It's all about the fine line between functionality and fascination. When we speak of ‘curtains,’ we don't just mean covering windows. Curtains add atmosphere, ambience, and character.
In interior design, they are a key element: sometimes subtle, sometimes bold, often adding a soft touch, often framing the window. Today, living areas flow effortlessly into one another and windows are larger – no wonder curtains are enjoying a comeback. Not as a mere accessory, but as a carefully chosen element of interior design.
For example: directing light, absorbing sound, forming visual axes. Vertical fabrics such as curtains affect multiple sensory levels: they create a feeling of softness in the room, improve acoustics and add textile depth.
Combined with Roman blinds or external shades, they open up exciting possibilities for layering – especially when transparency and texture are combined. Curtains can also contribute to energy efficiency: during the cold season, they can reduce heat loss via glass surfaces.
A comprehensive concept needs to keep in mind how curtains and wall or floor colours all work together.
Materials appear really different depending on how the light hits them – grey linen can look surprisingly warm in sunlight, while dark velvet almost completely absorbs light. Playing with light reflections and textures definitely shouldn't be left to chance. Rather, it's a conscious interior design choice.
Curtains are a great way to split up spacious suites, create private areas in the spa, or help with acoustics in open lounges. In restaurants, they can guide people's gaze, reduce noise, and improve the atmosphere.
And in offices? They are a flexible way to separate meeting areas or create quiet spaces in open-plan offices.
Fabrics used in commercial settings must be flame-retardant, durable, and stylish at the same time. In high-traffic areas, they have for all intents and purposes to endure a lot, however, functionality must not override design. Technical expertise is essential for making the right decisions.
In the salons of the 18th century, curtains were considered an expression of status, style, and sensuality. Often multi-layered, with tassels, fringes, and embroidery – a textile spectacle. Later, they became a symbol of purism: straightforward, functional. Today, we are experiencing an exciting synthesis: fabrics are allowed to fall softly, show texture and have a decorative effect – as long as they are functional.
The geographical perspective is interesting: while light, airy fabrics dominate in Mediterranean regions, warmer, heavier materials are preferred in Nordic countries. This shows how closely textile choices are linked to climatic and social conditions, and how this has resulted in the development of styles that are perceived as typical for the region.
Taking sustainability into consideration is key when you think of decorating windows. Many manufacturers are going for fibres that can be recycled or are already recycled, as well as OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics or long-lasting natural materials. Quality and being eco-friendly often go hand in hand and complement each other.
Regular care and professional cleaning extend their service life – one of the most effective goals of sustainability. New manufacturing processes are transforming the world of materials: yarns made from recycled marine plastic, Tencel fibres made from wood, and biodegradable blended fabrics are no longer a futuristic vision. Sustainable design does not mean sacrificing anything, but rather making conscious choices.
Our favourite trick: combining different textures – like a fine voile with a thick cotton velvet.
Also, colourful linings that you don't see until you pull back the curtain add a bit of surprise.
If you love contrasts, you can play with contrasting piping or with panels in colour block designs. This way, curtains become a real statement piece. For a particularly bold look, try layering patterns, such like geometric lines behind floral motifs – as long as the colour palette remains consistent.
High-quality materials require special attention: regular airing, gentle beating or professional cleaning at intervals.
Textiles with antistatic, dirt-repellent or antibacterial coatingsor treatments require special attention. Support and advice from professionals - like our team at the Design Centre in Mils - is highly recommended.
A joint project realised by home IMMOBILIEN and home INTERIOR.
The interior design of this private residential property clearly bears the signature of home INTERIOR. Textile design plays a major role here. The main focus is always the choice of fabrics, including, of course, the design of the window coverings.
In the future, textile solutions will increasingly blend with architecture and technology. Consider curtains which react to environmental influences, change colour in response to light, or are made from biodegradable high-tech materials.
These developments are currently ongoing. However, none of this can replace sensitivity for design and functionality, nor can any trend replace skilled craftsmanship.
Curtains play an important role in room design. Sometimes they remain discreetly in the background, emphasising the interior design concept. On other occasions, however, they take centre stage with a strong visual impact.
In any case, they are also important for regulating room temperature and acoustics, factors that cannot be overrated. That's why a careful analysis of expectations and usage patterns should always be the first step in textile design.
As specialists in staging rooms with textiles, we are happy to show you our approach: come visit our Design Centre in Mils and delve into our world of home textiles!
Pictures: Alex Moling, Horeca, Adobe Stock, home INTERIOR, home IMMOBILIEN