curtains to carpets

Simple, layered, or changed with the seasons, textiles will finish your rooms like nothing else can, adding color, texture, pattern, and softness.

simple, layered, or changed with the seasons, textiles will finish your rooms like nothing else can. Fabrics, pillows, and rugs add softness, comfort, and texture. They muffle sound. They round out a dominant color scheme, or introduce accents. They suggest a style or period by virtue of their design, volume, material, and trimmings.

Although the best late-Victorian rooms are heavily layered, textiles do not have to be excessive to be effective. The homespun, damasks, and quilts of early American interiors added color and comfort without fussiness. American Arts & Crafts interiors (ca. 1895–1930) relied on simple, embroidered curtains and portieres (or interior doorway curtains), stenciled table scarves, and plush carpets.

Drapery is perhaps the most significant use of fabric. There’s no need to re-create extravagant drapery. Imagine a sheer glass curtain (under-curtain) hung next to the sash, overlaid with panels in a lovely fabric hanging from rings on a wood or brass rod. Roller shades, Venetian blinds, and lace curtains have been perennial favorites—and are simple enough for modern tastes.

above A simple swagged curtain complements patterned Brussels carpet and wallpaper in a 1777 Georgian house. top The ‘Louis Sullivan’ table runner from Rennie & Rose recalls a 1908 window by the Chicago architect.