Welcome to the Direct Fabrics Glossary of Terms. This glossary is designed to help you understand the various terms and phrases commonly used in the world of fabrics, curtains, and blinds. Whether you are a professional interior designer or a homeowner looking to enhance your living space, this glossary will provide you with clear definitions and explanations of key terms. Use the search box below to quickly find the information you need.

Term Definition
3 Pass Blackout A type of blackout fabric that has three layers, providing complete light blockage and enhanced thermal insulation. It is commonly used in curtains and blinds to ensure total darkness.
3" Pencil Pleat Curtains Curtains with a heading tape sewn at the top, creating tight, evenly spaced folds that resemble the size of a pencil. The 3" refers to the width of the heading tape.
44mm Eyelet Heading A curtain heading style with metal eyelets (rings) at the top of the curtain, allowing it to be threaded onto a curtain rod. The 44mm refers to the diameter of the eyelets.
Acoustic Absorption The ability of a material or fabric to absorb sound energy, reducing echo and reverberation within a space, leading to better acoustics.
Acoustic Insulation Materials or fabrics designed to block or reduce the transmission of sound through them, enhancing the soundproofing of a room.
Billet Hook Stage Curtains Curtains used in theaters and stages that are hung using billet hooks. These hooks attach to the curtain and allow for easy hanging and removal.
Blackout Curtains Curtains made with fabric designed to block out light completely, often used in bedrooms, media rooms, or any space where light control is necessary.
Blackout Lining A special lining used in curtains to block out light completely. Blackout lining is not black in color but is often ivory or another light color to reflect heat and enhance energy efficiency.
BS5867, BS7175, BS5852 Crib 5 These are British Standards for testing the fire resistance of fabrics and furnishings:
  • BS5867: Specification for curtains, drapes, and window blinds for commercial use.
  • BS7175: Methods of test for the ignitability of bedcovers and pillows.
  • BS5852 Crib 5: A fire resistance standard for upholstery and furnishing fabrics.
Curtain Drop - Hem to Hem Measurement The vertical length of the curtain from the top hem to the bottom hem. Note: For 44mm eyelet curtains, an additional upstand is added to this measurement.
Curtain Fullness The ratio of the fabric width to the window width, creating a fuller or more gathered appearance. Common fullness ratios are 1.5x, 2x, or 3x the width of the window.
Curtain Header The top part of a curtain that attaches to the curtain rod or track. Various styles include pencil pleat, eyelet, and pinch pleat.
Curtain Pole A rod from which curtains are hung. Curtain poles can be decorative and come in various materials, including wood, metal, and plastic.
Curtain Rings Rings that slide onto a curtain pole and attach to the top of the curtain, allowing it to open and close smoothly.
End Caps for Curtain Track Decorative or functional caps placed at the ends of the curtain track to prevent the gliders from sliding off and to provide a finished look.
Exact Width for Blind The precise measurement of the width of a blind. Direct Fabrics manufactures blinds to the exact width specified by the customer.
Fabric Width The measurement of the width of a fabric roll, typically given in centimeters or inches. It indicates how wide the fabric is when it is unrolled.
Fabric Width for Blind The width of the fabric used in a blind, which will be slightly less than the total width of the blind to accommodate the hardware and mechanisms.
Fitting Height The height at which the curtain track is mounted on the wall or ceiling. This measurement is crucial for ensuring the correct length of the curtains. For cord and chain lengths for roller blinds and curtain tracks, the chain is made to fitting height less 150cm to ensure they are child safety compliant to BBSA standards.
Flame Retardant Fabrics Fabrics that have been treated or manufactured to resist burning and withstand exposure to flame. These fabrics reduce the risk of fire and are commonly used in commercial and public environments.
GTOT An abbreviation for "Total Solar Energy Transmittance." It measures the effectiveness of a fabric in blocking solar energy from entering a space, combining both direct solar transmission and secondary heat transfer.
Hems The edges of the curtain that are folded and sewn to prevent fraying and to create a neat finish. The bottom hem is typically wider than the side hems.
Interlined Curtains Curtains with an additional layer of fabric sewn between the main fabric and the lining, providing extra insulation and a fuller appearance.
Made to Measure Custom-made curtains or blinds tailored to the exact size requirements of a window.
Motorized Curtains Curtains that are opened and closed using a motor, which can be controlled via remote control or a smart home system.
Net Curtains Lightweight, semi-transparent curtains often used to provide privacy while still allowing light to enter a room.
Pair or Single Curtain Refers to whether the curtains are supplied as a single panel or as a pair of panels. A pair is typically used to cover a window, with each panel covering half the window when closed.
Pelmets A framework placed above a window, used to conceal curtain fixtures and add a decorative element to the window treatment.
Railroaded Curtains Curtains made from fabric that is turned sideways (railroaded) so that the width of the fabric becomes the height of the curtain. This technique can eliminate vertical seams.
Recess Width for Blind The width of a blind measured to fit within the window recess. Direct Fabrics makes a deduction to ensure the blind mechanisms fit properly within the recess.
Roll Length The length of fabric on a roll, often measured in meters or yards. For example, a roll length of 50m indicates that there are 50 meters of fabric on the roll.
Roman Blinds A type of window blind made from fabric that folds up into pleats when raised.
Sash Curtains Lightweight curtains that are designed to be hung on sash windows, usually attached with small rods at the top and bottom.
Sheer Curtains Lightweight, translucent curtains that allow light to pass through while providing some level of privacy. Often used in combination with heavier drapes.
Side Return / Hems The extra fabric at the sides of the curtain that returns to the wall, providing a finished look and better light control. Side hems refer to the finished edges along the sides of the curtain.
Solar Control Fabrics Fabrics designed to reduce heat gain and glare from the sun. These fabrics help to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and protect interior furnishings from UV damage.
Substrate of Wall / Ceiling The material or surface to which the curtain track or blind fittings are mounted, such as drywall, plaster, concrete, or wood. Understanding the substrate is important for selecting appropriate mounting hardware.
Swags and Tails A style of curtain drapery where fabric is draped in a curve across the top of a window and cascades down the sides.
Tiebacks Decorative pieces of fabric or rope used to hold curtains open. They can be purely decorative or functional.
Track Gliders Small fittings that attach to the curtain and slide along the curtain track, allowing the curtain to be opened and closed smoothly.
Track Width The total length of the curtain track from end to end. It determines the width of the curtain set to cover the window or space.
Triple Pinch Pleat Curtains Curtains with groups of three pleats sewn together at the top, creating a decorative and structured appearance. This style offers a formal, elegant look.
Valance A short curtain or piece of fabric that hangs across the top of a window, often used to conceal curtain fittings or add a decorative touch.
Venetian Blinds Window blinds made of horizontal slats that can be tilted to control light and privacy.
Vertical Blinds Window blinds with vertical slats that can be tilted to control light and privacy and can be pulled to the side to open.
Window Reveal / Recess The area inside the window frame where a blind or curtain is fitted. It refers to the depth and space within the window opening.