Curtains are more than just pieces of cloth. They add personality to a room, provide privacy, block out unwanted light, and in many cases, help save energy. From city apartments to countryside homes, curtains are found everywhere. But have you ever wondered how they’re made or how this huge industry works?
A Quick Look at the History of Curtains
Curtains date back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where they were used as room dividers, sun blockers, and privacy shields. Over centuries, they evolved from basic cloths into decorative elements. With industrialisation in the 18th and 19th centuries, mass production became possible. By the mid-20th century, curtains became widely accessible to middle-class households worldwide, not just royalty or the elite.
Curtain Materials: What Are They Made Of?
The choice of material impacts everything—appearance, function, and cost.
| Material | Features | Common Uses |
| Cotton | Soft, natural, breathable; easy to clean; versatile in colour and pattern | Casual rooms, living rooms, bedrooms |
| Linen | Textured, airy, natural look; light-filtering; can wrinkle | Coastal or rustic décor, dining areas, and airy spaces |
| Polyester | Affordable, durable, fade-resistant, and low-maintenance | Most popular for homes & offices, living rooms, bedrooms |
| Velvet | Heavy, rich texture, blocks light, luxurious | Theatres, formal settings, bedrooms, and living rooms |
| Silk | Elegant, luxurious, delicate, shiny; requires care | High-end décor, formal living rooms, master bedrooms |
| PVC/Plastic | Waterproof, easy to clean, resists mould and mildew | Kitchens, bathrooms, and utility areas |
| Metal | Rare for curtains, used in blinds; sturdy, modern look | Commercial/industrial spaces, offices |
Did you know?
In 2024, polyester generated USD 6.5 billion in revenue and is expected to grow at 9.6% CAGR. It’s a favourite due to affordability, resilience, and energy efficiency when used in blackout and thermal curtains.
Market Snapshot
- India 2025 Revenue: INR US$905.68 million (Statista)
- Expected CAGR (2025–2030): 3.07% (Statista)
- Global Leader: United States (US$9.79 billion) (Statista)
- India’s Market Driver: Rising middle class and urban housing
Urban homes are getting smaller but smarter. Homeowners are looking for stylish, space-saving curtains and blinds that also help with insulation, privacy, and light control.
The Curtain Manufacturing Process: From Thread to Drapes
- Raw Material Preparation
Fabric selection is critical. Each fibre—natural or synthetic—is tested for quality, strength, and chemical safety using tools like:
- Fiber Fineness Analyzer
- Gas Chromatography
- Universal Testing Machines
- Spinning and Weaving
Spinning turns raw fibres into yarn through steps like cleaning, carding, combing, and roving.
Weaving transforms yarn into fabric using looms. The process includes:
- Winding
- Warping
- Sizing
- Drawing-in
- Weaving
- Dyeing and Finishing
Fabric is:
- Singeing (burns off surface fuzz)
- Desizing (removes protective coatings)
- Scouring and Bleaching (cleans and whitens)
- Mercerising (adds shine and durability)
- Pre-shrunk and heat-set for shape retention
- Cutting and Sewing
Curtains are precision-cut using vertical cutting machines. Sewing includes:
- Hemming
- Stitching
- Pleating (automated pleat machines can make 10,000 pleats in 10 hours!)
- Decorative additions like lace, trims, or embroidery
- Ironing and Final Setting
High-temperature ironing ensures the curtain hangs beautifully. Some curtains go through a memory setting, which locks pleats in place for long-lasting structure.
- Accessories Production
Curtains need hardware—tracks, rods, hooks, tassels, tiebacks, etc. These are made from metal or plastic using injection moulding and bending machines.
- Quality Inspection and Packaging
Every curtain is inspected for:
- Size accuracy
- Color consistency
- Surface defects
- Functionality (light blocking, flame resistance, etc.)
They’re then packed with clear labels and careful protection to avoid damage in transit.
Curtain Trends You Need to Know
- Smart Curtains & Blinds
- Controlled via Alexa, Google Home, and apps
- Open/close automatically based on sunlight or room temperature
- Big in North America and Europe
- Energy Efficiency
- Blackout and thermal curtains help reduce energy bills
- Supported by global green initiatives like the EU Green Deal
- Sustainability
- Recycled polyester from plastic bottles is gaining traction
- Linen, bamboo, and other eco-friendly materials are on the rise
- Customisation Boom
- Homeowners want more personalisation
- Made-to-measure, colour-coordinated solutions dominate sales
Leading Curtain Brands
| Indian Brands | International Brands |
| D’Decor | 3 Day Blinds |
| Bombay Dyeing | IKEA |
| Portico New York | Somfy |
| Zynna | Hillarys |
| Swayam | Levolor |
| Spaces by Welspun | The Shade Store |
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Growing demand due to urbanisation
- Technological advancement in production
- Diverse product portfolio
- Strong presence in both residential and commercial markets
Weaknesses
- Dependence on raw material price fluctuations
- High competition leading to price pressure
- Seasonal demand variations
- Long production cycles for customised products
Opportunities
- Smart home integration
- Energy-efficient products
- Sustainable and eco-friendly materials
- Expanding middle-class markets in developing countries
- E-commerce growth
Threats
- Economic downturns affecting discretionary spending
- Changing consumer preferences toward minimalism
- Competition from alternative window treatments
- Environmental regulations affecting production
The Current Scenario and Future Outlook
The curtain industry is vibrant and evolving. Urbanisation, rising incomes, and a focus on home décor are driving growth, especially in emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia. Smart technology, energy efficiency, and sustainability are shaping product development and consumer choices. Offline retail remains dominant due to the need for customisation and personal service, but online channels are growing.
For retailers, designers, and manufacturers, the future is bright, so long as they stay attuned to trends, invest in innovation, and prioritise quality and sustainability. For consumers, there’s never been a better time to find curtains that fit their style, needs, and values.
Curtains may seem simple, but behind every panel is a world of creativity, craftsmanship, and commerce, making them an essential part of our homes and our industry.
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