Curtains are one of the items of interiors that have lost a lot of appreciation throughout the years if we compare their importance in a “distinguished” home in the XVII, XVIII and XIX centuries with how they are perceived now in contemporary ones.
The relation with the curtain was that of functionality and decoration, being the latter the one that prevailed which caused curtains to be extremely ornamental and full of excesses proper of the periods we mentioned, from French Baroque and Neoclassicism up to Victorian.
When modernity appeared curtains were tamed in their opulent look but still elements like pleats, laces, trimmings, etc remained stubbornly present in many houses, even in contemporary ones, which have created the myth that curtains have to be somehow loyal to that “romantic” heritage.
It is this believes that creates a lot of trouble first in the appreciation of the item itself (curtains are seeing many times as saccharine domestic objects) and second in the finding of other reasons that justify in a very satisfactory way their presence.
Particularly I think they can be extremely important in the creation of beautiful, elegant or sophisticated contemporary homes.
For this level of harmony to be felt and seen in a XXI century home I would say these elements need to be present:
_Quality of the architecture of the house/flat
_Quality of the interior architecture of the house/flat
_Understanding what the interior is conveying.
_Understanding that although the curtains tend to follow the pace created by the color scheme, furnishing and lighting they have their very own strengths in reference to what they can add to the perception and enjoyment of the space they are in.
_Understanding that the variety of designs and technology in the creation of fabrics is extraordinary which means you can find one that will go well with any, any environment. The only thing is to choose carefully.
_Understanding them no just as a piece of fabric but as architectural elements you can use for helping to define the space and enhance the architecture of it. From this perspective curtains can have the power and influence of columns, lintels and murals.
Curtains are great pieces: besides fulfilling a functional need they allow us to define focal points; they add gravitas to a space that otherwise would be too unsubstantial; they can provide elegance and charm to a room; they can work as columns defining windows and helping to create a rhythm in the room that otherwise would not be existent.
And finally they add beauty and style.
As we can see curtains are much more than the romantic idea many people have of them. They are an instrument for creating beauty.
