Austrian/Festoon Curtains

Festoon curtains are decorative curtains commonly used in theatre productions and events. They are typically made from heavy materials such as velvet, velour or wool serge, which have sound and light-absorbing properties. These curtains feature a scalloped or wavy edge, and are often adorned with decorative elements like tassels or fringes.

The materials used to make festoon curtains offer both aesthetic and functional benefits. They provide an elegant and luxurious look to a theatre or event space, while also helping to absorb sound and light. The heavy weight of the materials helps to dampen sound waves, reducing echoes and reverberation in the space.

Our experts have over 20 years of experience creating festoon curtains for theatres. We have a team of skilled craftsmen who design and manufacture custom curtains to fit the unique requirements of each theatre. Whaleys Stages also offers a range of fabrics to choose from, including wool serge, velvet, and velour, ensuring that the curtains not only look great but also perform well.

Overall, festoon curtains are a popular choice for theatre productions and events, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits. Whaleys Stages’ experience in creating custom curtains ensures that their clients receive high-quality, bespoke solutions that meet their unique requirements.

Festoon curtains are a type of theatrical curtain used to add a decorative element to a stage or performance space. These curtains are made up of multiple swags or loops of fabric that are hung in a draped formation, creating a series of decorative curves and curves along the top of the stage or performance area.

The origins of festoon curtains can be traced back to ancient Roman and Greek theatre, where elaborate draperies and curtains were used to decorate the stage and add a sense of grandeur to performances. Over time, festoon curtains became a popular element of theatre design and are still widely used today in both theatrical productions and other types of live events.

One of the key properties of festoon curtains is their use of heavyweight, durable fabrics such as wool serge, velvet, and velour. These fabrics are ideal for festoon curtains because they have a natural drape and can hold their shape well when draped in loops or swags. Additionally, they are often treated with fire-resistant coatings to ensure that they meet safety standards for use in theatrical productions.

Wool serge is a popular choice for festoon curtains because it is a heavy, tightly woven fabric that can withstand frequent use and manipulation. It also has a matte finish that creates a classic, timeless look on stage.

Velvet is another common fabric used for festoon curtains. It has a luxurious, plush texture that adds depth and richness to stage designs. Velvet is also highly reflective, which can create interesting visual effects when used in conjunction with stage lighting.

Velour is a slightly less common choice for festoon curtains, but it is still a popular option for its soft, plush texture and ability to absorb and reflect light. It is often used in productions where a more muted, natural look is desired.

In addition to their decorative properties, festoon curtains are also used in theatre to create a sense of depth and dimension on stage. By draping the curtains in multiple layers and creating varying levels of height and depth, designers can create a more dynamic and visually interesting performance space.

Overall, festoon curtains are an essential element of theatre design that have been used for centuries to add a sense of grandeur and spectacle to performances. Their use of heavyweight, durable fabrics such as wool serge, velvet, and velour ensures that they can withstand frequent use and manipulation, while their draping properties create a visually stunning and dynamic performance space.