How did they hang curtains in the 1800s?
The curtains are either attached to the inside of the cornice with tacks, or a better method was to have them “run on a small rod by brass rings, all concealed by the cornice”, according to an American book from 1850. The full window treatment in a Gothic-influenced 1856 home.
What did they use before curtain rods?
For those who could afford it, small pieces of glass joined by lead strips (leadlights) were used in the upper part of the window to let in light. Hinged wooden shutters were used in the lower half and these could be opened to let in the air.
When were sheer curtains invented?
We see the birth of sheer fabrics come about after 1850 along with other fabrics resembling our modern-day lace or netting. Curtains became fancier and more elaborate as people used design and fabric choice to separate the upper class from the middle class.
How do you hang curtains in an old house?
2:494:11How to Hang a Curtain Rod | House One - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDrive the screws into the wall. And position the hanger. Flip to the opposite side of the window toMoreDrive the screws into the wall. And position the hanger. Flip to the opposite side of the window to make the remaining marks install the screws. And place the hanger feed the curtain onto the rod.
How did Victorians dress their windows?
Ornate patterns The Victorians loved patterns for their window dressings. And it wasn't just about the pattern they chose for the heavy curtains in their most elaborate rooms. They often layered these over fancy or frilly lace, voile or muslin inner curtains, and sometimes added blinds, too.
What were Victorian curtains made of?
Fabrics such as muslin and dimity were used to create a fresh and clean design. The Victorians often combined these two curtain fabric types, with heavy curtains layered over frilly white net fabrics, all finished off with a massive curtain rod, and ornate brass curtain hold backs.
When were window blinds invented?
1769Have you ever wondered when window blinds were invented? Window blinds first appeared in 1769. The Englishman Edward Bevan patented the first-ever Venetian Blinds.
Were curtains used in medieval times?
Choosing a curtain to maximize light in a room was an unheard of option in medieval times. The earliest known curtains were hung over doorways and windows; they were made of animal hide and did not hang well.
What were curtains originally made for?
There's not much evidence of curtains being widely used in the early to middle ages, at least not for windows. But it stands to reason that fabrics or animal skins were used across doorways to prevent drafts and keep rooms warm. They may also have been used as room dividers in place of screens.
Should curtain touch the floor?
You should aim for your curtain hem to be about 3/8" to 1/2" above the floor. Not only is this an easier length to measure for, but it also makes it simple to vacuum and sweep. It's a great option if you plan to open and close your curtains a lot since you won't need to rearrange them each time.
Do you have to put curtains on all windows in a room?
"It all depends on the amount of color and pattern in a room," she explains. "If there's a lot of it, by skipping window treatments you can make everything still feel fresh and not overdone." Follow House Beautiful on Instagram. Hadley Keller Digital Director Hadley Keller is House Beautiful's digital director.
How far above window should curtains hang?
between four to six inchesA rule of thumb (from Architectural Digest) is that curtains should be hung between four to six inches above the window frame, so install your curtain rod accordingly. When you hang the curtain rod high, it will make the window appear taller.
What were curtains in Victorian times?
Mixed liberally and held in place with fringed, braided, or metal tiebacks, curtains were perhaps the most prominent symbol of Victoria n excess—no wonder, then, that the following eras (Arts & Crafts, early Modern) largely eschewed curtains in favor of showcasing decorative windows.
When was lace used as a window dressing?
Although lace has been used in interior decoration for centuries, it only achieved its status as a window dressing in the 19th century, when the Industrial Revolution brought about manmade lace (known as Nottingham lace, after the city where it was widely produced).
What are roller shades used for?
Roller shades were often used in concert with other window treatments, such as curtains and lace panels. Stenciling—historically used to decorate the wall around the window jamb—has been adapted as a decorative treatment on many a reproduction roller shade.
What are bifold shutters?
Bifold raised-panel shutters not only make a handsome frame for the window, as in this Georgian-era library, but they also help keep drafts at bay. Interior shutters were also popular in the colonial-era homes of New England, but in this case they were solid, designed to keep winter drafts at bay.
What is a louvered shutter?
