Curtains

Curtains

When you want to change your decor quickly and inexpensively, choosing new curtains can be an excellent idea. In cotton, linen, white, colored, sheer or blackout fabrics, curtains come in a thousand and one variations. But curtains aren't just a decorative element: they also act as a visual break to make you feel at home, and some materials can be used to block out light and noise. It's not for nothing that curtains have been present in homes since ancient times.

The history of the curtain: an accessory that embellishes our homes

Curtains, or rather veils, are already mentioned in biblical texts. Indeed, our ancestors used curtains to delimit certain spaces and create privacy. Gradually, curtains were placed in front of windows to conceal the interior of homes.

In the 16th century, with the advent of weaving machines, curtains, which until then had been reserved for the nobility, were democratized. Bourgeois homes began to use them to embellish their interiors. It wasn't until the end of the 19th century in New York that the modern curtain rod was produced on an industrial scale. Curtains became popular.

The different types of curtain

Nowadays, as in the store, you can find a wide range of curtains, in all colors, materials and functions. The curtain is made from the right fabric for the job.

• The curtains will keep the light coming in.
• Blackout curtains reduce the brightness of a room and hide the view.
• Thermal curtains are ideal for reducing heat loss and saving energy.
• The blinds are fitted to the windows and can be adjusted in height by means of a pull cord.

Where should curtains be installed?

Generally speaking, curtains can be installed in any room. Depending on its location in the home, certain fabrics will be more suitable.

• In kitchens and bathrooms, curtains need to be resistant, easy to clean and machine-washable, because of grease splashes and ambient humidity.
• In a bedroom, a blackout curtain is a first-rate choice. They create a subdued atmosphere during the day and plunge the room into darkness at night, for a restful night's sleep. What's more, they enhance the window's thermal insulation. Curtains and cushions add a touch of refinement.
• In the living room, light sheer curtains are the best choice. They dress windows with elegance and transparency. They protect your interior from prying eyes.

How do I care for my curtains?

Remember to wash your curtains 2 or 3 times a year, or more if food has been spilled in the kitchen, for example. Before putting them in the machine, remove all non-washable parts (e.g. eyelets) and read the care label to choose the right program. You can also steam-wash them. To dry, simply put the curtains back on the rod.