Curtains are a form of window and door treatment, and they complement the overall appearance of the house. So, the selection of curtains and curtain materials is very important for a home, and these choices are affected by a number of factors. This study aimed to find out the selection practices and the factors responsible for the purchase of curtains and their materials. Data was collected through self-structured interview schedules from the ultimate users, the respondents.

Among the factors for the selection of curtains and curtain materials, 'Fabric designs/motifs i.e. stylized, floral, traditional' ranked first, followed by 'color.' All the other criteria like cost, trendiness, type of material, type of fabric, and purpose were also considered important for the selection of curtains and curtain materials with close margins.

Introduction:

Curtains, also known as drapes or drapery, are hung on the inside of house windows and doors to block the travel of light, provide privacy, and enhance the aesthetics of the home. Curtains are the traditional way of dressing windows and doors. Technological innovation is needed to support new design trends and designer aspirations. This approach will lead to faster innovation in products and create a competitive edge in the global marketplace. Customer demand calls for value addition, diversified products, technology refinement, and innovation to meet the demands of both the domestic and export markets. Innovations in materials, color shades and prints, finishing for aesthetics and functional effects, designs, publicity, and display are key elements for the growth and successful marketing of home textiles.

Thus, there was a strong need to understand the factors influencing the selection of curtains and curtain materials for home use to develop new, beautiful products that enhance the aesthetic appeal of curtains and improve product quality and consumer acceptance.

Technical Plan:

A well-structured interview schedule was developed to gather opinions on the current practices of curtain usage and the factors influencing the selection of curtains and curtain materials for home use. Thirty respondents with knowledge about design and fashion were selected. The responses regarding fabric design, color, fabric type, fashion, cost, and design features were studied.

Results and Discussions:

The data related to the current practices of curtains and the factors influencing the purchase of curtains and curtain materials have been discussed in tables 1 and 2 (Fig. 1 and 2).

Regarding the personal profiles of the respondents, it was found that the majority of them were between the ages of 31-50 years, were graduates, housewives, from service-class backgrounds, and had a family monthly income falling between Rs 20,001-40,000.


Existing practices of curtains:


Majority of the respondents use curtains 'to impart designer look to the room' (61.3%), 'use curtains for blocking sunlight' (60 %), , to give impression of high economic status'(58.5%) as per the results shown in table no. 1 and fig.1.


Factors affecting selection of curtains/curtain material for home use:



While selecting the curtains/curtain materials majority of the respondents preferred fabric design followed by color, fashion, as per the rooms, fabric material and cost as showed in table 2 and fig.2.


The criteria affecting the selection of curtains/curtain materials for home use show that 'design' ranked at first place which kept in mind for selection of curtains, with average weighted mean score 2.66. The next selection criteria was 'colour' with the average mean score 2.63. 'Trendy' and 'commonly used fashion' got average mean score 2.53 and placed at 3rd rank. The average mean score for all purpose room was 2.51 and placed at 4th rank. Fifth rank was given the to 'fabric type' plain i.e. self printed and overall printed fabric. Sixth rank was given to the 'type of materials' available in the local market with average mean score 2.46.

The 'cost' got 7th rank and the average mean score was 2.43. All the criteria's were preferred for selection of curtains/curtain materials with close margins.


Boutaleb (2004) reported that to dress up the windows, the modern eyelet curtains are the best suited. This modern style of hanging curtains is fast catching up with the trendy needs of new generation. During the past days curtains were used just as a tool to protect the privacy of homes. They are, now, as big a style statement as choice of convertible. Besides, of course, protecting the privacy from outsiders as well as the vagrant weather, curtains are reflective of overall social standing. And with the passage of time, even the particulars, especially the hanging techniques, have assumed immense importance. And the traditional gathered-heading is slowly becoming a passer and giving way to modern hanging styles (Wond, 2005) reported that. Anonymous (2005a) stated that the curtain has to be a careful choice for home dressing. Without placing one's trust to the case: the production of systems of assembly and fabrics is so big that every requirement can be easily satisfied. Anonymous (2005b) stated that curtain colors greatly influence the overall decorating theme of the room. Pick the colour that makes feel good. Prints, stripes, solid colors and a mix of naturals and whites are predominantly sought-after. Colours like yellow, blue, red, green, off-white and pink in their warmer shades are believed to infuse life and activity in a quiet room.


Table 2 : Factors affecting selection of curtains/curtain material for home use

Sr. No.

Factors

W.M

Average W.M.

Rank

1

Colour

Warm Colour

Cool Colour

2.62

2.63

II

2.66

2

Type of material Light Weight

Medium weight

Heavy weight

2.44

2.46

VI

2.53

3

Cost Rs. Per mt.

50-200

201-350

351-500

2.50

2.43

VII

1.70

2.33

4

Fabric Design/Motifs

Stylized

Floral

Traditional

2.64

2.66

I

2.62

2.80

5

Fabric Type

Plain

Self-Printed

Overall Printed

2.42

2.50

V

2.55

2.50

6

Fashion

Trendy

Commonly Used

2.60

2.53

III

2.46

7

Rooms (Living, Bedroom & Kitchen etc.)

2.51

2.51

IV


WMS = Weighted Mean Score

 


References:

  • Anonymous.2005a. Curtains for home dressing. www.furnishhome.com
  • Anonymous.2005b. Curtains for colour and class. The Hindu Online edition of India's National Newspaper Sunday, Sep 18.
  • Boutaleb, L. 2004 Eyelet Curtains for Jazzy Window Dressing article from Ezine www.HOME:Home-Improvement/Interior - Design-and-Decorating.com
  • Katiyar, V.S. 2001. Innovative culture: Design and Technology Interface in Global Economy. New Cloth Market. Pp. 39-44.
  • Wond, D. 2005. The latest styles of hanging curtains for doors. www.home-improvement.co.in


Originally Published in the New Cloth Market, February, 2012