Essence Flock Soft Flame Retardant Curtains
Flame Retardant
Blackout
Made To Measure
Heavy Weight
British Made
5 Year Guarantee
Thermal
Essence Flock Soft Flame Retardant Curtains
Flame Retardant
Blackout
Made To Measure
Heavy Weight
British Made
5 Year Guarantee
Thermal
Currently 3-4 Weeks - UK Manufactured
UK Mainland Over £250
FREE
Essence flame retardant blackout curtains – made to measure (double-sided matte)
Essence is a made-to-measure blackout curtain range with a matte finish and colour on both sides. Designed for specification-led projects where a clean street-side appearance, dependable privacy and 100% blackout fabric performance are required. Options include a curated palette of 23 colours, with headings and make-up selected to suit your track or pole.
Fire Retardant
Contract suitable (see standards)
Blackout
100% blackout fabric
Made to Measure
Manufactured to your sizes
23 Colours
Specified palette
Washable
Depends on lining (spec tab)
Double-Sided
Colour on both sides
Expectation setting: Essence is a blackout curtain fabric (100% light block through the fabric). Overall room darkening also depends on installation details such as returns, overlap and pelmets. Lining is not required for blackout, but can be specified for additional body or thermal layering.
Thermal note: The source page states that curtains lined with Direct Fabrics blackout lining are thermally certified to reduce heat loss by 30% over a double glazed window. Washing guidance and certificates (where applicable) are available in the Specs tab.
Overview for specifiers and installers
Essence is specified when you need a blackout curtain that presents consistently from both sides. The matte, double-sided colour reduces the “white backing” look seen on many blackout constructions and supports a cleaner external appearance on street-facing elevations.
The range is made to measure, with headings selected to suit your hardware and site constraints. For quote consistency, the source page states pricing is based on a 150 cm (59") fabric width.
Fire performance standards listed for the base fabric include BS 5867 Part 2 B and EN 13773 alongside additional standards (see the Specifications section). Where project compliance is critical, refer to the certificates and care information in the Specs tab.
Best suited for
- Bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms needing blackout through the fabric.
- Hotel bedrooms and serviced accommodation where street-side appearance matters.
- Education and workplace settings requiring flame retardant performance and privacy.
- Projects where blackout is required without relying on a separate lining for light block.
Where this fits in our range
Choose Essence when you want a double-sided blackout with a matte finish and a consistent look inside and out. If your priority is a lighter handle or a non-blackout privacy curtain, a dimout or sheer range will be more appropriate.
Jet, Graphite, Zinc, Smoke, Midnight, Denim, Sky, Pumice, Teal, Ginger, Ash, Tobacco, Thyme, Kale, Tarragon, Hemp, Dust, Nougat, Clay, Biscuit, Ecru, Cloud, Chalk.
Who uses our Essence flame retardant blackout curtains
Essence is specified for projects where blackout and flame retardant compliance are required, including hospitality, education and commercial interiors. The source page also references use in settings such as care homes, schools, theatres, hotels and domestic environments.
For installer-led projects, blackout performance is improved by selecting suitable track systems, adding returns and overlap, and considering a pelmet to reduce edge glow.
Hospitality
Guest bedrooms and serviced accommodation requiring blackout fabric and a tidy external appearance.
Healthcare & care
Resident rooms and communal areas where flame retardant specification is required and privacy is essential.
Education & workplace
Accommodation, teaching spaces and offices needing blackout control and compliant soft furnishings.
Certificates & care: Fire test certification and washing instructions are available in the Specs tab. Where laundering performance is critical, confirm the lining choice and site maintenance requirements.
Technical specifications
| Product type | Made to measure blackout curtains (double-sided matte) |
| Blackout (fabric) | 100% light block |
| Finish | Matte, plain; colour on both sides |
| Fabric width basis for pricing | 150 cm (59") |
| Weight (base fabric) | 330 gsm (9.7 oz/yd²) |
| Composition | 100% Polyester with Acrylic Coating |
| FR standards (as listed) | B1, EN 13773, BS 5867 Part 2 B, IMO FTP Code 2010 Part 7, NFPA 701 1+2 |
| Colour fastness to light | 5 |
| Heading options (as listed) | Wave, double/triple pinch pleat, eyelet, pencil |
| Lining | Not required for blackout; pelmets and returns recommended to minimise halo |
| Tracks & poles | Close-fit systems improve blackout along edges |
| Care (as listed) | 30 °C gentle wash; do not bleach; iron on low heat (use a press cloth); do not dry clean; do not tumble dry |
Wash durability is stated as 10–50 washes depending on lining choice. For specification-critical work, confirm the lining selection and refer to the Specs tab for certificates and the latest care guidance.
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
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
- Care home curtains
- School Curtains
- Theatre curtains
- Surround curtains
- Hotel Curtains
- Domestic Curtains
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.