Most commonly used in warmer climates, louvered shutters with wide blades, opened and closed via a central rod , were particularly popular in the deep South. (These “plantation shutters” have experienced somewhat of a renaissance in recent years, and now are readily available from many manufacturers.)
What color were Georgian blinds?
They could be painted or stained any color: Dark cherry and walnut stains were popular during the Georgian period, whereas Federal interiors often featured blinds painted white or gray to match window casings.
When was the Old House Journal founded?
Founded in 1973, Old House Journal is the original authority when it comes to old-house restoration, traditional house styles, period kitchens, bath & kitchen restoration, DIY projects, gardens & landscaping, and more-- from Colonial and Victorian through Arts & Crafts and Mid-century Modern homes.
Where did window treatments originate?
Window Treatment Origins. One of the earliest recorded instances of window treatments was in Ancient Egypt, 3000 BC. Egyptians would weave papyrus strips together to hang over their windows to help keep homes cool. Around the same time, China was using bamboo reeds woven with twine to cover their windows.
When did vertical blinds become popular?
Vertical blinds hit the market during the mid-sixties and quickly became a classic. They were marketed as easier to clean and maintain than fabric window treatments of the time. They also worked well for the large windows and sliding glass doors that appeared in mid-century homes. Hawaii became a US state in 1959.
What were the most popular blinds in the 80s?
Horizontal blinds were also now considered fresh and trendy. Mini blinds were already widespread, but became even more popular in the 80s. Faux wood blinds also began popping up in homes everywhere as an affordable alternative to real wood. The 80s were also to blame for the invention of mirrored vertical blinds.
What were the early 2000s?
The early 2000s were a time when the housing market was a bit turbulent, so many stuck to neutral colors and simple faux wood blinds to make homes easier to sell down the road, if needed. Faux wood could be embossed or sandblasted for a realistic look.
When did vertical blinds start?
Vertical blinds hit their peak in the 80s and began to fall out of style in the following years. Cellular shades hit the market for the first time in 1985. These shades brought saving energy further into the public consciousness - a trend that would slowly gain traction in residential decor over the next few decades.
What were the trends in the 20s?
The 20s saw tastes shift from victorian ruffles to the more geometric, art deco styles. Draperies remained popular window options, but with less fussy silhouettes. Boxy valances with sleek lines sat above windows to help disguise the newly invented adjustable, traverse drapery rod. Pull cords were also added to help make traversing draperies easier to operate.
What colors were used in the 60s?
60s to 70s. Geometric shapes carried over into the 60s and 70s but now in a range of bright, funky colors including hunter green and burnt orange. Aluminum mini blinds were introduced in 1946 but would not start gaining popularity until the 60s.
What color was used in Victorian homes?
Victorian homes did not have central heating; coal was the preferred fuel for heating homes in cities, wood in the rural areas. The smoke and soot from these heat sources permeated clothing, furniture and window coverings. Except for lace under-curtains, which could be taken down for cleaning, fabric and trims used in window treatments were typically dark colored; navy blue, dark brown, burgundy and green. Purple was a rare and expensive color and not readily available. Artificial purple colorant did not come into use until after its invention in 1856, halfway through the Victorian Era, but it quickly gained massive popularity.
What was the Victorian era?
Queen Victoria lent her name to the Victorian Era -- the period lasting from 1837 to her death in 1901. Life in North America was influenced by this era in many ways; homemakers experienced its effects on fashion, furniture, home design and window treatments. Preceding the Victorian Era, the Industrial Revolution -- the period from 1760 ...
What is layered treatment?
Layered treatments started with the lace curtain, followed by functioning over-drapes, stationary side panels, and topped with swags and jabots. While multiple layers spoke of the owner’s wealth, they also served to conserve heat in the winter and repel heat in the summer.
What is Austrian shade?
You can still find Austrian shade as an under-layer or stand-alone window treatment used today for a romantic design scheme.
When was purple color invented?
Purple was a rare and expensive color and not readily available. Artificial purple colorant did not come into use until after its invention in 1856, halfway through the Victorian Era, but it quickly gained massive popularity.
