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 also happy to help you through the process if you need some coaching about curtain lining types and finishes. Call us at 800-223-1624.

See the following content on this page to become more knowledgeable, or skip to the section of your interest:

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

A black curtain with a gold hem and vertical tie lines

Avora Fabric Lining

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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 the sight line of the audience and whether the header will be seen.

See the curtain images below. Photos are taken from the back of the drape to show the detail of each of the curtain finishes

Curtain top finish with grommets and tie cords

Webbing, Grommets & Ties

A curtain with sewn ties

Hidden Sewn Twill Ties

Curtain with hidden grommets

Hidden Webbing Gromments & Ties

(Double Grommet Webbing)

Curtain corner detail with grommets

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

A curtain top finish with a sewn pocket sleeve

Open Hem Unlined 5"

A curtain top finish with metal grommets

Pipe and Grommet

A curtain attached to a track system with clip and webbing.

Webbing & Snap Hooks Above

A curtain with webbing and snap hooks

Webbing & Snap Hooks Flush

A curtain with snap hooks

Webbing Snap Hooks Bottom

A curtain secured with an S-hook

Webbing, Grommets & S-Hooks

Curtain with CCF-2

Webbing, Grommets & CCF-2s

A curtain with a hidden bungee

Hidden Bungee

A curtain with jute webbing

Jute Webbing

Top Finish Hardware

A snap hook

Snap Hook

An S-hook

S-Hook

A drapery hook

Drapery Hook Step Down

CCF-2 hardware

CCF-2

A drapery hook with a 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 attached 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.

A 2’ hem side finish

2" Hem

A hook-and-loop side finish

Hook & Loop

A side finished with grommets on webbing

Grommet on Webbing

A jib clamp on the side of a curtain

Jib Clamp

The side of a curtain with a cable guide

Cable Guide

An unlined cable hem

Cable Hem Unlined

A turn back side finish

Turn Back

Bottom Finishes

Bottom finish serves two purposes: to weigh the fabric and stretch out any wrinkles, and to “meet the stage floor” and create a clean finished look. A hem pocket for a pipe is most typical on flat curtains, while lead weight tape or a jack chain is common in drapes with added fullness. Typical bottom pipe is 1/2" schedule 40 pipe (0.84" OD). That can be inserted 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 the details of each of the bottom curtain finishes.

The bottom of a curtain with a chain hem

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 on a curtain

Hem Tape Weight 4"

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

A hem BB weight on a curtain

Hem BB Weight

For lightweight fabrics.

An open hemmed curtain

Open Hem Unlined 5"

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

The bottom of a curtain with a pipe pocket

Pipe Pocket With Skirt 5"

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

A curtain with an open hem and a 3” pipe pocket

Open Hem With 3" Pipe Pocket Above

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

Pipe Hem Lined With Feed

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 ensure it can provide a true blackout? 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 environmental conditions without compromising your curtain. For specialty drapes like ShowLED curtains, we can even attach a liner with hook and loop. Understanding different curtain lining types and attachment will help you to determine the best solution for light control, durability, and practicality.

A red unlined curtain

Unlined

An unlined curtain is a single layer of fabric.

A flat curtain liner

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.

A full curtain liner

Liner -- Full

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

A double-faced curtain liner

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 lining with laced loops

Turnback with Laced Loops

Burn Sample & Drape Bag

A curtain with a burn sample

Burn Sample

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

A branded drape bag

Drape Bag

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

FAQs

What are curtain finishes and why do they matter?

These finishes refer to how the edges, top, and bottom of a curtain are constructed, including the webbing, attachment method, and overall structure. The right curtain finishes affect how the drape hangs, how it moves, and visibility of hardware from the audience’s perspective.

What are the different curtain lining types available?

There are several lining types, each serving a different purpose. Some are used to improve opacity or light control, while others help protect the face fabric or add weight for better draping. The right lining depends on your application and performance needs.

How do I choose the right finish and lining for my project?

Choosing the right combination depends on how the curtain will be used and installed. Factors like mounting method, sightlines, fabric type, and desired performance all play a role. Reviewing available curtain finishes and lining options together helps ensure the best overall result.