History of curtains - 19th century

History of Curtains - The 19th Century

The Mid 19th Century Room

A more traditional curtain style

• The pull up curtain had now evolved into a window dressing that feels more like something we'd see today, albeit a slightly grander version than what you might have in your own home!
• Around 1850, netting became a popular element of window dressing. This was largely due to towns and cities becoming more densely populated, and people craving more privacy, without sacrificing the amount of light hat came into the room.

Inspiration You Can Gather

• As well as the Museum of the Home, National Trust properties are a great source of inspiration.
• Consider what the curtains look like, observe how they're constructed, and learn about how they were used.
• While looking at different historical styles, think about which ones you're drawn to aesthetically and why. It's also crucial to consider what the practical requirements may have been. For example, heavier fabric and layers could have been chosen to preserve heat.