Curtain fabrics update

James Dunlop

“Windows play a major role in regulating the temperature within our homes and if they aren’t appropriately furnished, they can lose heat during the winter and overheat during the summer,” says Annie Moir, James Dunlop Design Director. 

“The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority of New Zealand estimate that professionally fitted lined drapes can reduce window heat loss by 40-60% when closed.

“A ‘blackout’ thermal lining is composed of three layers (3 pass) of a coated acrylic suede compound. In addition to offering thermal insulation, blackout linings also minimize the appearance of natural flaws in the face fabric, add body to lightweight face fabrics, provide a stable base for roman blinds, and eliminate light penetration.

“One application we have come to see more and more frequently (both residentially and commercially) is a double track system, allowing you to separate the face fabric from the lining and therefore control how much light comes through the window.”

James Dunlop has recently released three new blackout draperies: Kennedy II, Anticline, and Eclipse FR, developed either to pair with a coordinating sheer or be used alone as an affordable and attractive face fabric.

“Kennedy II Blackout offers a sophisticated, textured, 3 pass blackout for residential application. Featuring a luxuriously thick construction with subtle mélange colour to create a natural aesthetic, Kennedy II Blackout is available in a palette of versatile neutrals and mineral shades.

“Reminiscent of undulating landscapes, Anticline Blackout offers a transitional blackout design for residential application. Tonal layers of watercolour are continuously digitally printed onto a textured 3 pass blackout substrate, woven 280cm wide for ease of manufacturing.

“Eclipse FR Blackout combines style and function in five performance-orientated neutrals, coordinating with an array of James Dunlop sheers and draperies. Wide width and washable, this 3 pass FR silicone blackout is finished for an incredibly soft handle, making it the perfect solution for those who need to sleep during daylight hours or rooms that require additional insulation.”

Ricky Richards

Ricky Richards’ Bliss Albis “redefines what premium fabric means with its exceptional combination of durability, style, and performance,” the company says in a statement. 

“Designed to elevate both residential retreats and commercial spaces, this high-performance acrylic voile offers unmatched elegance without compromising on resilience. With its superior features ensuring long-lasting performance and refined aesthetics, Bliss Albis stands out as the fabric of choice for those who value both form and function.

“Bliss Albis combines refined aesthetics with robust performance. Crafted to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, this fabric is the perfect choice for aquatic environments where water resistance, UV protection, and stain repellence are essential.”

“Bliss Albis is perfect for a wide range of applications, including poolside drapery privacy screens, providing elegance, privacy, and protection in luxury outdoor settings.

“Its application in marine interiors and yacht furnishings sees it combining sophisticated style with resilience for marine applications; as well as outdoor lounges and resorts, enhancing hospitality spaces with a fabric that withstands both sun and moisture.

“In residential outdoor living spaces the fabric is perfect for patios, pergolas, and gazebos, providing shade and comfort with minimal maintenance.

“Its elegant aesthetic brings a soft, sheer texture and adds a touch of sophistication to settings making it suitable for high-end residential and commercial projects.”

Key features of Bliss Albis include:

• 5-year warranty – Backed by a 5-year warranty, Bliss Albis guarantees lasting performance and peace of mind, ensuring your investment remains protected over time.
• UV resistant – With exceptional UV resistance, Bliss Albis offers maximum protection from harmful UV rays, maintaining vibrant colours and structural integrity even after prolonged sun exposure.
• Maximum colour fastness – Bliss Albis promises outstanding colour retention, making it perfect for spaces where fabrics are constantly exposed to sunlight. The maximum colour fastness ensures that shades remain rich and vivid for years.
• Water repellent – Designed for aquatic environments, Bliss Albis features water-repellent properties that prevent water absorption, ensuring quick drying and easy maintenance.
• Stain repellent – The stain-repellent treatment keeps Bliss Albis looking fresh and clean by resisting spills and stains, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and outdoor applications.
• Rot & mildew resistant – Bliss Albis is treated to resist rot, mould, and mildew, ensuring longevity and hygiene in humid or wet environments.
• Suitable for aquatic environments – Specifically designed to thrive in poolside areas, yachts, and marine settings, Bliss Albis maintains its appearance and performance even in challenging environments.

Shaw

Shaw’s Linesque Air has firmly established itself as a go-to fabric in the window covering industry, known for its light and airy qualities that enhance both aesthetic appeal and functionality. 

