Heavy Curtains, Soft Light: Why Old Homes Need Both

Dec 12

I didn’t plan on becoming a “curtain person.”
But living in a Victorian house will do that to you.

Tall windows are beautiful, but they come with drafts, glare, and a constant feeling that the room is just a little unfinished. Once I finally invested in heavier curtains, the change surprised me — not just visually, but emotionally.

The room felt calmer. Quieter. Warmer.

Old Windows Need Softening

Victorian windows weren’t meant to be bare.

Historically, they were dressed with layers — sheers, heavy panels, sometimes even valances. Not for decoration alone, but for comfort.

Bare windows:

Let heat escape
Make rooms feel echoey
Emphasize scale in an uncomfortable way

Curtains soften all of that.

Weight Matters (Even If It’s Faux)

Curtains don’t need to be antique or expensive, but they do need presence.

Look for:

Thicker fabrics
Linen blends, velvet, or textured weaves
Panels that fall generously

Even “lined-look” curtains can change how a room feels.

Let Curtains Frame the Room

I like to hang curtains a little wider and higher than the window itself.

It makes the room feel taller and more intentional — and in older homes, that subtle framing goes a long way toward making things feel finished instead of forgotten.

Pair Curtains With Soft Lighting

Heavy curtains shine most at night.

When paired with:

Table lamps
Floor lamps
Warm bulbs

They create that quiet, enclosed feeling old homes do best.

Shop the Parlor

If your room feels drafty or unfinished, start with:

Textured curtain panels
Simple rods with weight
Warm lamps nearby

Curtains aren’t an afterthought — they’re part of the structure of the room.

Some links on this page may be affiliate links. I only share pieces I’d actually use in my own home.

Zachary Bellus