A curtain, occasionally known as a drape, 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 screen or drape in a theater that separates the stage from the auditorium and functions as a backdrop.

Although the words curtains and curtains are used interchangeably, drapes differentiate themselves by integrating lining stitched to the opposite side of the cloth for the purpose of protecting the harmful UV rays from rotting the silks and fading the color dyes. Linings can 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 instantaneous aesthetic function by adding into the drapeability of this fabric; additional weight helps to anchor the drapes and creates a more complete and luxurious window therapy.

Carpets have a history nearly as long as textiles, but there's much hesitation 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 show curtains suspended from rods spanning arches.

Before central heating and air conditioning, individuals did not always have to choose light over warmth. Curtains of one sort or another were used to define space and create privacy.

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

Until the latter part of the 16th century particularly in England, window drapes were virtually non-existent. Instead, internal wooden shutters were used to keep out cold and light. When drapes did eventually make an appearance, they were produced from one piece of fabric hung on an iron pole with iron rings sewn onto the fabric, and drawn from 1 side of the window.

Window drapes were still rare in 17th century England, normally found only in important rooms in grand homes. In late 18th century England, easy, straight curtains were still widely utilized, often tacked directly onto the window frame. By the 19th century thinner draped drapes were used in pairs normally hung from poles that were often cosmetic with ornaments like laurel wreaths and rosettes. Grey curtains and Empire style usually consisted of complete length curtains monitoring on the floor and pinned back by curtain hooks to keep them out of the way during the day. Under curtains were extremely popular by now and were more often than not a much lighter fabric like silk or muslin.

By the 1900's techniques, fibres and dyes revolutionised the textile business and drapes and window and window dressings became more widespread in both wealthy and working class homes.