Available in 12 refined colours, Linesque Air features a subtle linen look texture that pairs effortlessly with Shaw’s most popular roller fabrics, such as Linesque, Le Reve, and Palm Beach. 

The curated colour palette aligns seamlessly with Shaw’s signature range, ensuring perfect coordination across their entire product lineup.

Woven with 100% polyester, Linesque Air strikes the ideal balance between durability and a lightweight, refined finish. Its machine-washable attribute makes it particularly well-suited for residential applications, while its compliance with AS1530 Part II and III guarantees adherence to strict BCA building classification requirements. 

“The fabric is engineered for smooth handling during production, featuring a weighted hem that provides added stability and a polished, finished look without the need for a sewn hem,” says Shaw Marketing Manager Sarah Harris. “With a generous width of up to 3000mm, it’s well-suited for larger windows or expansive spaces, offering full coverage and flexibility. Additionally, Linesque Air is supplied as a folded roll, optimising transportation and warehousing efficiency for businesses.”

As part of Shaw’s ongoing commitment to being a comprehensive, one-stop-shop for high-quality window covering solutions, Linesque Air complements the company’s broader strategy. Shaw’s established national call centre and distribution network across Australia and New Zealand ensure that customers have timely access to the products they need, backed by reliable service and support.

“In a well-established drapery market, Linesque Air continues to be a key product for customers seeking a balance of style and practicality,” says Harris. “Sheer curtains add an elegant final touch to multi product solutions controlling light, heat, and privacy, helping customers achieve the sophisticated looks featured in interior design publications and popular TV shows. Shaw remains dedicated to meeting the needs of the market by delivering high-quality, stylish products at competitive price points.”

Global Smart film

Flocart 100% glass fibre curtains are designed to provide both style and safety for homes or businesses, Grant Norton, Managing Director of local sales agent Global Smart Film explains. 

“Crafted from high-quality, flame-retardant materials, these curtains offer enhanced fire resistance without compromising on aesthetic appeal,” he says. “Ideal for various settings, the glass fibre curtains combine functionality with elegance, ensuring peace of mind and a sophisticated look.”

Glass fibre curtains offer several distinct advantages to the curtain market:

• Enhanced safety: Their flame-retardant properties provide an added layer of security, which is a growing concern for both residential and commercial spaces. Besides classic contract projects like hotels, offices and schools, this feature makes them appealing in high-risk environments such as construction, military, transportation, and maritime applications.
• Durability: The use of high-quality, fire-resistant materials ensures that the curtains maintain their integrity and appearance over time, making them a long-lasting investment.
• Versatility: The curtains combine functionality with aesthetic appeal, offering a range of styles that can fit into any decor, from contemporary to traditional. This makes them suitable for various settings, both in private and public spaces.
• Compliance with regulations: Many regions have strict fire safety regulations, particularly in public buildings. Glass fibre curtains help businesses meet these standards while still providing a stylish solution.
• Peace of mind: The assurance of safety combined with design gives consumers confidence in both the protective and decorative value of the curtains.
• Environmental: Finally, glass fibre curtains do not need to be treated with halogenated chemistry to reach the highest fire standards. Which makes them very efficient in a sustainable way. The fabric does not contain halogenated chemistry, no PVC and no PFAS

Norton adds that glass fibre curtains also offer a significant advantage in the context of growing demand for sustainable products due to their environmentally friendly composition. Here’s how:

• PFAS-Free: glass fibre curtains do not contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are harmful chemicals often found in water- and stain-resistant treatments. The absence of PFAS makes the curtains safer for both consumers and the environment, aligning with the increasing consumer preference for products that do not contribute to long-term environmental pollution.
• No halogenated chemistry: The absence of halogenated chemicals, which are commonly used for flame retardancy but can be toxic and environmentally damaging, ensures that these curtains are a safer and more sustainable alternative. This feature supports the growing demand for products that minimize harmful chemical exposure.
• No PVC: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is often criticized for its negative environmental impact, from its production process to its disposal. The lack of PVC further enhances its sustainability, making it an eco-friendly option that avoids contributing to plastic pollution.
• Eco-conscious consumer appeal: As sustainability becomes a key factor in consumer and public purchasing decisions, the glass fibre  curtains cater to environmentally aware customers by offering a product that balances fire safety with eco-friendly materials and processes. This positions these curtains as a responsible and future-forward choice in the market.