Ricky Richards - Albis

Curtain-up on high performance

Issue 104 September 2025

The new era of interest in curtains continues apace, with fabric releases designed for quality functionality as well as aesthetic appeal.

Ricky Richards

“In the world of interiors, there’s an undeniable magic in how light transforms a space. A soft, diffused glow can make a living room feel welcoming, a bedroom serene, and a dining area alive with warmth. But beyond beauty, fabrics must also perform; resisting wear, keeping their shape, and maintaining that first-day elegance.”

“Ricky presents Albis from the Bliss Collection, a sheer acrylic voile curtain fabric that effortlessly balances aesthetic inspiration with real-world performance. Albis is about capturing that “golden hour” feeling all day long. Its airy weave invites light to dance through, while still offering privacy. Perfect for coastal homes where sunlight is abundant or urban apartments seeking to soften city views, Albis elevates interiors with a timeless sophistication.”

“Designers love how it works with natural palettes and bold accents alike. Picture it framing French doors that open to a leafy courtyard, or filtering light in a penthouse lounge overlooking the harbour.”

And while Albis may look delicate, it’s anything but. Woven from solution-dyed acrylic, it delivers exceptional colourfastness, meaning your curtains will resist fading even under intense sunlight. Its soft hand-feel is matched by its robust resistance to mildew and stains — perfect for humid climates and busy homes.

Ricky Richards – Albis. Image courtesy of Rickys River Bar & Restaurant

Specs Callout:
• Fabric width: 300cm
• Composition: 100% solution-dyed acrylic
• Performance: Fade-resistant, mildew-resistant, stain-resistant
• Care: Easy to clean, low maintenance

“Consumers are asking more from their spaces; fabrics that look beautiful but also last. Albis steps up, offering a lightweight feel without sacrificing durability. Whether the project calls for contemporary minimalism or relaxed coastal charm, Albis delivers a canvas for light and style.”

Silent Gliss by Peter Meyer

Silent Gliss by Peter Meyer offers an established Curtain range built around the success of its Colorama fabrics, woven from the renowned Trevira CS fibre. Known for its inherent flame retardancy, durability, and ease of use, Trevira CS has been the backbone of the Colorama range since its debut in 1980. This latest evolution offers trade professionals extended design options and enhanced performance features, providing greater flexibility for residential, commercial, and specialised interior projects.

Silent Gliss by Peter Meyer Managing Director Simon Meyer explains: “The Colorama range, woven from inherently flame-retardant Trevira CS yarns, has been a trusted specification choice for decades. Its enduring quality, ease of fabrication, and consistent performance make it a mainstay for residential, commercial, and public spaces.” 

The range offers multiple variants, each engineered for specific functional and aesthetic outcomes:

• Colorama Multicolour – Introduces subtle tonal variations within the weave, adding depth and visual texture while maintaining the sheer fabric’s signature lightness and flame-retardant properties.

• Colorama Acoustic – Designed with a specialised weave structure that helps absorb sound, improving acoustic comfort in open-plan living, office, and hospitality spaces while retaining an airy, translucent appearance.

• Colorama Eco – Manufactured from 100% recycled polyester, offering a sustainable specification option without compromise on performance or style.

• Colorama Dim-Out – Provides enhanced light control for spaces where dimming is required, such as bedrooms, media rooms, and conference facilities. Many options include a colour-coordinated reverse for a uniform interior and exterior appearance. When paired with blackout lining, they achieve near-complete light block.

• Colorama Bioactive – Incorporates antimicrobial technology within the yarn, helping inhibit bacterial growth. Ideal for healthcare settings, aged care facilities, and hygiene-conscious residential applications.

• Colorama Alu – Features a reflective aluminium backing to reduce solar gain and heat ingress. Well-suited to high-exposure glazing or sun-facing façades, it supports energy efficiency by maintaining a cooler indoor environment.

Silent Gliss by Peter Meyer

“By combining technical performance with varied design aesthetics, the Colorama II range caters to diverse project needs,” Meyer says. “Acoustic variants address sound control in contemporary open layouts, Eco supports sustainability targets, Dim-Out provides flexible light management, and Alu offers energy-efficient solar control.”

He confirms that the curtain fabric market continues to favour floor-to-ceiling sheers, often paired with recessed tracks for an integrated finish. 

“Linen and linen/polyester blends remain popular for their texture and drape. The breadth of the Colorama range complements these trends with sheers that maintain colourfastness, flame retardancy, and a refined finish.”

“While the surge in home upgrades during the pandemic has eased, hybrid working patterns and reduced travel continue to drive investment in interiors. Curtains remain central to creating comfortable, functional spaces, both residential and commercial.”

“For architects, designers, and installers, the Colorama range delivers a specification-ready solution that meets compliance requirements, aligns with sustainability goals, and supports creative expression. With its proven Trevira CS performance and broad selection of functional and aesthetic options, it remains a dependable choice for projects where quality, versatility, and longevity are essential. Technical variants within the Colorama II range are available by indent, ensuring trade professionals can access these specialised fabrics when a project calls for their unique performance attributes.”

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