Brief History and Types of Curtains

Fabric curtains can bring elegance and style to any room. Choose the right color and pattern by keeping in mind the theme of the room.

Curtains, also known as drapes or drapery, is a piece of fabric whose uses are to block light, drafts, water, and even prevent heat from going out the room. Curtains have the same purpose as with the window blinds. Both of them give you a sense of privacy. Their only difference is that curtains can be used in the shower area, hang before the door, hang on an arch, and can be used for theatrical purposes.

Types of Curtains
Voiles – They are made of lightweight fabrics. They are usually found in tropical countries. They are easy to clean and easy to put up.

Lace – They have a classic style to them. They can soften sunlight and are usually partnered with heavier fabrics since they are see-through.

Shower Curtains – They are used in the shower area of a bathroom. They provide privacy while preventing water from spraying all over the bathroom.

Brief History
Decorating the place where we live in has become a natural part of mankind. Like the desert dwellers that use wet cloth to cover their windows for protection against the heat and dust while cooling off their homes. Fabric curtains were also used for theatrical purposes.

During the Middle Age, fabric was so expensive that only the upper class uses them as curtains. Then in the Industrial Era, the development of textile trade drove fabric prices down making fabric curtains available to most people.

When the glass industry came, houses were installed with glass windows requiring fabric curtains or window blinds to protect the people inside from heat and drafts. This is also to keep prying eyes off.

Fabric manufacturers increased their production and lowered their prices as the demand for it greatly increased. This paved the way for the common person to buy their own fabric curtains.

When China opened its door to international markets, fabric production shifted to Asia because of the large labor force and low wages. This made fabric to go cheaper making fabric curtains available to anyone who can buy it.


As technology grows, there are now different materials in manufacturing curtains. Different print, patterns, and colors are now available in the market. In most Asian countries, it is popular to have your curtains customized according to the size of the windows and doors.

Fabric curtains bring elegance to any room. Heavier fabrics are mostly used in countries with colder temperature while lighter ones are common in tropical countries. When choosing curtains, always keep in mind the style of the room you’re going to put it in.

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