Flame-retardant velvets: stage velvet, contract velvet for stage, theatre and commercial interiors

Flame-retardant velvets are used in a wide range of professional applications. In theatres and opera houses, they serve as main curtains, theatre velvet legs or backdrops. In cultural buildings and event venues, stage velvets are used for acoustic, lighting and aesthetic purposes. In public spaces such as hotels, educational institutions or community halls, contract velvets combine textile design with compliant fire safety standards.

Velvet fabrics are typically characterised by a combination of high light absorption, rich colour depth and a distinctive silky sheen. These properties make stage velvets suitable for both functional and decorative applications.

Technical quality features such as tear resistance, wrinkle behaviour and dimensional stability are specified for each product. This ensures reliable performance even in large-scale applications without the need for additional reinforcement.

Velvet fabrics offer blackout properties. For complete light blocking, they should be combined with a suitable lining fabric or a specialised blackout material.

Care instructions:

• Cotton velvets retain their flame-retardant properties permanently, provided they are not chemically or thermally altered.
• Polyester FR or Trevira CS velvets remain flame-retardant when properly washed, as long as no fibre-affine additives such as softeners are used.
• Regular inspections are recommended for all materials.

Standard colours are available from stock in many qualities. Custom dyeing to client specifications is available.

Many velvet qualities are available from stock in standard colours. Custom dyeing to client specifications is possible – depending on quality and quantity.

In its in-house workshop, TÜCHLER offers custom finishing on request for:

• Main and stage curtains
• Stage legs and backdrops
• Tailor-made special solutions

Finishing is project-specific and coordinated with planners, operators and technical management.

Contact us for technical advice – or order velvet fabrics directly from our online shop.

1. Which standards do TÜCHLER's stage velvets meet?
   All velvet fabrics comply with at least one of the relevant standards for flame-retardant textiles: DIN 4102-B1 (Germany), EN 13773 (EU curtain standard), EN 13501 (building material classification, where applicable), or ÖNORM B 3822 / B 3800-1 (Austria).
2. 2.Is there a test certificate for each quality?
   Yes. Compliance with the standards is documented for each velvet quality through test reports or expert assessments. These are available for download in the webshop after login – or on request via phone or chat.
3. Are all velvet qualities also acoustically effective?
   Many velvet qualities have been acoustically tested. For selected velvets, acoustic absorption reports are available – e.g. for use in multi-purpose rooms, lecture halls or foyers.
4. Is stock available for short-term projects?
   Yes. Many standard colours in common qualities are held in stock and can be delivered at short notice.
5. Are custom colours possible?
   Yes. On request, velvets can be dyed in project-specific colours. Lead time and minimum quantities depend on the fabric quality.
6. Can fabrics be ordered online?
   Yes. All qualities are available through the TÜCHLER online shop. TÜCHLER’s customer advisors are also happy to offer personal assistance.
7. Is curtain finishing also offered?
   Yes. TÜCHLER manufactures main curtains, backdrops, legs and custom solutions from stage, theatre and contract velvets in its in-house workshop.
8. What technical specifications are available for the fabrics?
   Each quality includes technical data such as tear resistance, wrinkle behaviour, fabric weight and dimensional stability.
9. What are the typical applications for these velvets?
   They are used for stage curtains, decorative drapes, backdrops and masking, as well as for design applications in hotels, boxes, cultural centres and public buildings.
10. Are the velvets suitable for large curtain heights?
    Yes. Many qualities feature a reinforced backing that ensures high mechanical stability, making them suitable for large-scale installations.
11. What is the difference between DIN 4102 and EN 13773?
    DIN 4102 is an outdated German building regulation with the B1 classification for flame-retardant materials. It was intended to be replaced long ago by EN 13773, which is the EU-wide standard for curtain fabrics and categorises materials into classes (e.g. Class 1 = very flame-retardant).
    In Germany, EN 13501 is sometimes also required for stage curtains – the reasons for this are, as it seems, only known to mysterious men with long white beards.
12. Can these velvets be used for blackout purposes?
    Some qualities have light-blocking properties. For full blackout, specially developed blackout fabrics or a suitable lining are recommended.
13. Are the fabrics washable or easy to maintain?
    For TÜCHLER’s cotton velvets: flame retardancy is permanent as long as the fabric is not chemically or thermally altered.
    For polyester FR or Trevira CS velvets: flame retardancy remains intact with proper washing, provided no fibre-affine additives such as softeners are used.
    For all materials, regular inspection is recommended during prolonged use.
14. Are these velvets suitable for motorised stage systems?
    Yes – provided they are finished to match the specific system. Technical consulting helps identify the right quality based on mechanical requirements.
15. What advantages does velvet offer over other curtain fabrics?
    Velvet combines light absorption, colour depth, lustre and weight like no other material – ideal for visual, acoustic and design requirements.
16. Are material samples available?
    Yes. Samples can be requested for all qualities – for testing colour, texture and technical characteristics.
17. How is custom-finished fabric delivered?
    Finished curtains are delivered project-ready: labelled, packed and ready for installation. All details are coordinated in advance.
    What’s the difference between stage velvet, theatre velvet and contract velvet?
    The distinction is based on application rather than material. All velvets comply with fire safety standards and are technically suitable for stage, theatre and commercial use.
    In commercial interiors – such as hotels, schools or public buildings – polyester FR velvets are often preferred due to their washability and long-term flame-retardant properties. On stage, cotton or viscose velvets are often used, depending on design requirements.