A Brief History of the Curtain

A Brief History of the Curtain

A curtain has been there since a long time in its original as well as other forms in different parts of the world. They might be considered as a mere window treatment, however, without a doubt they are essential to the overall appearance of the house. When we think of curtains, the next thought that comes to mind is that they should complement the interior and should go with the décor of a certain space. In the beginning, curtains were used and considered as a necessity.
However, with the advancement of years, change of cultures and elevation of societies, an evolution took place where curtains became ornamental rather than being just a necessity. Castles and living spaces of royalty consisted of windows with long panes and exquisite and elegant draperies were used for adorning these windows. In those times, it was the Belgians and the Irish who made the best lace for curtains. The curtains that we see and use today have become such after undergoing significant changes as a result of technological as well as social development and change in the lifestyle of the people.
The time when curtains were introduced, they were not really used for windows but at the entrances to keep places warm and dust free. When people became more sedentary, the architectural elements in the houses became more identifiable and the fabric used for curtains increased to a significant extent. With the growth in population, curtains were used for the purpose of privacy and for keeping the interior free of dust. The first real fabric curtain, used for the first time in Rome, was in the crowded places. When we talk about Rome and curtains, the fact that curtains were widely used in the theatrical productions that took place in Rome cannot be ignored. In those times, common people used to hang curtains merely for functional purposes. However, in palaces, they were used for design and embellishment purposes.
In the Middle Ages, when travelling the east became more popular, silk and other intricately woven fabrics were introduced which were pretty expensive and very uncommon. Only the upper classes could use them for clothing as well as for curtains. Later on, in the 17th and 18th century, there were various kinds of developments in the society as well as technology which lead to modern versions of fabrics to be used for making curtains. Fabric became more easily affordable and available than it was years ago.
Hence, different economic classes of people could now use a variety of fabrics widely. As the various glass-making techniques and architectural styles underwent changes, different versions of curtain were also introduced in the houses on a wide level. Blinds, draperies and other forms of curtains were also brought to the market for the first time and are still being used in a much modified and modern way. Blinds are now available in different styles and curtains in a wide variety of fabrics and materials.