Theater drapes and stage curtains are a crucial part of any performance stage. They not only separate the audience from the stage when needed, they help create the atmosphere for the performance. So when choosing theater drapes and stage curtains, functionality and appearance top the list of concerns—but so, of course, does price.
You can do a lot to reduce price by buying durable fabric and properly caring for it. This stretches the longevity of your drapes or curtains, thereby lowering long-term cost.
PROTECT AGAINST FIRE
Obviously, burning up in a fire is one way to shorten the lifespan of drapes or curtains. Safety and regulatory compliance are the primary reasons for fire-retardant fabric, but it also makes sense from a financial perspective.
All fabrics that you buy should come with a certificate of flame retardancy. Some fabrics are permanently fire-retardant and can be dry-cleaned. Other fabrics are topically treated with chemicals to make them fire-retardant. These chemicals wear off over time, and dry-cleaning and environmental conditions can hasten this dissipation. They should be re-tested for fire redundancy annually and re-treated by professionals if needed.
KEEP THEM CLEAN
Several times a year, brush the front and back of your theater drapes and stage curtains with a soft-bristled brush. You can also use an industrial wet/dry vacuum.
Clean stains or markings immediately after they occur. You can use mild soap and warm water or a spot-cleaning product. Whatever you use, check it on a small area on the back side of the drape or curtain before using it on the front.
MAKE NEEDED REPAIRS
If a hole or tear occurs, fix it as soon as possible. Unrepaired holes and tears have a tendency to get worse.
DON”T DRAG ON THE FLOOR
Don’t let the bottom hems of your curtains or drapes touch the floor, dragging along as they’re opened or closed. The length of curtains can change due to heat and humidity, so keep an eye on this.
SUMMARY
Longevity is an important part of the buying decision when selecting theater drapes and stage curtains. Certain fabrics will inherently last longer, and this should be considered as you make cost calculations. But whatever material you pick, you can extend the life of your curtains and drapes with proper maintenance.
Theater Drapes and Stage Curtains: Improving the Longevity