28 Feb Enhancing Period Homes with Curtains and Upholstery

As part of our interior design schemes for period homes, we specify, design, make and install a myriad of curtains for period homes. We also ensure that the interior design concepts for each room include the best combinations of curtain and upholstery fabrics and styles to match our client’s brief and style. Among the myriad elements that contribute to the authenticity and allure of interior design for period homes, curtains and upholstery play a pivotal role in capturing the essence of their respective eras.

Curtains for period homes

Curtains must serve as both functional and decorative elements in period homes. When selecting curtains for a period home, it’s essential to consider the architectural style and historical context. For instance, heavy damask or velvet curtains adorned with intricate patterns and tassels are reminiscent of the opulence of the Victorian era, adding a touch of drama and sophistication to rooms adorned with elaborate moldings and ornate furnishings.

Similarly, delicate lace curtains evoke the romanticism of the Edwardian era, casting ethereal light and softening the ambiance of parlours and sitting rooms. For Georgian interiors, it’s key to get the right colour palette to combine modernity and authenticity – see here for more on colour choices

Bedroom curtains and bespoke upholstery by Etons of Bath

In addition to style considerations, the choice of fabric is paramount in maintaining authenticity and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of period homes. Luxurious fabrics such as silk, brocade, and chenille not only exude elegance but also reflect the craftsmanship and attention to detail characteristic of period interiors. Furthermore, incorporating trims and embellishments such as bullion fringe, passementerie, and decorative tiebacks can elevate the visual impact of curtains while staying true to historical design principles. See here for more ideas on curtain styles

Georgian bathroom curtains

Upholstery for period homes

Upholstery, and the layers of colour it creates in your home, also plays a significant role in defining the character of period home interiors. From sumptuous sofas to elegant armchairs, upholstered furniture serves as focal points that reflect the style and sensibilities of different eras and of your own tastes. For Georgian interiors characterised by symmetry and neoclassical motifs, upholstery featuring clean lines, delicate scrolls, and refined upholstery fabrics such as silk damask or linen embody the understated elegance of the period.

Curtains and upholstery for classic contemporary Georgian library

Conversely, the flamboyance of the Rococo era finds expression in furniture adorned with elaborate carvings, gilded accents, and richly embroidered upholstery fabrics like velvet or brocade. By carefully selecting upholstery fabrics and patterns that resonate with the architectural features and design ethos of specific historical periods, homeowners can create cohesive interiors that transport occupants to a bygone era while offering modern comfort and functionality.

In addition to aesthetics, the preservation and restoration of original curtains and upholstery contribute to the authenticity and  resale value of period homes. Whether through meticulous cleaning, reupholstering, or replicating historical fabrics and patterns, homeowners can honour the legacy of their homes while ensuring that future generations continue to appreciate their timeless beauty. Like this lovely sofa from George Smith below…

Sofa by George Smith

If you like some help in choosing the right designs, fabrics, patterns or colours for curtains in your period home, we’d be happy to help – do contact us today for a chat.