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Material construction / Mesh Atlas

Metal coil drapery

Metal coil drapery is made from interlinked helical wires that form a flexible curtain. It can be explored where a design calls for folds, movement and a continuous metallic texture. Its construction differs from woven wire and from mesh assembled from individual rings, so describe the intended structure explicitly in your enquiry.

01

Define the coil rather than a generic chain curtain

Ask for wire diameter, coil diameter, pitch, linking arrangement and an edge detail. These dimensions influence texture and movement but do not establish a finished installation on their own. A supplier may use broad curtain terminology; a close photograph and construction drawing help confirm whether the proposal is coil drapery, linked rings or another chain structure. Keep the approved sample and geometry together.

02

Allow for fullness and the parked curtain

Label opening width as the clear span to cover, flat mesh width as the material laid out without folds, and finished drop as the agreed suspension datum to the lower edge. Fullness is the ratio of flat material width to covered width; state the convention used. Ask the supplier to confirm the required material width against these dimensions. Record whether the curtain is fixed or operable, the direction of travel and the stack-back space occupied by the parked curtain when open. Check floor clearance, nearby doors and any contact with furniture or public circulation.

03

Resolve tracks, hangers and the environment

Identify the supporting substrate, track layout, suspension spacing and who designs and supplies each connection. Curved tracks and changes of level need drawings that show how the curtain moves and hangs. Confirm the alloy grade, finishing process and suitability for the cleaning regime and exposure. A metallic appearance does not establish fire classification, durability or safe overhead support; obtain project-relevant evidence for the complete arrangement.

04

Review openness in its installed form

Coils seen flat, gathered or at an angle present different visual openings. Ask whether a stated open area refers to flat material and inspect a sample with the planned fullness and lighting. Do not use openness alone as a privacy or acoustic rating. For an RFQ, include opening dimensions, curtain coverage, quantity, track geometry, alloy preference and finish reference, with sample approval and target dates clearly separated from confirmed lead time.

From the library

Material references

Entries grouped by construction. A reference establishes design direction; final specifications and availability require confirmation.

Questions to resolve

Before you specify

Is coil drapery the same as ring mesh?

No. Coil drapery uses interlinked helical wires; ring mesh uses individual linked rings. Confirm construction with a sample because commercial curtain names can overlap.

Should an enquiry give the opening width or the mesh width?

Give the opening width and intended fullness, and label any known flat mesh width separately. The supplier should confirm material width, finished coverage and stacking allowance for the proposed system.

Continue your research

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Design detail

Reviewing metal mesh finishes and samples

A practical approach to colour, surface variation and physical sample approval.

From study to specification

Make the brief specific.

Share the application, project location, quantity, finished dimensions, preferred alloy and finish, and proposed fixing method. Mark unresolved details as unknown and include sample requirements.

Request a project review

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