Window coverings are an important aspect of every space, be it commercial, residential or office space. There are scores of ways to dress up your windows. Windows have been around for several centuries now and have pretty much evolved over the years just like every other aspect of our lives. The creation of windows dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries where they were mere openings in the palace walls to allow some light and warmth in. Gradually with time and needs, different kinds of coverings for them came into being.
The most common form of window coverings that have been around for the longest period of time are drapes and curtains. These were basically used to create partition off a particular area, but were later used to cover the windows. The first drapes used by man were animal hides that were hung on hooks in doorways and windows. Along with evolution of textiles, drapes also evolved and were made out of different materials like linen, flax and then wool, cotton and silk.
History has window coverings in the form of wooden shutters, tapestries or heavy fabrics to keep out the cold, wind and rain. Glass coverings for windows came into being in Italy, where the art of glass making was initiated and then perfected leading to colored glass and glass paintings which gradually came to be widely used across Europe. Gradually as textiles evolved over the years with the development of machinery, so did coverings for windows and different materials and textured where transported from the western part of the world to the east, where again artistic designs and intricacy made their way into draperies.
Increasing availability of window coverings made them accessible to common homes which were considered a privilege of the top echelon across various societies of the world. The two World Wars, especially the second one had a profound effect on the lifestyles and choices of common people giving rise to modern houses and apartments with windows initiating a departure from huge mansions, villas and palaces, which remained associated with royalty.
Coming to modern times, having evolved over centuries, windows are now an important part of architectural designs of every space that are equipped with equally updated window coverings like motorized blinds and shutters, draperies, sheer curtains, swags and tails, shades and accessories like valences, pelmets, holdbacks, tiebacks, etc. Today you are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding upon window coverings as the countless offerings from various brands are designed and created to meet every need.