JOIN USIn the times of royalty, silks and brocades were used to adorn the doors, doorways and windows. Exuding opulence, these heavy drapes in deep hues were in stark contrast to the light off-whites and beige as preferred by the British who, during the cold seasons, furnished the bedroom with curtains of chintz. Though the word ‘purdah’ was usually referred to a ‘curtain or screen’ used to keep women separated from men or strangers; it is also a literal translation for the curtains that adorn our homes.
“Rich Indian textiles were at play in the palatial places and homes, back in the days of royalty. Infact, till today the use of heavy textures, intricate textiles can be seen by Indians who decorate their windows and doors especially in northern India where heavy fabrics save us from the sharp sun and cold drafts,” says Sarita Handa, noted interior designer and creative head of the brand by her name.
She mentions about the western influences that gradually made an impact on the choice of Indians. As a result of this, “Indian homes today use lightweight linen, cotton to set up windows with the help of a heavy blackout.”
Even now when an individual or family goes out to buy curtains, the variety available in the market confuses and one is spoilt for choice. “The most prominent thing is undoubtedly the colour of walls in your room,” says Deeksha Khera, chief designer at Terracasa and cushioncasa.com.
It is important to have a certain semblance of what will look good with the interiors. Khera suggests, “Neutral shades on the wall not only help add space to the room but also give flexibility to constantly keep playing around with the look. It is extremely important to go for the right balance of colours and fabrics for your drapes. Best-suited colours for living area would be sepia, chocolate brown, barn red, chestnut, maroon, rust, smoky black, gold and silver. Bedrooms could best be brightened with shades of lavender, plum, cyan, midnight blue, tea green, olive green and English mustard. Complementing heavy silk drapes with tissue helps one break the colour and fabric monotony and creates an illusion of space around you.”
Living in cramped buildings, it is crucial to choose a colour that gives an illusion of space. But when it comes to the Capital where ‘luxury’ is all that seeks attention, “A fabulous patterned and embroidered fabric can be the statement piece of the room and can set the course for the rest of the fabrics and accessories used,” says Handa.
The joy of the tailor customising the chosen fabric for a home has been killed by the advent of readymade drapes! Khera explains the various reasons for their increasing popularity, “Ready drapes are available at an affordable pricing. Also, they provide an easy plug and play solution in today’s hectic lifestyles.”
One, however, should not forget that drapes alone can add an element of design and lend a distinct identity to the home. “If you think you could change the look and feel of your rooms only by changing the colour of your walls or your furniture, think again! Small things can make a big difference in home fashion,” says Khera making a very valid point. A pleasant remark by an old aunt or near relative when you last changed your curtains proves the same.
Designers say that new innovations to suit contemporary architecture are happening. “But the curtain will continue to be needed and used by many generations to come. New fabric innovations will lend them contemporary aesthetics while the traditionalists will continue to adorn their windows as the years pass by.”