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Short answer
Partition curtains, or tabir, in mosques, surau and prayer rooms divide the prayer space while letting it open up for larger gatherings. They need an opaque fabric, usually a dimout, that gives privacy in daylight and under lights, hung from a secure ceiling track or a freestanding frame at the agreed height. Because these are public buildings, the fabric should be fire-retardant to the required standard, and it must wash well, since partition curtains are cleaned often.
What a partition curtain must do
| Need | Why | Choose |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Divides the prayer space | An opaque dimout, not a sheer |
| Flexibility | Opens for large gatherings, closes for daily prayers | Ceiling track or movable frame |
| Fire safety | Public building | Fire-retardant fabric with a test report |
| Cleanliness | Washed often | Polyester that keeps its size and colour |
| Calm appearance | Suits the space | Plain, mid-tone or soft colours |
Follow the guidance of the mosque or surau committee on height, placement and colour; practice varies between communities.
Fabric
- Dimout: opaque enough for privacy day and night while keeping the space bright. See Dimout Curtains.
- Avoid sheers: they are see-through, especially when one side is brighter.
- Polyester: washes well, resists mould in humid buildings and holds its colour.
- Plain or subtle texture: calm and practical; plains such as LAUREN and COMO come in many colourways.
Watch out
Check the fire requirement with the committee or project consultant, and ask for the fabric's fire test report. Not every polyester fabric is fire-retardant.
Hanging the partition
- Ceiling track: neat and secure; curtains slide fully open for large gatherings. S-fold gives even waves that look the same from both sides. See Room Divider Curtains.
- Freestanding frames: movable panels where the ceiling cannot take a track or the layout changes.
- Height: set by the committee; full-height curtains give the most privacy.
- Length: about 1 cm above the carpet so curtains slide freely and do not trip anyone.
- Weighted hem: keeps the curtain hanging straight in fan and air-conditioning drafts.
Washing and care
Partition curtains handle many hands and much dust. Choose headings that unclip easily, keep a spare set so one can be washed while the other hangs, and wash polyester dimouts cool and gentle if the label allows. If the fabric is treated rather than inherently fire-retardant, check whether washing affects its certification. See How to Wash Curtains.
Ordering for a mosque or surau
- Agree height, length and placement with the committee.
- Measure the track or frame run and the drop at several points.
- Order all fabric from one dye batch, plus a spare set.
- Keep the fire test report on file for inspections.
Frequently asked questions
What fabric is best for a mosque partition curtain?
An opaque polyester dimout, which gives privacy in daylight and under lights, washes well and resists mould. It should be fire-retardant to the required standard.
Can sheer fabric be used for a surau partition?
Not usually. Sheers become see-through when one side is brighter. A dimout gives privacy at all times.
Do mosque curtains need to be fire-retardant?
Mosques and surau are public buildings, so fire-retardant fabric is generally expected. Check the requirement with the committee or project consultant and get the test report.
How should partition curtains be hung?
On a secure ceiling track so they slide fully open, or on movable frames, at the height agreed by the committee, ending about 1 cm above the carpet.
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.