Curtain

For other uses, see Curtain (disambiguation).

Curtain

Noren (Japanese curtain) at an onsen

A curtain (also known as a drape or drapery) is a piece of cloth intended to block or obscure light. Curtains are often hung on the inside of a building's window to block the travel of light, for instance at night to aid sleeping, or to stop light from escaping outside the building (stopping people outside from being able to see inside, often for privacy reasons). In this application they are also known as "draperies." Curtains come in a variety of shapes, materials, sizes, colours and patterns, and they often have their own sections within department stores, while some shops are completely dedicated to selling curtains. An adaptation of the curtain may be a blind or, in warmer countries, such as Spain, wooden shutters that are fixed to the outside of the building to provide privacy and still keep the building cool inside.

Curtains are a form of Window Treatment, and completes the overall appearance of the house. Window treatment helps control the ambiance and flow of natural light into the room. The effect of drapery or curtains, is best seen in day light, and with proper indoor light positioning, it can looking dazzling even at night.

Curtains also provide visual separation in other situations, such as on a performance art stage where the actors make final preparations for the show behind the curtain while the audience waits in front of the curtain. If used for a particular performance, the curtain typically opens when the show begins and closes for substantial pauses in the performance.

Commercial curtains

With the increase in single family homes during the last century, the curtain and drapery industries have witnessed simultaneous growth in the demand for their products. Commercial interests also grew during that time as many companies tried to supply institutions, hotels, etc. During the second half of the 20th century, many companies profited while others went bankrupt. Offering good customer service and adapting to change, such as purchasing raw materials from overseas, has kept companies afloat, even during rougher times.