Fabrics & Materials
Explore everything you need to know about our fabrics and materials. Learn the difference between dimout and blackout fabrics, understand acoustic and thermal properties, and find out which fabrics are flame retardant or suitable for commercial use.
We also explain fabric care, printed base cloths, sustainable options, and which materials are best for bathrooms, healthcare, and high-traffic environments.
Whether you're sourcing for home, hotel, school, or NHS use—this section helps you choose the right fabric for your project.
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.
How do I care for and clean flame retardant curtains?
Flame retardant curtains require specific care to maintain their fire-resistant properties:
Regular Cleaning
- Vacuum regularly using an upholstery attachment
- Spot clean stains immediately with mild detergent
- Professional dry cleaning is recommended for best results
Washing (if fabric permits)
- Check the care label for specific washing instructions
- Our polyester lining can be washed up to 50 times
- Blackout lining can be washed up to 10 times
- Use mild detergent and cool water
- Do NOT use bleach or fabric softener as these can affect flame retardancy
Always refer to the care instructions provided with your curtains. For commercial environments, we recommend professional cleaning to maintain certification compliance.
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.
Are your fabrics suitable for bathrooms and high-moisture areas?
While many of our fabrics can be used in bathrooms, we recommend specific options for high-moisture environments:
Recommended Options
- Polyester Fabrics - More moisture-resistant than natural fibers
- Unlined or Lightweight Lining - Dries faster than heavy linings
- Vertical Blinds - Excellent for bathrooms, easy to clean
- Roller Blinds - Moisture-resistant and practical
Not Recommended
- Heavy interlined curtains (slow to dry)
- Natural fiber fabrics without treatment
- Fabrics that can't be washed
Ensure good ventilation in bathrooms to prevent moisture buildup. For commercial washrooms and healthcare facilities, we recommend wipeable roller blinds or vertical blinds.
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.
Do you offer eco-friendly or sustainable fabric options?
Yes, we're committed to offering more sustainable options where possible:
Current Sustainable Options
- UK Manufacturing - All our curtains and blinds are made in the UK, reducing transportation emissions
- Long-Lasting Products - 5-10 year guarantees mean less waste
- Quality Materials - Durable fabrics that don't need frequent replacement
- Made-to-Measure - No waste from standard sizing
Future Development
We're actively working with suppliers to expand our range of eco-friendly fabrics that meet both sustainability and flame retardant requirements. This is challenging as many eco-friendly treatments don't meet commercial fire safety standards.
Contact our team if you have specific sustainability requirements for your project - we'll work with you to find the best available options.
What is a printed fabric base cloth?
A base cloth is the fabric onto which a pattern or design is printed. The quality and type of base cloth significantly affects the final product:
Common Base Cloths
- Cotton - Natural feel, good print quality, requires flame retardant treatment
- Polyester - Durable, can be inherently flame retardant, good color retention
- Cotton/Poly Blend - Combines benefits of both fibers
Why It Matters
The base cloth affects:
- Drape and hang of the curtain
- Durability and wear resistance
- Flame retardant properties
- Washing and care requirements
- Print quality and color vibrancy
All our printed fabrics use quality base cloths certified to BS5867 for commercial use. Specifications are available on each product page.
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.