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Short answer
In shops and showrooms, curtains protect stock from sun fading, cut glare on screens, give privacy to upstairs offices and homes in shophouses, and close off fitting rooms. Use sheers to filter sun on display windows, opaque dimouts or blackouts for fitting rooms and storerooms, and hard-wearing, washable polyester throughout. Shops are public premises, so check the fire requirement and use fire-retardant fabric where it applies.
Curtains by area
| Area | Need | Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Display window | Filter sun to protect stock; keep the view | Light sheer, or sheer plus a blind |
| Showroom floor | Glare control, a finished look | Sheers and dimouts on ceiling tracks |
| Fitting rooms | Full privacy; heavy daily use | Opaque dimout or blackout, wide and heavy |
| Shophouse upper floors | Privacy, heat and light control | Dimout or blackout, plus sheers |
| Back office and stock room | Privacy and sun protection | Dimout or blackout |
Protecting stock from fading
Sunlight through shop windows fades merchandise, displays and furniture. A sheer behind the display, solar film on the glass, or a blind lowered in the hottest hours all help. Rotate stock in the window regularly. See Light-Fastness Explained and Curtains That Reduce Heat.
Fitting room curtains
- Opaque fabric: a dimout or blackout, so no shadows show from outside.
- Extra width: about 1.5 to 2 times the opening, so the curtain closes fully without gaps at the sides.
- Weight: a heavier fabric or weighted hem stops the curtain swinging open.
- Durability: pulled hundreds of times a day; choose a firm weave and a strong track.
- Washable: polyester that can be laundered regularly.
Tip
Fit the track on the ceiling and run it a little beyond each side of the opening, so the curtain overlaps the wall and leaves no gap.
Brand and colour
Curtains can carry a brand colour across a store, but strong colours fade on sunny windows. Use brand colours in fitting rooms and interiors, and calmer neutrals or sheers at sunny windows. Order everything for a chain of stores from one dye batch so colours match. See How to Choose Curtain Colours.
Fire safety
Shops and showrooms are public premises, and fire requirements for curtains, fitting room drapes and upholstery come from the local fire authority and any landlord or mall specification. Ask for the fabric's fire test report and keep it on file. See Hotel and Office Curtain Fabric.
Watch out
Keep curtains away from display lighting, heaters and electrical equipment, especially in small fitting rooms and display windows.
Frequently asked questions
What curtains are best for fitting rooms?
An opaque, heavy dimout or blackout on a ceiling track, about 1.5 to 2 times the opening width so it closes fully, in washable polyester.
How do I stop shop window displays fading?
Filter the sun with a sheer, solar film or a blind in the hottest hours, and rotate stock in the window regularly.
Do shop curtains need to be fire-retardant?
Shops are public premises, so fire requirements often apply. Check with the local fire authority and any mall or landlord specification, and get the test report.
What curtains suit a shophouse upper floor?
Dimouts or blackouts for privacy and heat control, with sheers for daytime light, on ceiling tracks.
How wide should a fitting room curtain be?
About 1.5 to 2 times the opening, with the track running a little beyond each side so there is no gap.
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.