Large spaces are loud for a reason. Hard surfaces, high ceilings, glass, and open layouts create echo and reverberation that make rooms uncomfortable for guests, performers, and staff.
One of the most effective and widely used solutions is acoustic drapery — heavy, sound-absorbing curtains designed to soften reflections while meeting fire-safety requirements for public spaces.
At Equus Fabrics, we supply commercial-grade acoustic drapery fabrics for projects across Canada, including theatres, casinos, hotels, event venues, studios, and multipurpose halls.
Acoustic drapery is designed to reduce echo and reverberation, not to fully soundproof a room.
Heavy fabrics such as IFR velour absorb reflected sound energy, especially in the mid and high frequencies common in large rooms. When installed with proper fullness, they can dramatically improve speech clarity and overall comfort.
Acoustic drapery does not replace:
structural soundproofing
wall assemblies
isolation systems
It is, however, one of the most flexible and cost-effective tools for improving acoustics in large commercial interiors.
For most commercial acoustic applications, we recommend Inherently Fire Retardant (IFR) velour in heavier weights.
Key characteristics:
Dense pile structure for sound absorption
Soft, non-reflective surface
Drapes naturally with proper fullness
Permanently fire retardant (not topically treated)
Compliant with NFPA 701 and Canadian fire standards
Typical applications include:
Theatre stage curtains and acoustic backdrops
Casino and gaming floor partitions
Hotel ballrooms and conference spaces
Event halls and live performance venues
Studio and rehearsal spaces
Acoustic performance is influenced as much by installation method as by fabric choice.
For commercial projects, acoustic drapery is typically:
23 oz or 25 oz IFR velour
Installed at 2:1 fullness or greater
Suspended from heavy-duty track systems
This combination allows the fabric to hang in deep folds, increasing surface area and sound absorption.
All recommended fabrics for public venues are available as fire-retardant (IFR) and suitable for use in assembly spaces.
IFR fabrics:
Are inherently flame resistant at the yarn level
Do not rely on chemical treatments
Maintain compliance over time
Are commonly specified for theatres, casinos, and hospitality environments
Certification and spec sheets are available for project documentation.
In addition to supplying fabric, we work with experienced commercial workrooms to coordinate:
Custom-fabricated acoustic drapes
Reinforced hems and headers
Grommets, snaps, or track-specific attachments
Large-scale panel construction
We can also assist with hardware specification and coordinate installation through qualified partners when required.
Projects are typically quoted as:
Fabric supply only
Fabricated drapes (ready to install)
Fabrication + hardware + optional installation
For venues that want acoustic performance without a purely theatrical look, we also offer custom digital printing on fire-retardant and blackout fabrics.
This allows acoustic drapery to:
Match branding or interior design
Function as decorative wall treatments
Serve both visual and acoustic purposes
Equus Fabrics is a Canadian family business with over 35 years of experience supplying contract and commercial fabrics nationwide.
We work with:
theatres and performing arts venues
casinos and entertainment properties
hotels and hospitality groups
event production and AV companies
designers and contractors
If your project requires acoustic drapery, fire-retardant fabrics, or custom fabrication, we can help you narrow down the right materials and build a clear, itemized proposal.
