A curtain, sometimes known as a curtain, is traditionally a bit of cloth meant to block or vague light and drafts from a window. A curtain can be known commonly as a moveable display or drape in a theatre that separates the stage from the auditorium and functions as a background.

pinch pleated curtains may also be used to (dim-out or blackout) outside light from entering a room, which is where the word Blackout Curtains is often used. Linings also supply an immediate aesthetic function by adding into the drapeability of the cloth; added weight can help to anchor the curtains and generates a more full and luxurious window treatment.

Curtains have a history almost as long as fabrics, but there's much doubt about where and how to hang them. From evidence found in excavation sites at Olynthus, Pompeii and Herculaneum, portieres appear to have been used as room dividers in antique antiquity. Mosaics from the 2nd to 6th century series curtains suspended from sticks arches.

Before central heating and air conditioning, people didn't always have to choose light over warmth. Curtains of one form or another have been used to define space and create privacy.

The first curtains were made from animal hides that were placed over doors. Early textiles were flax and linen, first spun in early Egypt, followed by wool and later cotton and silk.

Until the latter part of the 16th century especially in England, window drapes were virtually non-existent. Instead, internal wooden shutters were used to maintain light and cold. When drapes did finally make an appearance, they were produced from 1 piece of cloth wrapped on an iron rod with iron rings sewn onto the cloth, and pulled out of 1 side of the window.

Window drapes were still rare in 17th century England, normally seen only in significant rooms in expansive houses. In late 18th century England, simple, straight curtains were widely used, often tacked straight onto the window frame. By the 19th century thinner draped curtains were utilized in pairs normally hung from poles that were often cosmetic with ornaments such as laurel wreaths and rosettes. The Regency and Empire style generally consisted of full length drapes trailing on the floor and pinned back by curtain hooks to keep them out of the way during the day. Under drapes were extremely popular by now and were more often than a much lighter fabric such as silk or muslin.

From the 1900's methods, fibres and dyes revolutionised the textile business and curtains and window and window dressings became more widespread in both affluent and working class homes.