Have you ever wondered why some beds have curtains around them? You might think they are just for decoration or for creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere. But did you know that bed curtains have a long and fascinating history that goes back to medieval times?
In this blog post, I will tell you all about the purpose and history of bed curtains, also known as bed hangings. You will learn how they evolved over time, what they were made of, and how they reflected the social status and culture of their owners.
So sit back, relax, and let me take you on a journey through the history of bed curtains.
The Purpose of Bed Curtains
Bed curtains were fabric panels that surrounded a bed; they were used from medieval times through to the 19th century 1. Bed curtains had several practical and symbolic purposes:
- They provided privacy when the master or great bed was in a public room, such as the parlor. In medieval and early modern Europe, private bedrooms where only one person slept were practically unknown, as it was common for the wealthy and nobility to have servants and attendants who slept in the same room. Even in very modest homes, it was not uncommon to hang a simple curtain across a room to shield the bed from light and sight 2.
- They kept warmth in, as most rooms did not have central heating. Bed curtains helped to trap the body heat of the sleepers and protect them from cold drafts 1.
- They showed one’s wealth and status, as bed curtains were often made of expensive and luxurious fabrics, such as wool, silk, velvet, or fustian. They were also decorated with embroidery, lace, fringes, or tassels. The more elaborate and ornate the bed curtains were, the more they indicated the owner’s taste and prestige 1.
The History of Bed Curtains
Bed curtains have a long and varied history that spans different regions and periods. Here are some of the highlights:
- In medieval Europe, some bed canopies and curtains were suspended from ceiling beams. In English these canopies were known as a “hung celour”. The fabric canopy concealed an iron frame with iron curtain rods. These beds can be seen in manuscript illuminations, paintings, and engravings 2.
- In Renaissance France, bed curtains often depicted embroidered scenes from the Bible, mythology, or allegory. They were also used to display heraldic symbols or personal emblems 1.
- In 16th and 17th century England, bed curtains were often made of wool, though linen and cotton fabrics started to be used later. They were embroidered with floral, leaf, chinoiserie, and animal motifs. The most popular style was the Jacobean crewel work, which used blue and green wool on cream cotton or linen 1.
- In 17th century Scotland, bed curtains were called “roofs” or “chapel roofs”, and a “chapel bed” was made for Anne of Denmark, wife of James VI and I in 1600. It had a canopy called a “sparver” .
- In pre-Republican China, until 1911, the family’s canopy bed was the most important piece of household furniture, and often part of the bride’s dowry. It was intricately decorated with auspicious motifs relating to fertility, longevity and a happy marital union .
- In colonial America, bed curtains followed the styles of England and Europe. They were made of imported fabrics or locally woven ones. They were also influenced by Native American designs and colors 1.
- By the mid-18th century, separate rooms for sleeping became more common, and the use of bed curtains diminished. However, they still remained popular in some regions and among some social classes 1.
Conclusion
Bed curtains are more than just pretty accessories for your bedroom. They are also rich sources of historical and cultural information. They tell us about how people lived, slept, and expressed themselves through their furniture.
I hope you enjoyed learning about the purpose and history of bed curtains. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you.
And if you need more tips and tricks on home decor and lifestyle topics, don’t forget to check out my website Huetifulhomes.com. It’s full of fun and quirky ideas to make your home more beautiful and cozy.
Thanks for reading and happy dreaming!
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.
