The Interesting History About Curtains and Drapes 

Curtains have been around almost as long as humans have been living in dwellings.  Of course, the original curtains were animal hides hung over windows and doorways to keep in the warmth and keep out the weather and bugs (Although I’m thinking those animal hides probably attracted as many bugs as they kept out, ugh! - That is not okay living here in Branson!).

The Invention of Textiles

Fortunately, the Egyptians developed the textile industry with the invention of spinning and weaving techniques.  Starting with linen and flax and expanding out into silk, cotton, and wool.  

Textiles were originally developed for clothing, but their use as curtains instead of animal hides became a popular option for the elite.  They were much more visually appealing than the ill-hanging animal hides.  Again, the only function of the curtains was to contain warmth.  Remember there were no windows yet, just a shuttered hole in the wall! - Ewwww!

Imagine trying to keep your home warm with no doors or windows, and your only source of heat is a fire. Keeping any generated heat contained would be a priority.  Any cloth curtains would have been extremely thick and heavy to be functional.  

In addition to being hung over windows, they were also hung on walls and around beds to help contain the warmth.  The tapestry wall hangings, while pretty, were mainly for containing warmth.  The bed curtains were designed to keep one warm while sleeping or provide privacy when beds were located in bigger rooms with more than one purpose.  Although those were generally a luxury for the wealthy.

Invention of Windows

Bless those Italians of the 13th century for inventing glass windows!  No more shutters or heavy animal hides are needed to keep out the elements or contain the heat.  When glass first came out, it wasn’t the crystal clear stuff we have now in Springfield and Republic, Mo. Curtains were still just for warmth. 

As technology improved and glass became clearer and clearer, curtains started taking on the added function of privacy from the prying eyes of the outside world.  

The invention of Window Treatments, Drapes, and Curtains!

With the modern inventions of the 19th century making mass production of textiles possible, curtains lost the mystique of being only for the wealthy.  The middle classes were known to use designers to ensure their curtains looked fancy as well as being functional. 

Curtains are for Style and Function

The 21st century has ushered in the era of style over substance.  With the advances in heating and insulation, containing heat is no longer the primary function of a curtain. Curtains and drapes’ main focus is now to inspire the look of a room…And The Choices and Styles Are Endless!  

For Instance:

• Curtains and drapes look pretty and give you control over the amount of light that enters the room.  A light-colored, loosely woven fabric will allow in a much greater amount of light than a dark-colored, densely woven fabric.  Thus, softening the harsh light that can enter the room and making it a soft glow.

• Black-out curtains are the greatest invention ever for light sleepers and people who do shift work in factories in and around the areas of Springfield, Republic, and Nixa, as they sleep during the day! 

• Blackout curtains work so well that they block out light and filter out some of the sounds of the outside world.  Although, I can’t promise you that you won’t hear your neighbor mowing his yard at 7am, but you might sleep through the bird’s song. 

• Curtains can also absorb and dampen interior noises while bringing a pop of color, or softening the harsh lines in a room.

While no longer a primary concern, the insulating properties of curtains are still important.  It’s just now you can accent your rooms and tailor them to your unique tastes and styles while keeping your utility costs in check.  

Interesting Design Facts!

Did you know you can change the visual size of a room by changing the curtains?  

By making your curtains match the walls, it gives the impression that the space is larger.  For a more cozy effect, you want a strong color contrast between the drapes and walls.  A heavy fabric will add to the coziness factor of a smaller room. 

The endless array of fabrics makes curtains the most affordable option and most customizable option for your home in Blue-Eye or Hollister. 

You can go all out and spoil yourself in your master bedroom with thick, luxurious fabric, or you could even compromise in the middle and end up with multiple sets of curtains so you can swap out for the seasons.   

Curtains are also a great option because they can be made to cover any size or shape of the window.  Your home located in the Kimberling City area can take full advantage of the beauty of nature, stay warm in the winter, and have the convenience of motorized curtains, drapes, and shades for those hard-to-reach windows. 

Whatever your window covering needs, Budget Blinds can help you design the perfect look for your home.  Call today for a free, in-home consultation with our Designer to get started on your home’s new look.