Do kitchen windows have to be covered in layers?
Windows in the kitchen, servant's quarters and bedrooms would not be covered in the layers that public rooms in grand homes received. Even with the reduced cost of mass-produced fabric, layered fabric window coverings were out of the reach of the working classes.
What was the architecture of the 1830s and 1840s?
Typical of the commercial Greek Revival architecture of the 1830s and 1840s in Lower Manhattan, warehouses in the South Seaport District were constructed with upper stores of brick surmounting granite trabeated ground floors.
Where is the window from the Boott Cotton Mill?
This window is from Mill No. 9 of the Boott Cotton Mill in Lowell, Massachusetts, and is original to the structure, dating between 1875 and 1880. It is typical of all the windows dating from the late 19th century rebuilding and expansion of the mill complex.
How many shutters are there in a window?
They are each hinged to two stacked shutters so that when fully closed against the sash, there are four shutter sections across the window. When folded against the wall for storage, the full-length shutter section forms part of the window room paneling.
What is the Italianate style?
The Italianate style is one of the architectural styles of the Revival/Picturesque movement whose ornamentation is readily adapted to both residential and commercial buildings. The window openings tended to be larger than their earlier counterparts. Instead of six-over-six light sash, fewer divided lights were common, utilizing much larger glass panes. As a result, the windows took on a stronger vertical orientation than had previously existed. More elaborate window enframements were representative of later developments of the Italianate style as the introduction of wood-working machines led to the increased affordability of elaborately carved trim. With the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution, cast iron window trim also became readily available in many urban areas.
Why do interior shutters work?
In addition to reducing heat gain during the summer, interior shutters helped regulate temperatures; protected carpets, upholstery and furniture from fading; guaranteed privacy for the residents; and effectively shut out the view, which some found distracting during the dinner hours.
What era allowed for glass panes?
New technology allowed for expansive panes of glass by the Victorian era , like these arch-top reproductions from Marvin. Over the course of the 19th century, house styles—from Greek Revival through Queen Anne and beyond—benefited from these improvements as window panes shifted from six-over-six to a single pane in each sash.
How was the colonial window created?
It was created by spinning a bubble of molten glass until it was flat, a technique that resulted in a bull’s eye (or “crown”). Colonial windows were typically casements—sash that rotated out on hinges—and often were paired with wood or brick mullions separating the sashes.
What is double hung window?
Double-hungs consist of two moveable sashes with a system of pulleys, cords, and weights inside the jamb that helps open and close them. There were also triple- and quadruple-hung windows (bearing three and four sash) that allowed for floor-to-ceiling ventilation, but these were less common.
What were the windows in Georgian houses made of?
Muntins were thick (at least an inch wide), giving colonial windows a solid presence. Double-hung twelve-over-twelve windows are a hallmark of Georgian houses.
How did the lack of muntins affect the view of the house?
The lack of muntins significantly changed not only how windows looked on the house, but also the view from the interior, which became less obstructed. Another 19th-century development—scroll saw technology—meant that window openings were able to take on new shapes and decorative features.
What is the purpose of a window in a historic home?
The right style of window on a historic home can make or break the exterior. And beyond appearance, of course, windows also provide light, fresh air, and a connection to the outdoors. Materials for windows weren’t always so readily available. Glass in the New World was mostly imported from England and very costly.
When did they start making rolled steel windows?
During all this time, wood had dominated as the most affordable and easy-to-obtain material for window frames. But in 1890, manufacturers started making rolled steel for windows. It would take hold in the 20th century, touted for its fire-resistant qualities and cost-competitiveness.
What was the 20th century window?
20th Century Windows. By the end of the ninteenth century, fire protection had become a major consideration in the design of industrial structures. One important type of fire-proof window design, developed by the 1890s, was the hollow-core sheet-metal window. About the same time, some sheet-metal windows were also manufactured, ...
What did aluminum windows look like in the 1930s?