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.
| Washing / Cleaning Information Face Fabric | 30 Degrees (When Blackout Lined), Cool Iron, Non Bleach, Non Dry Clean, Non Tumble Dry |
|---|---|
| Flame Retardant Certified Rating | BS5867 Part 2C |
| Delivery | Currently 3-4 Weeks - UK Manufactured |
| Flame Retardant | Yes |
| Fabric Style | Plains, Semi Plains |
| Fabric Width (cm) | 150 |
| Pattern Repeat Vertical (cm) | 1 |
| Composition | 100% Polyester with Acrylic Coating |
| Features | Flame Retardant, Blackout, Thermal |
| Product Attachment |
Will my room be totally blackout with a blackout fabric?
What is the difference between blackout and dimout fabric?
What are thermal curtains and how do they work?
How to Measure for a Recess Fitted Blind
How do I calculate how much curtain fabric I need?
Customer Product Reviews
Top customer reviews
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Essence Flame Retardant CurtainsI recently ordered the Essence Flame Retardant Curtains from Direct Fabrics, and overall I’m very pleased. The curtain fabric delivers full blackout, which is great for sleeping and early mornings.0 people found this helpful
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Great range of coloursThere’s a great range of colours to choose from, and being made to measure means they fit perfectly. Delivery took 3-4 weeks as they’re custom-made, but it was worth the wait. I’d definitely recommend these curtains to anyone looking for high-quality, safe, and stylish blackout curtains.0 people found this helpful
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High Quality FabricBeautiful, high-quality finish The double-sided matte fabric looks great both from inside and outside the room. The density of the fabric offers a soft drape which gives a premium feel.0 people found this helpful
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Blackout CurtainsI’m really happy with the Essence Flame Retardant Curtains. The quality is fantastic, and the fabric feels thick and luxurious. They block out light really well, which is perfect for bedrooms or anywhere you need full blackout.0 people found this helpful
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Wide colour rangeSo many colours to choose from and the fabric is nice and soft, really happy with the curtain quality.0 people found this helpful
How to Measure For Curtains, Blinds and Tracks.
Pen and Paper
For recording your
measurements.
Helper
Someone to assist if your
windows are large .
Metal Tape Measure
As this will allow you to get a
rigid full length measurement.
Make sure your curtain tracks and poles are fitted in the position you want.
Choose the type of curtains that you would like and how you want to hang your curtains. See our heading styles guide
We recommend fitting your hardware first before measuring, this avoids any issues with not getting the perfect fit.
Measure your window using our main guide. Quick summary below. Remember wave, pinch, and designer headings require slightly different measurement
Measure in 3 places and take the shortest drop – Floors and ceilings can run out.
Double / Triple check your measurements
Choosing your Curtain Track Width
The width of the curtain track should extend past your window this allows for the curtains to stack back away from your window and allow light in.
Measure your recess and then add on 15cm on either side. For acoustics , we recommend further to fully cover the window and the surrounding area. In our test we added an additional 30cm to the width and also made the curtain floor length.
Wave curtains, for every 100cm of track the curtains will stack circa *18cm
Eyelet curtains, they will stack back circa 10cm per *70cm of track width
Pencil Pleat will stack approx 25% of the track width. eg. 210cm track will stack 52.5%
* all dependent on thickness of fabric
Selecting your Curtain Drop
Where to Measure From for Different Type of Curtains
|
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. |
How to Measure for Blinds going Inside the Recess
- Measure the exact width of the recess in three places; at the top of the recess, in the centre of the recess and near the bottom - then take the smallest size.
- Measure the exact drop of the recess in three places on the left hand side of the recess, in the centre of the recess and on the right hand side of the recess - then take the smallest size.
- We will take one cm off the finished width size you have given us, to allow for the blind to pull up and down easily.
- Double check your measurements
- Cord Safety - Mounting Height - We ask for the mounting height of your blinds to allow for the cord to be 150cm off the ground. If mounting at 210cm This is what you enter in the Fitting height box. We make a deduction to ensure the cord is 150cm from the floor. Thus the cord loop will be 60cm
How to Measure Outside of the Recess
- Measure the recess in 3 places on the width and also 3 places on the drop. Take the widest measurement.
- Measure the width of the actual recess plus an additional amount – Usually from 7cm-15cm whatever you think looks appropriate. This is for overlap.
- Measure the exact drop of the recess. The blind would be fitted above the recess, so check the space above and add an amount on to the drop – usually from 7-15cm
- These sizes you have taken will be the size of the finished blind.
- Double check your measurements
- Cord Safety - Mounting Height - We ask for the mounting height of your blinds to allow for the cord to be 150cm off the ground. If mounting at 210cm This is what you enter in the fitting height box. We make a deduction to ensure the cord is 150cm from the floor. Thus the cord loop will be 60cm
Cubicle Tracks you have to measure with right angles from wall to wall where you want the track to go
Draw your room on a piece of paper with a sky view
Now measure from the wall to wall for straight tracks,
L Shape Tracks Measure to a point on the floor and mark with a piece of tape. Then for the other sides measure from the other wall to that point.
Always check for obstructions and fitting issues you may need to work around
SAVE TIME - Send your project requirements, large or small. Sample Lists etc