure Curtains

At direct fabrics we offer a truely flexbile choice for your made to measure curtains.

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

Pinch Pleat Curtain Heading

A traditional heading style that looks grand in any setting.

Wave Style Heading 60mm or 80mm

Further Information - Click for More info

Ordering Made to Measure Fire Resistant Curtains

To order made-to-measure curtains from Direct Fabrics you can enter your details in the boxes above and receive your quote. We use the finest flame retardant lining with our curtains to ensure they hang well and use the finest eyelets and tapes. We pride ourselves on quality and know that our curtains are some of the finest for the best prices.

Bespoke Quoting - Our team can help

Let our team help you with your project. We are here to help with your measurements and the best fabrics and designs for you. Speak with one of the team today and we can put everything together for you. On larger jobs we can offer various made-up samples so you can see what you will be buying

Reviews and Testimonials - People Love Us

For reviews and case studies please refer to our Trust Pilot review platform where you will find all our client reviews. We also have a case study section on our website where you will find pictures and information about projects we have been involved with. Testimonials . You can also see all our Trustpilot Reviews

Where the curtains can be used

Further Information

Our curtain fabrics are selected and checked for quality issues and then we cut and measure everything by hand

In our UK based workrooms we continue the traditions of master curtain makers and offer the very best curtains that are British Made Specification

Our curtains are manufactured with various fullness's to suit our customer's requirements. For standard made to measure curtains, they are manufactured with 2x fullness also known as 100% fullness. This means that you get beautifully pleated curtains

Please see the further information section about curtain fullness

When manufacturing curtains we join widths of the curtain material to get the required width to cover your curtain track. Example a track width of 140cm in a single curtain would have circa 2 widths of material in assuming the material is 140cm wide. Widths are rounded up to the nearest full width. This means there will be a joining seam in larger curtains.

Our curtains are delivered pulled and hooked. So the curtains are pleated to your track widths and folded neatly for delivery. The hooks have been inserted so all you have to do is clip them into your track or pole.

Pulled and Hooked ready to hang curtains

Lining Options Click for More info

All lining options from Direct Fabrics are flame retardant certified to BS5867 and can be used in commercial environments.

Unlined Curtains are a good option if you are looking for a low cost option. If the fabric is dimout or blackout it will provide you with a good amount of shading for the rooms with these curtains, dimout will be 90%+ and blackout with a 3 pass coating will be 100% blackout. Obviously depending where the track is located it will depend how much light will come through.

Standard polyester fr lining is a low cost option that provides extra fullness and helps your curtains drape better. The Polyester lining can be washed at 50 times and is inherently flame retardant. It will provide additional shade on standard fabrics and on dimout and blackout fabrics it is used to add a more luxurious feel.

3 Pass blackout lining is Direct Fabrics choice for all curtains as it makes a room have no light come through the curtain. Certified to BS5867 Part2B so can be washed 10 times. The 3 pass coating is very hard wearing and provides a thermal benefit aswell as making your curtain drape better./p>

Duo Blackout Lining Fleece Flame Retardant Lining Ivory

Duo Lining Fleece Blackout Lining , a very heavy weight full lining that is an interlined option with the 3 pass blackout lining attached. The Duo lining is an excellent acoustical absorber of sound and will improve room acoustics.

This fabric is coated with a 3pass blackout coating. This means it has been sealed 3 times and to ensure that the material is totally blackout. The coating is an off white coating which reflects heat out of a window when the curtains are drawn. The 3 pass coating also adds thermal benefits with a heat retention when used over a double glazed window of 30%. Therefore your rooms will be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Features	Flame Retardant, Blackout, Thermal
Flame Retardant	Yes
Washing / Cleaning Information Face Fabric	30 Degrees (When Blackout Lined)
Delivery	Currently 3-4 Weeks - UK Manufactured
Fabric Style	Plains
Fabric Width (cm)	140
Pattern Repeat Vertical (cm)	1
Composition	100% Polyester with silicon backing.
Product Attachment	Lining_Flame_Retardant_Certificates_and_Information_Introduction-merged-compressed

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Top customer reviews

G Riley

9 Jan 2026

Velvet Curtains

Review

100%

Very happy with the velvet curtains I ordered. They look great and fit perfectly. I had never bought curtains before so needed a bit of advice. I spoke to Jane on the phone and she clarified everything for me. Very quick delivery considering it was over the Xmas period. Would highly recommend.

