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Velvet vs Wool vs Molton: How to choose the right fabric

Blogs Reveal Knowledge Base 8 min read

 

Not all curtains are created equal.

But they don’t have to be complicated.

 

If you’ve ever tried to source new stage drapes, you’ll know it’s not just about colour swatches. Some fabrics look great but don’t block light. Others are fire safe but fall flat onstage. And just when you think you’ve found the one — it turns out it needs constant retreatment.

That’s why we’re breaking down the three most common stage drape materials — Velvet, Wool Serge, and Molton — to help you choose what’s right for your space. From front-of-house elegance to backstage blackout, here’s how each fabric stacks up.

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Velvet

The showstopper. Deep colour. Rich texture. Serious impact.

 

Velvet (or velour) is the classic theatre curtain material for a reason. It’s luxurious, light-absorbing, and creates a dramatic sense of occasion. Whether you’re dressing a proscenium arch or rolling out the front-of-house tabs, velvet adds visual weight and elegance.

Why velvet works:

  • Bold stage presence – great for front curtains, valances, and decorative swags
  • Helps reduce echo – velvet softens harsh reflections in large venues
  • Inherently Flame Retardant (IFR) – no ongoing treatment required
  • Comes in a wide range of colours and weights

💡 Care tip: Velvet is dry-clean only and can shrink if exposed to moisture — don’t risk it with DIY cleaning.

Best for: House curtains, valances, swags, and anywhere you want a big visual payoff.

Velvet-velour-red-pink

Wool Serge

The backstage MVP. Practical, sound-smart, and built to last.

 

Wool serge isn’t flashy — but that’s exactly the point. It’s the hard-working fabric that blends into the background while improving your show. With a soft matte finish and dense weave, wool excels at masking, dampening sound, and handling rougher treatment without losing performance.

Why it’s a staple:

  • Excellent acoustics – absorbs sound where it counts

  • Low-shine, matte finish – no unwanted reflections under stage lights

  • IFR and reliable – naturally flame retardant

  • Robust and durable – handles regular movement and re-rigging

💡 Care tip: Keep wool drapes dry and vacuum regularly. They can shrink ~3% if cleaned with water.

Best for: Legs, borders, black masking, smothers, and multi-purpose stage setups.

Wool-serge-black-rotated

Turo Molton

Your flexible friend. Lightweight. Cost-effective. Up for anything.

 

Turo Molton is TSA’s upgraded take on the classic molton — a brushed cotton fabric often used for masking and blackout. It’s soft, wide, and simple to install, making it ideal for studios, rehearsal spaces, temporary stages, or budget-conscious venues that still need reliable gear.

Why people love it:

  • Great light-blocking performance despite being mid-weight

  • Budget-friendly for schools, tours, or short-term installs

  • NDFR (Non-Durably Flame Retardant) – retreatment needed after washing or moisture exposure

  • 3m wide – fewer seams, faster install

💡 Care tip: Avoid water exposure. If the fabric gets wet, it must be retreated to maintain fire safety compliance.

Best for: Black box theatres, photography studios, short-term installs, or venues needing quick coverage.

turo-molton-red

The Reveal Approach

Custom reveals with elegant stage control

At Reveal, we supply and manufacture drapes using materials that meet Australian standards and suit a wide range of applications — from full IFR velvets to lightweight filled cloth and specialty fabrics like green screens and projection surfaces.

We also offer retreatment services and provide documentation to ensure your venue remains compliant. Not sure what type of drape you have? Our team can help you identify the fabric and determine the next best step.

Reveal Knowledge Base

The Reveal Knowledge Base is your go-to hub for industry tips, tricks, and insights into theatre drapes and stage soft goods. From choosing the right fabrics to keeping your drapes safe and compliant, our articles are designed to demystify the process and give you practical advice you can put to use right away. Whether you’re managing a venue, running a production, or just curious about stagecraft, this is the place to learn from our team’s experience.

Ready to Take Centre Stage?

 

Let’s find the perfect curtain system for your next production

Talk to our Team download our Drapes Maintenance Guide