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Short answer
Never order curtain or upholstery fabric from a screen photo alone: always see a physical sample in your own room first, because screens and lighting change colours. Read the specification for composition, width, weight and rub count. Confirm the quantity with your curtain maker or upholsterer, and order the whole job from one dye batch so every piece matches.
Why does fabric look different on screen?
- Screens differ: brightness, colour settings and night modes shift every colour.
- Photos are lit: studio lighting and editing rarely match a Malaysian living room at 4 pm.
- Texture changes colour: velvet, slub and woven patterns look lighter or darker at different angles.
- Your room's light: daylight, warm bulbs and cool LEDs each change how a colour reads.
Tip
Look at a sample at the window where it will hang, in the morning, the afternoon and under your evening lights, before deciding.
What should you check in the specification?
| Spec | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Composition | Care, shrinkage, fading and feel. See Cotton vs Linen vs Polyester |
| Width | Wide fabric can make seamless curtains. See Railroaded Fabric |
| Weight (gsm) | How it hangs and how much light it blocks. See Fabric Weight (GSM) |
| Martindale rubs | Durability for upholstery. See Martindale Rub Test |
| Pattern repeat | Extra fabric needed to match patterns |
| Light type | Sheer, dimout or blackout. See Blackout vs Dimout vs Sheer |
Every JOTEX collection page lists its specification publicly. See How to Read a Fabric Sample Book.
How do you avoid surprises?
- Order a sample first, and compare it with your walls, floor and furniture.
- Confirm the quantity with your curtain maker or upholsterer before ordering. See How to Measure for Curtains.
- One dye batch: order the whole job at once, so colours match between pieces. A later top-up may come from a different batch.
- Allow for pattern repeats and a little spare.
- Check returns: cut fabric is usually not returnable, so be sure before it is cut.
Watch out
Two rolls of the same colour from different dye batches can differ slightly. On a pair of curtains or a sofa, that difference shows.
Buying through a curtain maker or dealer
Most people buy JOTEX fabric through a curtain maker, upholsterer or interior designer, who measures, quotes and makes up the fabric. They can show you sample books, order the right quantity from one batch and handle the making. See How to Choose a Curtain Maker. Trade customers can request samples from the JOTEX team.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to buy curtain fabric online?
Yes, if you see a physical sample first, check the specification, and confirm the quantity with your curtain maker before ordering.
Why does my fabric look different from the photo?
Screens, studio lighting and your room's light all change how a colour looks. Always judge colour from a sample in your own room.
What is a dye batch?
Fabric dyed in the same run. Different batches of the same colour can differ slightly, so order a whole job from one batch.
Can I return cut fabric?
Usually not. Check the seller's terms, and confirm the colour and quantity before the fabric is cut.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.