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Short answer
Velvet curtains drape in heavy, rounded folds and cut light, noise and draughts better than a flat weave, which suits bedrooms, living rooms, media rooms and hotel suites. They need a strong track, a heading that holds weight well (French or double pleat), lining for body and sun protection, and every drop cut with the pile running the same way. Polyester velvet holds its colour well in Malaysian sun; clean it by vacuuming and professional cleaning rather than machine washing.
Where velvet curtains work
| Room | Why velvet |
|---|---|
| Bedroom | Weight and depth; with a blackout lining, full darkness |
| Living room | Richness and warmth; pairs with a sheer |
| Media room | Absorbs light and some sound |
| Hotel suite and lobby | Luxury and scale |
| Condo with a modern look | Velvet in a muted colour on S-fold looks soft and contemporary |
See What Is Velvet Fabric? for how velvet is made and its types.
Headings and fullness
| Heading | With velvet | Fullness |
|---|---|---|
| French or double pleat | Best: holds velvet's weight in crisp pleats | About 2 to 2.5 times |
| S-fold | Good on a track rated for the weight | About 2 times |
| Eyelet | Possible; use a sturdy pole and larger rings | About 1.5 to 2 times |
Watch out
Velvet is heavy, and a lined velvet curtain more so. Choose a track or pole rated for the total weight, with enough brackets, especially on long runs and motorised tracks.
Lining
- Standard lining gives body and helps the curtain hang straight.
- Blackout lining makes a bedroom fully dark.
- Sun protection: a lining takes direct afternoon sun instead of the pile, which matters on west-facing windows.
See Curtain Lining.
Pile direction and joins
- Same direction every drop. Velvet looks lighter or darker depending on which way the pile runs. Mixing directions makes neighbouring widths look like different colours.
- Up or down. Pile running up looks deeper and richer; pile running down looks lighter and sheds dust more easily. Choose one and keep to it.
- Narrow widths need joins. Some velvets are upholstery width rather than extra-wide; CINEMA, for example, is 150 cm wide, so curtains need joined widths with careful pile matching at every seam.
- Railroading changes the pile. Turning velvet sideways makes the pile run across the curtain. Most velvet curtains are made up the roll. See Railroaded Fabric Explained.
Velvets in the JOTEX range
VELVET and CINEMA are 100% polyester plain velvets of about 280 gsm, rated at 20,000 Martindale rubs, soft enough to pleat for curtains and durable enough for cushions and headboards. VELVET comes in 46 colourways. Polyester velvet holds its colour better in strong sun than cotton or viscose velvet.
Caring for velvet curtains
- Vacuum monthly with a soft brush, working in the direction of the pile.
- Steam lightly from the back to lift crushed pile; never iron the face.
- Have velvet curtains professionally cleaned, usually every one to two years; lined curtains especially.
- Blot spills at once; do not rub the pile.
See How to Wash Curtains.
Velvets for curtains
Curtain-weight velvets in the JOTEX range, updated from the catalogue. The YarnGuard velvets are heavier upholstery cloths. See the velvet fabric page.
Browse velvet fabric →
Frequently asked questions
Are velvet curtains good for Malaysia's climate?
Yes, especially polyester velvet in air-conditioned rooms. It resists humidity and holds colour well. Line it on sunny windows and keep it off cold, wet glass.
Do velvet curtains block light?
Velvet's dense pile cuts more light than a flat weave of the same colour, but for a fully dark room, add a blackout lining.
Which heading is best for velvet curtains?
French or double pleat, which hold velvet's weight in crisp folds. S-fold works on a track rated for the weight.
Should velvet curtains be lined?
Yes. A lining adds body, helps the curtain hang straight and protects the pile from sun. Use a blackout lining in bedrooms.
Can velvet curtains be washed?
Usually not in a machine. Vacuum them regularly, steam from the back, and have them professionally cleaned. Follow the care label.
Why do my velvet curtains look like two colours?
The pile runs in different directions on different widths. Every drop must be cut with the pile running the same way.
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.