The modern look and appeal of aluminum help to generate a market in the 1930s for aluminum windows, particularly in signature buildings and high-end projects. Most early aluminum windows were designed to look like wood or steel windows, including such features as true divided lights. Their fabrication borrowed heavily from both manufacturing processes and employed much heavier gauge aluminum than used in today’s windows.
What was the rapid growth of the steel window after World War I?
The rapid growth of the steel window after World War I led to steel casements becoming popular, particularly in residential construction. In response to this competition, wood window manufacturers sought to update the centuries old wood casement window, a style which provides for full opening ventilation, among other conveniences.
What is the unusual feature of a steel window?
An unusual feature of this window is the bullnose molding on both faces of the muntin.
What is steel window?
Steel windows filled the requirements perfectly, providing a system that could be expanded as needed with minimal area devoted to structural members. The system was especially suited for industrial buildings, allowing for large amounts of light along with fire-proof window construction.
What was the development of window sash?
The development and size of window sash was generally related to improvements in the glass industry . As glass increased in availability and dimensions, individual panes became larger and muntins and mullions, narrower, as shown in the progression of windows on our website. During the nineteenth century, machine-made window glass, in both cylinder and sheet variety, gradually supplanted hand-blown glass. At the same time, large sheets of plate glass, produced by “casting” and then passing over water-cooled iron rollers, became available for shop fronts. By the end of the nineteenth century, continued improvements in the manufacture and quality of glass, including the elimination of common imperfections, led to the use of one-over-one windows.
When did eclectic taste become popular?
The popularity of the eclectic taste in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, however, effected a change—suddenly, stylistic preferences often took precedence over technology in determining pane design.
Sheer draperies
Parallel ceiling tracks support sheer draw draperies and sliding panels of opaque fabric that move left or right to keep out annoying sun and moonbeams when you sleep.
Tier curtains and gold draperies
Awkwardly placed windows (too high, low, narrow, or short) benefit from tier curtains that ignore confining measurements and give illusion of more window (left). From dining room or terrace, gold draperies, double-faced and hung on brass rings, look equally well.
Box-pleated panel draperies
An effect of Oriental panels is achieved by this economical and unusual treatment for two end windows: Draperies are box-pleated (requires less fabric) and hung from brass poles.
Long vintage tie-back curtains with botanical leaf print
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What was the style of the early 1900s?
When it comes to early 1900s home decor, nature-based textile and paper designs became enormously popular in England and influenced American designers. Emphasis on local natural materials and simple designs became guiding fundamentals of the related Mission and Prairie schools of design. Other common styles included the small-scale bungalow ...
What were the features of early 1900s homes?
Windows were often large and squarish, providing plenty of natural light. Another common feature of early 1900s homes was a large, roofed porch across the full front of the house.
What to use for 1900s homes?
Look for vases and lampshades in opalescent or other varied-texture glass. Pottery, hand-woven or hand-worked fabrics, woven grasses and hand-carved wood accessories are also suitable to early 1900s homes. .
What was decorative glass used for?
Decorative glass often provided major color accents to windows, accessories and lamps. The popularity of Tiffany-style glass, combining intense and sometimes irridescent colors with natural motifs, lasted well into the 1930s, as did the use of bronze in lamp bases, shades and lantern-style fixtures.
What was the first trend in the 20th century?
The first decades of the 20th century saw the decline of Victorian home styles in both Britain and America, in favor of the Arts-and-Crafts school of design. English domestic design, dominated by William Morris, stressed simplicity, craftsmanship and relation to nature. When it comes to early 1900s home decor, nature-based textile and paper designs became enormously popular in England and influenced American designers.
What does decorating an old house teach you?
Decorating an old house teaches you what the "modern" meant years ago. The modern houses of the early 1900s in America represented several streams of architectural thinking that still support and stimulate today's home designs. Learning about the intentions and principles underlying the design of your house lets you decorate it in ways ...
What color trim would go well with ivory walls?
Depending on which of the 1900 interior design trends your following, trim could be painted in a Federal blue, gray or red against ivory walls for a Colonial-Revival scheme, ivory or cream against similar walls for a soothing bungalow look or dark brown against wheat-colored walls in a Mission or Prairie-style home.
