Austrian curtains are one of the oldest window shades.  Dating back to as early as the 18th century, Austrian curtains also known as festoon blinds, have graced the home of royals for centuries.  The style of shade became increasing popular, and can even be found in popular Victorian style homes.
The shade is best know for its semicircular folds are festoons from the bottom up.  When raised the folds become even more pronounced and full.  This shade works best in soft sheer fabrics.  Most popularly made in sheer voile, batiste, and even really sheer linen fabric.

We offer an upscale version of the Austrian curtain.  Our sheer Austrian is made from designer sheer voile fabric.  Four times the window length is included in our shade to ensure extreme fullness.  This creates privacy but still allows light to filter in.  The shade can be made in custom widths of up to 103" and custom lengths of up to 120".  Visit us today to view all of our custom roman shades.

Distinct to the theaters of Austria are the heavy-set, shirred curtains which are lowered or pulled up accordingly to indicate the start and end of every performance. Favored for its unique and sophisticated look in the Viennese theaters, this same curtain idea was transformed and modified to fit the home and has come to be known as Austrian shades.        

Luxury is almost always attached to this type of window treatment. This is primarily because of the formal and elegant texture that Austrian blinds can bring into any window type. The following sections discuss some of the basics about this type of window treatment and some of the attributes which homemakers like most about Austrian blinds.

General Characteristics of Austrian Shades

Austrian window treatments became popular for the shirred, cascading fabric gathers divided into vertical columns. The curves in this type of shading structure somewhat resemble the festoons in balloon curtains. The only difference lies on how the festoons are distributed on the surface of the curtain: in balloon curtains, the fabric drapes are formed only at the bottom of the structure while in Austrian window shades, the curves run along the fabric surface from top to bottom of the structure.

Aside from the general appearance of Austrian curtains, the following are some of the distinct attributes of this type of shading structure:

·         Lightweight and Soft Materials – to effectively create a cascading column of curves, materials used for Austrian curtains should be lightweight as possible. The most common fabric type for this type of curtain include sheer, transparent fabrics, silk, jacquard, faux silk, and even cotton.

·         Dimensions – because of the scallops along the surface of the fabric, Austrian curtains are made up of relatively greater amount of fabric materials. In terms of dimensions, Austrian curtains can measure up to 108 inches in length and 103 inches in width. Austrian curtains consist of at least two columns of shirred curtain surface with just an ample width per column to prevent the excessive sagging or drooping of the fabric gathers.

·         Mechanisms – Austrian curtains can either be stationary or pulled-up in terms of the mechanism of the structure. Austrian string shades are attached with lift cords which can be used to modify the curtain’s level of shading. Fixed Austrian curtains on the other hand, remain at a specific window height or level and are not equipped with cording or lift mechanisms.

What homemakers like about Austrian shades is the natural formal and sophisticated look that the structure can bring to the interior.  Most appropriate for homes with a vintage or baroque look, Austrian curtains add a relaxing and a soft effect on the formal and symmetric arrangement of upholsterers. As for simple and modern homes, Austrian window treatments effectively enhance the appearance of the interior and bring a top-notch taste of sophisticated appeal to the home. The rich beginnings of Austrian window treatments and the versatility of these structures to be modified according to different tastes make them one of the most favored curtain types that have endured the changing times in the home interior market.

Save 10% off all custom Austrian shades.  Our custom shades are available in both sheer and silk fabrics and both are on sale.  The silk shades are fully lined.  Enter promotional code 'Austrian' at the checkout to receive this discount. 

Custom Austrian Shade

Austrian shades are a historic window treatment that dates back for centuries.  This particular fabric shade is extremely popular in Victorian and country style homes.  We now offer our Austrian shade in more custom sizes.  With widths up to 103" and lengths up to 108", and many fabric selections from sheers to soft silks.  This sophisticated elaborate fabric shade can be a beautiful finishing touch to your room.

Custom Austrian Shades

Balloon valances are a great window top treatment idea.  Very similar to the Austrian shades, the balloon valance when raised form poofs that mimic balloons.  The balloon shades date back several centuries, but became popular in the United States around the 1980's.  This style is very popular in Victorian and Country style homes.

Silk Balloon Valance with tassel trim

Austrian shades are a very classic, yet sophisticated fabric shade.  These shades are best when made from lightweight silks and sheer fabrics.  These shades work well alone or in addition to your drapery panels.

Austrian Shades