What you Need to Know about Damask Curtains
Damask curtains are types of curtains that have a reversible surface. These curtains are known around the world for their quality as well as for their design. Legend has it that damask originated from Damascus, Syria but there are other sources that say Chinese Emperors used to wear the fabric as early as the 5th century. Experts say that damask has been used for almost 2 millennia and that its name was derived from Damascus, the place where it was believed to have been invented.
Contemporary damasks have similar characteristics to its original ancestors. Modern damasks are being woven with one weft yarn and one warp yarn. Perhaps what makes them different from their ancestors are the materials that were used to weave them. Today, you can see damask 
curtains that are made of wool, silk, linen, cotton and synthetic fibers. The patterns that you see in damask are created by weaving.
As you see, there are a variety of materials that can be used to create damask. However, not all of them are suitable for damask curtains. Velvet is one of the best choices for making curtains. It is heavier and more durable than other kinds of fabric used for creating damask. Satin and silk are the other choices but since they are softer in character, they need to have lining so that they can have form and structure. The lining will also give them the durability.
Why Choose Damask Curtains?
Based on what we have mentioned about the materials used for weaving damask, it is not difficult to see that they can add aesthetic value to your home. Curtains alone are beneficial. You can increase your privacy, you can limit the amount of light and heat that enters your house and you can improve the design of your interior. With a gorgeous curtain, you can achieve all these benefits beautifully.
Choosing damask curtains for your window is similar to choosing an oriental rug for your floor. As you well know, oriental rugs are hand-woven using the finest materials from the east. The same goes for authentic damasks. You buy oriental rugs for the novelty, the beauty and the quality. So if you want more than just a curtain, it is best to go for damask.
Moreover, damask is a dust resistant fabric. Other fabrics have the tendency to collect dirt which does not only make them hard to clean; dust-collecting fabrics can accumulate allergens, dust mites and other harmful debris that can harm your family. By having a curtain that is made of damask, you can minimize the accumulation of dust and dirt. You can protect your family from allergies as well as asthma. Or, you can simply live in a cleaner environment.
As we have mentioned earlier, the patterns in damasks are created when they are woven. The design simply reflects the culture of the people who have woven it. In a sense, you can have a piece of art or a piece of culture. By having damasks decorating your window, you get an exotic artwork to ornament your home. Damask has no limits when it comes to patterns and designs so you will never run out of choices if you want to make your home artsy.
Ideas for Damask Curtains
Standard – Damask is a generally soft fabric that works well if used in full floor-length. It flows naturally, giving your interior a lively feel. It would seem that the room breathes with life. With damasks, it is possible to have a more unusual heading for your curtains. You can have ruffled or pinch-pleat headings. To make sure that you achieve the best effects, use a special tape for the heading instead of gathering it by hand. The heading tape will make the curtain stiff because it gives it the structure. You can improve the looks by tiebacks and draping the curtains onto the floor.
Noise Blocking – Velvet damask is the heaviest type of damask curtain so if you want to block noise, this is the best choice. The noise-blocking properties can be achieved through using a blackout lining and a thick middle layer made of woolen cloth. Because the finished product will be heavy, you must prepare a sturdy rail. If you want to use cotton damask, you can make the curtain heavier by using a blackout lining; one thin layer and another thick layer of interlining. One drawback of cotton damask made heavy is that it does not wash well.
Bed Curtains – Satin and silk damask are ideal for decorating canopy or four-poster beds. Bed damask curtains do not need lining and are best 
left light. Their lightness will give an elegant and luxurious effect. You can simply sew the damask into an ordinary curtain and let it dangle from the frame. You can also tie the curtains back alongside the wall on any side of the bed head to have the bed framed.
Ornamental Curtains – Damask is the best choice when you want to achieve swag when dressing your windows. Swags are decorative assemblies fitted across the rail, particularly at the front. By doing this approach, you will achieve an effect that is attractive. On top of that, the gathers that you make are soft, making them easier to drape. For making tails, you can make the damask heavier by putting a lining. As it is heavier, it will automatically dangle down to the floor.
Where to Get Damask Curtains
The best place to start searching for damask curtains is the internet. Through the websites of curtain suppliers, you will be able to see easily their design and prices. The selection process will significantly become easier. You can choose between standard and custom made damasks. You can go for modern curtains as well as those with a vintage design. Whichever damask curtain suits your taste or your interior’s design, you will surely have plenty of choices.
If you need more than the simple functionalities provided by curtains, choose damask curtains to achieve a great look as well.
