Why did beds have bed curtains? 6 Great Reasons Why Beds Have Curtains

When it comes to beds, one of the most classic pieces of historical home décor is a set of bed curtains. Aside from lending an air of coziness and elegance to the bedroom, bed curtains have been used for centuries for various practical reasons. In this guide, we’ll look at some of these reasons and explore why bed curtains were so popular and how they continue to be used today. 

What Are Bed Curtains? 

Bed curtains are window covers designed around a bed or other furniture. Usually made of heavy fabric, bed curtains hang from the ceiling with rings or rods attached to the top. The sides of the curtain are gathered together at the bottom and then tied or buttoned shut. 

The History Of Bed Curtains      

Bed curtains have been around in some form since ancient times, with records showing that Greek and Roman households used them to keep out drafts and hold in warmth during cold winter months. As time passed, bed curtains spread across Europe, with the wealthier classes using them as a status symbol. By the 16th century, it had become common for households of all income levels to use bed curtains to keep people and animals off their beds during the day. 

6 Reasons Why Beds Have Curtains

Now that we know a bit about the history of bed curtains let’s look at why they were so important in past centuries. Here are six reasons why beds often had curtains:

1. To Block Out Drafts 

In many older homes, the windows were less efficient at keeping out drafts than in modern homes. Bed curtains could be pulled shut around the bed to keep out cold winter winds and protect people from being chilled while they slept. 

2. To Keep Out Insects 

Back in the days before modern pest control techniques were invented, it was not uncommon for insects like mosquitos and flies to find their way into bedrooms through open windows or doorways. Bed curtains could prevent bugs by creating a physical barrier between them and the sleeping area. 

3. To Keep In Warmth 

Before electric heating was available, keeping warm during cold months was a major challenge for many people. Bed curtains could trap heat in the area around the bed, providing an extra layer of warmth for people with limited access to heating sources like fireplaces or woodstoves. 

4. To Provide Privacy 

If a bedroom was on an upper floor or close to another living space, it could be difficult for people to get any privacy while sleeping or changing their clothes. Bed curtains provided an extra level of privacy by blocking out prying eyes lurking outside the bedroom window or doorway. 

5. To Create A Cozy Space 

Apart from their practical uses, bed curtains also gave bedrooms a cozy and inviting atmosphere that made it easier for people to feel comfortable. At the same time, they slept or relaxed in their bedrooms. The luxurious feel of thick fabrics also added an element of opulence that few other decorations could match. 

6. To Help Block Out Noise 

These days, most bedrooms are well isolated from outside noise, but this wasn’t always the case in past centuries. Bedroom walls weren’t always thick enough to prevent noise from coming inside, so bed curtains were often used as an additional layer of soundproofing to block out street noise or conversations from other rooms in large households. 

When Did Beds Stop Having Bed Curtains?

Through time, the popularity of bed curtains waned and eventually disappeared completely. This happened largely due to technological advances that made it easier to heat homes adequately and keep drafty conditions at bay. Furthermore, modern materials such as cotton replaced fabrics like velvet required for bed curtains, making them less popular. 

The last time beds had bed curtains was during the Victorian Era (1837- 1901). During this period, many changes took place in interior design, including removing unnecessary clutter and accessories like curtains from beds.  This is when we see beds transitioning from having multiple layers like mattresses and curtains to just one layer– the mattress itself!

Are Bed Curtains Making a Comeback? 

In recent years, there has been a resurgence in interest in using bed curtains as part of interior design– particularly in bedrooms decorated in a “romantic” style. While they may not serve the same purpose as they did during the Middle Ages and Victorian Era, they certainly add a touch of elegance and romance to any bedroom! Many people even combine modern designs with vintage accessories that bring back memories from these historical periods.

How Are Bed Curtains Used Today? 

Though modern windows and insulation techniques have made bed curtains less necessary than they once were, there are still many ways in which this traditional piece of furniture can be used today: 

As A Stylish Room Divider 

If you have an open-plan house or studio apartment, you can simultaneously use bed curtains as a stylish room divider and a stylish piece of décor! Just hang them around your bed frame with decorative hooks or rods, and you’ll instantly create two separate spaces within your home without any permanent structural changes. 

To Increase Privacy In A Shared Room 

If you have roommates or share your bedroom with other people, privacy can be hard to come by, but with the help of some creative curtain-hanging techniques, you can easily give yourself some extra quiet by using bed curtains as an instant room partition.  

To Protect Your Furnishings From Sun Damage  

Many homes tend to get quite warm during the summer months, especially if they are located in bright places like cities or deserts where direct sunlight can cause damage over time. Bed curtains can provide extra protection against sun damage by blocking harmful UV rays while letting natural light through your bedroom.  

As An Unexpected Wall Decoration  

For those looking for something quirky and unique regarding wall décor, you might consider hanging up some brightly colored bed curtains! They can bring life into any boring room with their bright hues while adding extra privacy when needed!  

As An Alternative To Window Treatments  

If you prefer lighter fabrics for window treatments like sheer drapes or blinds but still want something substantial to block out light and noise, why not use stylish bed curtains instead? They usually come in more solid materials than other window treatments, so you’ll get better privacy coverage without going too dark with your fabrics!  

Conclusion 

While bed curtains may no longer be as essential in modern homes as they once were, they remain popular pieces of décor thanks to their timeless charm and practical benefits! From creating extra warmth and blocking out drafts to providing extra privacy and wall decorations – there’s nothing quite like a set of well-hung bed curtains when it comes to giving your bedroom an inviting atmosphere!