THE OBJECT EDIT
Through the Veil: The Story of Curtains
A Window into Texture, History, and Soulful Functionality
Have you ever paused to wonder where a chair’s story begins, or how a curtain came to drape just so? Growing up, I was captivated by shows like ‘How Things Are Made’ on Discovery Channel. There was something magical about tracing the journey of an object, how form follows function, and then evolves into feeling. It wasn’t just the how, but the why that intrigued me. That quiet curiosity eventually shaped what is now The Object Edit, a column that uncovers the hidden histories, thoughtful craftsmanship, and emotional resonance behind the pieces we live with.
From royal courts to quiet corners, curtains have long been more than simple window coverings. They’ve whispered stories of luxury, modesty, ritual, and rhythm. At LUME & LINE, we view curtains not just as fabric, but as soft architecture, shaping how light enters a room and how a space feels, functions, and flows.
A Brief History of Draped Divinity
The earliest forms of curtains were thick animal hides used by nomadic tribes for warmth and privacy. But as civilizations flourished, so did textile artistry.
Ancient Egypt: Linen drapes dyed with natural pigments were hung in temple doorways, not just for shade, but to separate the sacred from the profane.
Medieval Europe: Tapestries doubled as insulation and opulent wall décor.
Victorian England: Heavy velvet curtains and lace sheers were symbols of etiquette, wealth, and controlled intimacy.
Curtain Language - What They Say Without Words
Just like a good rug, the right curtain grounds a room. But they also elevate, framing your windows as if they’re portraits, softening acoustics, and filtering sunlight to suit your mood.
Consider the following when choosing your curtains:
Material Matters:
Linen for a breezy, natural look.
Velvet for rich drama and sound absorption.
Cotton for structured softness.
Sheer fabrics for light diffusion and a dream-like glow.
Length & Layering:
Floor-grazing panels evoke elegance, while café-style half curtains invite playfulness. Try layering sheers behind heavier curtains for dimension.Hardware Harmony:
Brass, matte black, or hidden tracks, your rods and hooks are part of the statement. Make sure they speak the same design dialect.Color as Mood:
Soft neutrals for grounding. Sage or terracotta for an earthy Japandi palette. Deep blue or rust for dramatic depth. Let your curtains play in harmony with your room’s emotional tone.
DESIGN AS RITUAL
We rarely talk about the ritual of drawing curtains, yet it’s one of the few daily acts that invites both stillness and transformation. Opening them lets the world in; closing them creates your sanctuary.
In many spiritual practices, veils separate the ordinary from the sacred. Your curtains do that, too, dividing public from private, noise from peace, day from rest.
Lume & Line Picks
Studio Favorite: Sheer flax-linen drapes with hidden tabs in earthy off-white.
Unexpected Touch: Curtain tiebacks made from raw leather straps or woven hemp for texture.
Small Space Tip: Hang curtains from ceiling to floor to elongate a space.
Curtains are the poetry of the room, soft lines that shift with light, texture that dances with air. When chosen with intention, they create both beauty and boundary. Through the veil, we frame not just the world outside, but our world within.
Today, minimalism has shifted us back toward lightness, airy linens, cotton voiles, and intentional transparency, echoing ancient simplicity with modern clarity.
Sources & Inspirations
- Design history references from MoMA's Furniture Archive & Design Museum London
- Influence of “How It’s Made” and process-led storytelling
- Furniture evolution insights from Architectural Digest & Dezeen
- Styling inspiration via Pinterest (vintage furniture, minimalist decor, craftsmanship details)
- Philosophy of objects rooted in minimalist & intentional living
FOLLOW UP JUNE ARTICLE: The Chair That Changed the World - A Seat’s Story
