evolution of soft furnishings a

Submitted by: Hira Qamar

Presented to: Ma’am Maida Noman

F.G. College of Home Economics and Management Sciences

hirajunaid87@gmail.com
 THE EVOLUTION OF SOFT FURNISHINGS IN
INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT WITH REFERENCE
TO PERIOD STYLES
WHAT IS SOFT FURNISHING
Soft furnishings refer to items constructed out of fabric. These items include
curtains, cushions, chair coverings, and more. Essentially soft items that are
used as decoration in rooms. They add texture, vibrancy, and, most importantly,
style to a room's furniture and interior design. Soft furnishing evolved during
every era.

THE RENAISSANCE
During the Renaissance period, soft furnishings were used to add comfort and
luxury to homes. The fabrics used were often rich and ornate, with intricate
patterns and designs. The most common fabrics used were silk, velvet, and
damask. These fabrics were often embroidered with gold or silver thread to add
even more luxury to the design.
The use of soft furnishings was not limited to just the wealthy. Even the middle
class would use soft furnishings such as cushions and curtains to add comfort
and style to their homes
THE BAROQUE
During the Baroque period, high-style furnishing and interior decorating was
carried out in Italy. Soft furnishings during this era were luxe: Furniture was
upholstered in rich velvet and damask, often with gilt-wood and marquetry
framing. Bed hangings or bed curtains were very common and were used to
surround a bed. The curtains were made of heavy fabrics such as velvet, silk,
and damask. They were often adorned with tassels and fringes.

THE PALLADIAN REVIVAL AND ROCOCO

The Palladian Revival style was popular in the 18th century and was
characterized by the use of classical motifs and symmetry. The curtains used
during this period were often made of silk or damask and were heavily
embroidered with gold or silver thread.

NEOCLASSICISM
Classical motifs at first were sparingly applied to soft furnishings of unchanged
form, but slowly the style evolved to include more ornamentation. The colors in
the neoclassical style are mostly light – cream, gray, light blue, yellow and
green. Black, red, the gold and silver sheen are mostly used as a splash of color.

REGENCY STYLES
Regency style soft furnishings were characterized by their elegance and
simplicity. The fabrics used were usually light and airy, such as muslin, silk, and
cotton. The colors were often pastel shades of blue, pink, green, and yellow. The
patterns were simple and geometric or floral.

EMPIRE STYLES
The furniture design during this period was more consciously luxurious than the
early part of the Neoclassical period in France. The furniture was made of a
soft, lightweight fabric. Empire style curtains were also very popular during the
early 19th century. They were made of heavy fabrics such as velvet, damask, or
silk and were often decorated with tassels and fringes.

THE LATE 19TH CENTURY

During the late 19th century, soft furnishings such as quilts were popular in the
United States. In Europe, the 19th century was an age of eclecticism. Decorators
introduced the custom of having a different style for each room. The late 19 th
century saw textiles enter mass production while printing and dyeing had also
improved significantly. This made it possible for all households to have
beautifully designed and woven curtains. Lace was also introduced as a
curtaining material, paving the way for modern-day sheer or net curtains.

ART DECO AND MODERNISM

Art Deco was a popular design style in the 1920s and 1930s. The style is
characterized by geometric shapes, bold colors, and metallic finishes. Soft
furnishings such as curtains, cushions, and upholstery were often made from
luxurious materials like silk, velvet, and chenille. These materials were often
used in bold colors and geometric patterns to complement the overall Art Deco
aesthetic.

THE COUNTRY HOUSE STYLE

Country house style is characterized by rustic furniture, natural materials and
soft colors that evoke traditional farms full of charm. Soft furnishings such as
slipcovered or upholstered furniture are also common. . Linens are a favorite
soft furnishings and can be contrasted with velvets elsewhere in the room to add
interest to the scheme.
Hand-made fabric hangings or curtains were often used on walls as decoration,
or to divide up room spaces in grand country or town houses. They were also
used around beds to stop drafts and aid privacy.