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Short answer
Stage curtains are a set of heavy, dark, light-absorbing drapes: the main house curtain at the front, legs and borders that mask the wings and lights, a backdrop, and sometimes a scrim. They are usually velvet or a heavy dense weave, hung with fullness for the house curtain and flat or lightly gathered for masking. In schools, halls, cinemas and theatres they must be fire-retardant to the standard the authorities require.
The parts of a stage
| Curtain | Job | Typical fabric |
|---|---|---|
| House (main) curtain | Opens and closes the stage; the audience's view | Heavy velvet in a rich colour, with fullness |
| Legs | Vertical drapes at the sides that hide the wings | Black velvet or heavy dense weave |
| Borders | Horizontal drapes overhead that hide lights | Black velvet or heavy dense weave |
| Backdrop or tabs | The back wall of the set | Black velvet, or a plain cloth for projection |
| Scrim | See-through when lit from behind, solid when lit from the front | Open gauze weave |
Why velvet
Velvet's dense pile absorbs light rather than reflecting it, so black masking disappears under stage lighting, and a rich house curtain glows. It also absorbs sound, which helps hall acoustics. See What Is Velvet Fabric? and Noise-Reducing Curtains.
Run the pile the same way on every drop, usually downwards, or neighbouring widths will look like different shades under the lights.
Fullness and making
- House curtain: often made at about 1.5 to 2 times fullness, for rich folds.
- Legs and borders: often flat or lightly gathered, so they are easy to hang and store.
- Lining: adds weight, blocks light and protects the face.
- Weighted hems or chain: keep long drops hanging straight.
- Heavy-duty track: a long, heavy house curtain needs a track and pulleys or motors rated for the weight.
Fire safety
Stage curtains in schools, halls, cinemas, theatres and other public buildings must be fire-retardant. The requirement and standard come from the project specification and the local fire authority, and are usually checked at inspection. Inherently fire-retardant fabrics keep their performance through cleaning; treated fabrics may need re-treating.
Watch out
Never hang untested fabric on a stage. Always ask for the fire test report for the exact fabric, and keep it on file for inspections. See fire-retardant fabrics.
Blackout and projection
Halls used for screenings or daytime events need blackout at the windows too. Coated blackouts or lined curtains on ceiling tracks, with good overlaps, darken the room. See Blackout Curtains.
Care
Vacuum stage curtains with a soft brush in the direction of the pile, keep them dry, and have them professionally cleaned by a specialist who understands fire-retardant fabrics. Check fire certification after cleaning if the fabric is treated rather than inherently fire-retardant.
Frequently asked questions
What fabric are stage curtains made of?
Usually heavy velvet or a dense weave, which absorbs light and sound. Black is used for masking, and a rich colour for the main house curtain.
Do stage curtains have to be fire-retardant?
Yes, in schools, halls, cinemas, theatres and other public buildings. The standard comes from the project specification and the local fire authority.
What are legs and borders on a stage?
Legs are vertical drapes at the sides that hide the wings; borders are horizontal drapes overhead that hide the lighting.
What is a scrim?
An open gauze curtain that looks solid when lit from the front and see-through when the scene behind it is lit.
How much fullness do stage curtains need?
The main house curtain is often made at about 1.5 to 2 times fullness; masking legs and borders are often flat or lightly gathered.
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.