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CompleteSavings Member

16 Jul 2024

Fantastic customer service and great...

Review

100%

Fantastic customer service and great product quality. Got delivered sooner than expected, but that was ok as I was at home when it arrived. Would definitely order again.

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Customer (Imported from Truspilot)

8 Apr 2024

Seemless from beginning to the end

Review

100%

Seemless from beginning to the end

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Frank Walaitis

2 Feb 2023

well made and arrived with metal curtain hooks fitted

Review

100%

Had some bedroom curtains made. Arrived within estimated time period. Great product, well made and arrived with metal curtain hooks fitted. Friendly and helpful when contacted. Would be happy to order from again.

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DAVE

5 Apr 2022

Swatches Request

Review

100%

Only used to look at fabric swatches but company were excellent. all requested swatches arrived in good time and were followed up with an email asking if any further help was required. Would recommend for help, great products and great choice.

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Miriam Avery

16 Feb 2022

Delivered before schedule and in perfect condition.

Review

100%

Beautiful made to order curtains. Delivered before schedule and in perfect condition. They are much nicer than we could have imagined even and have made our bedroom totally luxurious. Totally black out and have reduced street noise, whole room is much cosier. Thank you!

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customer

14 May 2021

Professional staff and good quality material

Review

100%

From the moment I asked for samples the company contacted me before sending them and a week or so after receiving. They have been really helpful and professional. I received the curtains in 3 weeks after the order was made which respected the given delivery estimate so I am also happy for that. The curtains look very good and I am overall happy with the purchase. Looking forward buying more soon!

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Lisa

24 Apr 2021

I will definitely recommend & purchase again.

Review

100%

I am so pleased with my new floor length curtains. They look fabulous and are very well made. The fabric is a great weight so hangs beautifully. I had been putting off renewing the curtains as the room has three ceiling to floor windows & it was looking like it was going to be a huge expense!! But costing out pinch pleat with blackout lining from Direct Fabrics left me very surprised at the excellent value for money. I will definitely recommend & purchase again. Many thanks for the excellent service.

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Samantha Carter

15 Apr 2021

I am extremely happy with my curtains

Review

100%

I am extremely happy with my curtains. Every step from ordering to delivery was executed smoothly and efficiently. There was even a video to help with measuring for the curtains. The finished products are exactly as described and excellent quality. I would definitely purchase from you again.

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Angela Helen Foster

18 Jan 2021

Beautiful curtains

Review

100%

Beautiful curtains, lovely quality, patient and knowledgeable staff. Excellent product.

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

Quick Quote & Free Sample Requests

Garda Blackout FR Velvet Curtains

Garda Blackout FR Velvet Curtains

Curtain Measurement Guide

Pair of Curtains

Single Curtain

3" Pencil Pleat Curtains

44mm Eyelet Curtains

Triple Pinch Pleat Curtains

Wave Heading Curtains

Stage Curtain Heading

Unlined Curtains

Polyester Light Weight Lining - Thermal Reflect Heat in Summer

Blackout Curtain Lining - Thermal - Keep Warm in Winter

Acoustic Blackout Lining Fleece Flame Retardant

Garda Fire Retardant Blackout Velvet Curtains: Made to Measure with 3-Pass Coating

Fire Retardant

3-Pass Blackout

Thermal Benefit

Made to Measure

Colour Tones

Free Samples

Why specify Garda blackout velvet

Where this fits in our range

Who uses Garda flame retardant blackout velvet

Best suited for

Specification clarity

Technical specifications

Curtain Heading Options - Click for More info

Curtain Headings for Made to Measure Curtains

Pencil Pleat Heading

Eyelet Curtains Heading

Pinch Pleat Curtain Heading

Wave Style Heading 60mm or 80mm

Further Information - Click for More info

Ordering Made to Measure Fire Resistant Curtains

Bespoke Quoting - Our team can help

Reviews and Testimonials - People Love Us

Where the curtains can be used

Further Information

Lining Options Click for More info

Duo Blackout Lining Fleece Flame Retardant Lining Ivory

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