Evolution of Draperies and Hawaii's History: A Cultural Study

We can hardly think of a modern home that has no drapes. But did you know they have a history of their own in Hawaii? Drapes, as we see them today, have evolved over centuries, and if we are to trace their history, they were nothing more than objects of utility. Today we use curtains and drapes as an essential part of interior decoration. They bring about unity in the entire look of your home besides practical uses such as insulation and privacy.

The latest drapery trends also have their roots in history, and several interior decorators love vintage sets that make your house look aristocratic and elegant.

History of evolution

The discovery of curtains did not go into any written documents, but archeological shreds of evidence suggest that some civilizations dating back to the 6th and 7th century BC had curtain panels. Studies indicate that curtains were not used as a window treatment back then but acted more as dividers between rooms or sections of the same room. Therefore, they were primarily used for privacy.

Since doors and windows were generally made of wood, they did not require curtains. It was only in the 13th century that Intalins created glass that came to be used in modern windows. Around this time, we saw a shift in the utilization of drapes. They began to be used as window treatments instead of a divider.

Materials Used

Now we have different kinds of fabrics for draperies, but back then, people had limited choices, and the earliest curtains were believed to be made from animal hide or bark. With the discovery of weaving, we can see traces of hand women materials to be used as fabrics for curtains and drapes. Affluent families had embroidered curtains, but the poor people could not afford to pay for such intricate work and thus used a plain fabric for the same.

By the 13th-14th century, architecture had also evolved, and people didn't need animal hides to make divisions in the room. Instead, more sophisticated fabrics began to be used on windows.

In the East, we have evidence of draperies being used on door windows long before it was introduced in the West. The rich hung their fabrics around the bed, much like a canopy for privacy.

The popularity rose to its peak after the Industrial Revolution when draperies and other materials began to be mass-produced. Since they were cheap and easily available, people from all strata of life could afford them.

Hawaii and Draperies

Hawaii has a drapery store at almost every turn, but the evolution of Hawaiian draperies has been a little slow-paced. There's no documentation of drapes in the early stages. It is believed they used the most common form of fabrics for drapery and did not pay much heed to the styling. But since its annexation to the US during the

Spanish-American war, we can trace some details about the different types of curtains used.

Since it was after industrialization, there was no shortage of ready-made drapes. However, custom drapery installation was still not common, and only the elite class used custom drapes.

Hawaii's breakthrough happened when the aloha fabric caused a stir in the fashion industry. It started with Hawaiian shirts, but soon Hawaiian bed sheets and drapes became a trend symbol. The Hawaiian trademark made its way elegantly into the fashion world and was there to stay for a long time.

Today Hawaii has one of the highest standards of interior decoration, thanks to luxurious houses sprawling across the islands. People here use different kinds of fabric and styles to elevate the aesthetic value of their homes.

If you are wondering where to get the best drapes, you can get them either in online stores or you can try looking in stores near you. We understand getting the right draperies can be a significant decision, and some people might not have the best decisive skills. In that case, you can always hire a local window treatment company to give you the best ideas regarding color, fabric, style, and pleats.