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Curtains

By the end of the eighteenth century, the Empire style was popular throughout Europe, spreading from Paris where it began. In Britain it was influenced by classical, simple and elegant designs.

During the nineteenth century more emphasis was placed on curtains than ever before. Basic floor length curtains were popular on gilded curtain poles. Festoons and drapes were used on the larges windows. Up to three drapes would be used with or without end tails and tassels. These would be topped with a curtain cornice.

Outer curtains were popular which were never drawn. Under these was a pair of (closable) under curtains or a blind.

Around 1840 curtains became more ornate. With deep drapes and large ornate brass poles and pelmets. Outer curtains were hung over lighter muslin or lace curtains against the window. By the end of the nineteenth century almost every door, archway and window was hung with a portiere (door curtain) or dressed with drapes, festoons and tails, further decorated by fringes and tassels.

The exception to this trend was in Arts and Crafts houses where a simpler style characterized by homespun fabrics . Curtains of this type were usually hung by a pole or pelmet

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