Perhaps the strongest appeal of vintage curtains is their iconic design patterns. There is more that goes into a design than just a pattern. Color and material is also carefully chosen to craft a quality item. This may be why the key design symbols have lasted throughout the years. The combination of all of the design elements is what makes the end product special.
Red and white were popular colors in the 1940’s. Many kitchens were decorated in these shades. The classic red and white checkerboard pattern was common. Another great design is the cherry pattern. This is another easily identifiable image that hints of times past.
Some telltale signs of vintage curtains are within children’s curtains, especially nursery rhyme patterned panels. If you look closely at any picture style pattern, you can see a few clues to its age. First, look at the subject matter of the scene. Is the story popular today or from decades ago? Let’s face it – today TweedleDee and TweedleDum, or the three little kittens, are not exactly popular stories for our kids today. Also look at how the characters are portrayed. Are the children whimsical and plump? What is the overall color scheme of the design? This can be a major clue to identify the time period it was made.
The 1960’s were a time of change. The design reflected this. The color palette was brighter and the patterns became more abstract. The term psychedelic was used and reflected in trendy décor. The designer, Pucci, was a trend setter and made wild color and psychedelic prints his trademark. This popular design style found its way into the textiles of the home. Curtains and bedding, as well as linens began to appear with the swirly bright colors that reflected popular culture.
After the explosion of shape and color from the 1960’s design, came a change. It seemed the 1970’s were yelling, “stop!” to the 60’s and countered with a much more muted pallet. The earth tones became widely popular. Some of the most popular colors were avocado green, harvest gold, and other earth tones such as rust, brown, and orange. It seemed everything in the home became subdued. From kitchen appliances to rec-room paneling, things in the home appeared more grounded. With these changes came the need to change the fabrics around the home. Crazy patterns and colors gave way to a calmer simple style for window treatments. Recognizable images replaced the abstract designs. Kitchens began to see cooking related items in the fabrics. Images of pots and pans, spoons, as well as mushrooms and other fruits and vegetables were incorporated into the curtain panels and dish towels, as well as wallpaper.
Throughout the decades some design patterns remain constant. These are the classic patterns that can stand the test of time. So, whatever color scheme, and design style you fancy, you are sure to find vintage curtains to match your décor.