Curtain Finishes & Lining

There are a number of ways in which to finish the top, side, bottom and back of a curtain. The following provides some guidance on standard finishes and describes options beyond that as well. If you use our request a quote tool online, you'll see that it gives you the option to select a pre-configured set of standard curtain finishes. You can specify a custom finish as well. We're happy to help you through the process if you need some coaching. Call us at 800-223-1624. Take a look at all of the content on this page, or skip to the section of your interest:

Top Finishes
Top Finish Hardware
Side Finishes
Bottom Finishes
Linings
Burn Sample & Drape Bag

Black Avora material lining the back of a curtain

Avora Fabric Lining

Top Finishes

Our most common top finish webbing is 3" polypropylene webbing in either black or white. Jute webbing is generally used on natural fiber fabrics such as scrims and muslins. The top finish attachment hardware is determined by how it will be hung and what it will hang from e.g., will it be dead hung (stationary) or on a track. Another factor is sight line of the audience and if the header will be seen. Photos are taken from the back of the drape to show detail.

Webbing Grommets & Ties

Webbing, Grommets & Ties

Hidden Sewn Twill Ties

Hidden Sewn Twill Ties

Hidden Webbing Gromments & Ties

Hidden Webbing Gromments & Ties

(Double Grommet Webbing)

Pipe Hem Unlined with Hook & Loop Closure, Hidden Grommets & Ties

Pipe Hem Unlined with Hook & Loop
Closure, Hidden Grommets & Ties

Open Hem Unlined 5"

Open Hem Unlined 5"

Pipe and Grommet

Pipe and Grommet

Webbing & Snap Hooks Above

Webbing & Snap Hooks Above

Webbing & Snap Hooks Flush

Webbing & Snap Hooks Flush

Webbing Snap Hooks Bottom

Webbing Snap Hooks Bottom

Webbing, Grommets & S-Hooks

Webbing, Grommets & S-Hooks

Webbing, Grommets & CCF-2s

Webbing, Grommets & CCF-2s

Hidden Bungee

Hidden Bungee

Jute Webbing

Jute Webbing

Top Finish Hardware

Snap Hooks

Snap Hook

S-Hook

S-Hook

Drapery Hook Step Down

Drapery Hook Step Down

CCF-2

CCF-2

Drapery Hook Flush Top

Drapery Hook Flush Top

Side Finishes

Side finishes for the leading edge of travelers are often finished with a full-width or half-width turnback. This helps prevent the audience from seeing the back or lining of the curtain. Side finishes can also be as basic as a flat 2" hem. Hook and Loop can be used if drapes are attaching to each other or to a frame. For pieces that need tension on the sides, cable guides or cable hems can be used. For fabrics with stretch, grommet patches are often the best option. Photos are taken from the back of the drape to show detail.

2 Inch Hem

2" Hem

Hook & Loop

Hook & Loop

Grommet on Webbing

Grommet on Webbing

Jib Clamp

Jib Clamp

Cable Guide

Cable Guide

Cable Hem Unlined

Cable Hem Unlined

Turn Back

Turn Back

Bottom Finishes

Bottom finish serves two purposes – to weight the fabric and stretch out any wrinkles and to “meet the stage floor” and create a clean finished look. A hem pocket for pipe is most typical on flat curtains, while lead weight tape or jack chain are common in drapes with added fullness. Typical bottom pipe is 1/2" schedule 40 pipe (0.84" OD.) That will can be insterted into a pipe hem. or a pipe pocket that is hidden from view by a false “skirt.” Photos are taken from the back of the drape and cut away to show details.

Chain Hem Lined 5"

Chain Hem Lined 5"

Creates a nice hang for flat drapes or those with fullness. The chain weight is suspended in a separate pocket within the hem.

Hem Tape Weight 4"

Hem Tape Weight 4"

For lighter weight fabric or when a crisper bottom hem is desired.

Hem BB Weight

Hem BB Weight

For lightweight fabrics.

Open Hem Unlined 5"

Open Hem Unlined 5"

Used with flat drapes, scrims and cycs. Creates a clean, straight visual line. Can be unlined or lined.

Pipe Pocket with Skirt 5"

Pipe Pocket With Skirt 5"

Slightly longer skirt prevents light leaks from under the pipe and compensates for uneven floors.

Open Hem with 3" Pipe Pocket Above

Open Hem With 3" Pipe Pocket Above

Prevents light leaks from under the pipe and compensate for uneven floors.

Pipe Hem Lined With Feed

Often placed in the center or every 10' to ease the installation of the bottom pipe.

Linings

Is your fabric selection opaque enough for your drapery, or does it need to be lined to insure it can provide a true black out? Is the installation permanent or temporary? Liners can be attached in many ways. They are often sewn at the top and sides, leaving the bottom loose. The sides can also be laced to the lining, instead of sewn, which allows the face and liner fabric to react differently to envirormental conditions without compromising your curtain. For specialty drapes like ShowLED curtains, we can even attach a liner with hook and loop.

Unlined

Unlined

An unlined curtain is a single layer of fabric.

Liner-Flat

Liner -- Flat

Typically, a flat liner is used on a flat drape. However, it can also be put behind a drape with fullness. This is an option when space is limited, as with flying curtains, or if a removable lining is desired.

Liner -- Full

Liner -- Full

Both the face and the lining fabric have fullness. This creates a rich drape with the highest light and sound absorption.

Double-faced (Self-lined)

Double-faced (Self-lined)

A curtain is made double faced when face fabric is used on both sides. Front of house drapes are often double faced as they will be seen from both sides.

Turnback with laced loops

Turnback with Laced Loops

Burn Sample & Drape Bag

Burn Sample

Burn Sample

A burn sample is sewn into the top webbing or side seam of a drape to facilitate flame testing.

Drape Bag

Drape Bag

Our drapes ship in our Rose Brand Drape Bag (some size and quantity exceptions).