
When curtains were first used in the seventeenth century, they were always hung from a rod by rings. Their decorative potential was completely overlooked. They were not hung as a pair at first, but usually consisted of a single length of linen, silk or taffetta, which served to screen out sunlight and no more. It was left to bed-hangings to provide privacy and insulation at night. These were made of the heaviest and richest material that each household could afford, and were lavishly dressed and trimmed. This treatment was eventually extended to curtains and, by the eighteenth century, pairs of curtains were a familiar sight. These were often festooned or swagged and were finished with a decorated pelmet or valance.
The humble curtain rod was transformed into a highly decorative item that was often carved, gilded and finished with finials based on classical motifs such as laurel wreaths and animal heads. These were draped with generous lengths of material in a variety of styles, and often included a second curtain of a lighter material. The Biedermeier period, which flourished in Germany between 1820 and 1860, adopted a much more low-key approach, and curtains were once again simply hung from brass rods. As a variant, fabric was sometimes casually wrapped around the pole and combined with a blind.
Curtain treatments
Today, poles are made from a variety of materials, including wood, brass, steel and iron. They are also available papered, painted and stencilled. Finials range from a plain ball to beautifully carved pieces such as spear and arrowheads, pineapples, artichokes, shells and flowers. When choosing a pole, try and match it to the style of curtain.
Tabs – loops of fabric attached to the top of the curtain – are one way to hang curtains; they can match or contrast with the main fabric. A tassel or other decorative device can be added at the bottom of each tab. A slot-heading consists of a fabric sleeve that is ruched up along the pole. Spotted muslin looks pretty treated in this way, although any lightweight material can be used.
Although any curtain heading tape can be used for curtains on poles, the easiest curtains to hang are self-lined and have ties that can be attached either to the pole or to rings. Make the ties from the same fabric or use a contrasting material or ribbon.


