Soft furnishings are the textile elements of an interior, including curtains, blinds, pelmets and valances, cushions, upholstery, loose covers, bed hangings, bedspreads, table covers, throws, rugs and lampshades. They add colour, pattern, comfort and warmth to a room and help to control light, draughts and sound.
Historic interiors relied heavily on soft furnishings, which were often among the most expensive items in a house. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries rich silk damasks, velvets and needlework hangings were coordinated with chair covers and bed curtains, and upholsterers were responsible for designing complete schemes. The nineteenth century favoured layered curtains, heavy fringes and patterned chintzes, while the Arts and Crafts movement promoted printed and woven designs by William Morris and his contemporaries. Antique and vintage textiles can be used to create authentic period schemes, either as original pieces or reworked into cushions and covers. When buying, check for fading, staining, moth damage and weakened fibres, and consider whether a fabric is strong enough for daily use. Delicate antique textiles are best kept away from strong sunlight and may need conservation-grade lining or mounting.
