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.

Can I get fabric samples before ordering?

Yes! We offer free fabric samples sent First Class by Royal Mail. How to Order Samples Click "Order Sample" on any product page Add multiple samples to your sample basket Complete the sample request form Samples are dispatched same-day (if ordered before 2pm) What You'll Receive Each sample is approximately A5 size (large enough to see the fabric quality, color, and texture). Samples include fabric name and product code for easy ordering. We strongly recommend ordering samples before placing large orders to ensure you're happy with the fabric quality, color, and suitability for your project.

What does FR or flame retardant mean?

FR (Flame Retardant) means the fabric has been treated or manufactured to resist ignition and slow the spread of fire. This is crucial for commercial environments and public spaces. Key Certifications BS5867 - British Standard for curtain fabrics (Part 2B or 2C) BS7175 - British Standard for bedding and upholstery BS5852 - Ignitability test for upholstered furniture IMO - International Maritime Organization standard Why It Matters Flame retardant products are legally required in many commercial settings including hotels, care homes, schools, hospitals, and public buildings. They provide crucial extra time for evacuation in case of fire. 99% of our products are flame retardant and certified to British Standards. We provide certificates with all orders for compliance purposes.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 Fabrics...

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

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

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

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.

Garda Soft Blackout Velvet 280cm Wide

Garda Soft Velvet Blackout Curtain Fabric

A flame retardant blackout velvet curtain fabric with a soft, light-reactive face and a 3-pass blackout coating. Supplied per linear metre (full fabric width), with free samples available and an estimated 3–5 working day delivery window.

Benefits Overview Who uses it Specifications

Flame Retardant

Suitable for commercial use (see standards)

Blackout

3-pass coating for full blackout

Thermal

Coating described as adding thermal benefit

Sold Per Metre

Ordered by linear metre (full width)

Fabric Width

140cm or 280cm wide for drapery applications

Free Samples

Order a swatch before specifying

Expectation setting: This is a blackout velvet fabric (not a sheer). Blackout refers to light blocked through the cloth; light can still enter around window edges depending on the track/pole, fitting and installation.

Why specify Garda soft velvet blackout for contract drapery

Garda is designed for projects that need a blackout curtain fabric with a velvet face and contract-focused flame retardant standards. The velvet surface is described as reflecting light for a richer appearance when installed as drapery.

The product is stated to use a 3-pass blackout coating, applied to help ensure the fabric is totally blackout. The reverse coating is described as off-white and intended to reflect heat from a window when curtains are drawn.

The same coating is also described as adding a thermal benefit, with a stated heat retention of 30% when used over a double-glazed window. (See specifications for the listed features and standards.)

Where this fits in our range

Choose Garda when you need a velvet look with blackout performance built into the fabric via a 3-pass coating, and you want a wide-width option to support efficient curtain making. If blackout is not required, a decorative (non-blackout) velvet may be a better fit.

Best suited for

Hotel and leisure bedrooms needing blackout drapery
Residential bedrooms where blackout and velvet appearance are both required
Contract schemes requiring listed FR standards for drapery fabric
Projects wanting wide-width fabric to reduce joins and improve efficiency

Who uses Garda blackout velvet

Commonly specified for hospitality environments including hotels and leisure interiors where blackout performance is required alongside a velvet finish. Also selected for residential installations where a blackout velvet is preferred for bedrooms.

For contract projects, ensure the chosen standard(s) match the site requirement and the curtain make-up. Certificates and supporting documentation can be referenced in the specification tab.

Specifier note

Blackout fabric performance can be affected by installation details (stack back, returns, overlap and fixing accuracy). If total room darkening is critical, review the full build-up including track/pole and fitting method as part of the specification.

Technical specifications

Composition	100% Polyester
Fabric width	140cm and 280cm
Weight	450gsm
Fabric style	Plains
Usage	Drapery – do not railroad
Features	Blackout, Thermal
Colour fastness	5/6
Pattern repeat	NA
Flame retardant	Yes
FR standards (as listed)	BS 5867 Pt 2 B, EN 13773, IMO, Cig & Match, NFPA 701
Washing / cleaning information	Face fabric 30°C (when blackout lined)
Estimated delivery	3–5 working days

Spec & compliance note

Washing instructions and flame retardant certificates/supporting documentation should be referenced from the specification tab for project files and tender submissions. For specification-critical work, confirm the required standard(s) with the site fire officer or authority having jurisdiction.

Product video

Visual reference for drape and surface finish.

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	Blackout, Thermal
Delivery	3 - 5 Working Days Delivery
Washing / Cleaning Information Face Fabric	30 Degrees (When Blackout Lined)
Flame Retardant	Yes
Fabric Style	Plains
Fabric Width (cm)	280
Pattern Repeat Vertical (cm)	1
Composition	100% Polyester

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AMM

29 Nov 2023

Quick on Delivery, Excellent Professionals

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Quick on Delivery, always available for any type of clarification related to fabric or curtains. Flexible to send you any sample you may need. Good fabrics materials Excellent professionals I always bought the curtains fabrics here and never got any problems so far

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Helen

4 Oct 2022

Great company

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Great company, excellent service

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Chapman

10 Mar 2021

Great Fabric

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Great fabric at a good price and super quick delivery. I would definitely order from here again.

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Denise

11 Feb 2021

Very helpful

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Very helpful, professional, friendly, prompt service. Will use again.

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hilly fletcher

18 Jan 2021

Samples received very promptly thank you!

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Samples received very promptly thank you!

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Natercia Gore

31 Oct 2020

Excellent service!

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Excellent service! The fabric samples were send quickly and very well catalogued and it was easy to make a decision! I have then ordered a fabric to make a curtain and it was of high quality (Garda off White). I am extremely happy and highly recommend Direct Fabrics.

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by Michael Evans

27 Nov 2019

Excellent customer service

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Excellent customer service. Everything arrived quickly, well packed and more importantly just as described. Will definitely use again.

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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

Garda Soft Velvet Blackout Curtain Fabric 140cm and 280cm Wide 20 Colours

Garda Soft Velvet Blackout Curtain Fabric 140cm and 280cm Wide 20 Colours

Garda Soft Velvet Blackout Curtain Fabric

Flame Retardant

Blackout

Thermal

Sold Per Metre

Fabric Width

Free Samples

Why specify Garda soft velvet blackout for contract drapery

Where this fits in our range

Who uses Garda blackout velvet

Specifier note

Technical specifications

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