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Short answer
Choose curtains an elderly parent can open without effort and that cannot trip anyone: S-fold on a smooth-running track, or a motorised track with a remote or switch, ending about 1 cm above the floor. Keep cords out of the way. Use a dimout or blackout-lined curtain for sleep and a sheer for daytime glare, in calm mid-tones that contrast with the walls and wash easily.
Which curtains are easiest for older people to use?
- Smooth-running track: S-fold or French pleat on gliders moves with a light pull. See S-Fold Curtains.
- Motorised track: a remote, wall switch or timer opens and closes the curtains with no effort, and can open them gently at a set time each morning. See Fabrics for Motorised Curtains.
- Draw wands clipped to the leading edge, so there is no need to grip the fabric.
- Avoid heavy, unlined velvets on manual tracks; they take more effort to pull.
Safety
- No trip hazards: curtains about 1 cm above the floor, never puddled. See How Long Should Curtains Be?
- No loose cords or chains within reach of the bed or a walking frame.
- Clear paths: extend the track so open curtains stack beside the window, not across a walkway or door.
- Firm fixings: a person may steady themselves on a curtain; fix tracks securely to the ceiling or wall, and never rely on a curtain for support.
Watch out
Keep curtains well clear of heaters, oil lamps and candles. Ask about fire-retardant fabric if the room is in a care home or assisted-living setting.
Sleep, light and glare
- Dimout or blackout lining for undisturbed sleep and afternoon naps. See Curtain Lining.
- Sheer by day softens glare, which ageing eyes find harder to cope with. See Layered Curtains.
- Some daylight in the morning helps the body clock; a timer on a motorised track can open the sheer layer first.
Colour and contrast
Calm mid-tones are restful, but some contrast helps people with weaker eyesight see where the window, wall and furniture are. A curtain a few shades darker or lighter than the wall, and a chair that contrasts with the floor, make the room easier to read. Avoid strong, busy patterns, which can be confusing. See How to Choose Curtain Colours.
What fabric suits an elderly parent's armchair?
A favourite armchair or recliner gets daily use, spills and frequent cleaning. Choose a tight weave or short-pile velvet of 25,000 Martindale rubs or more, with a cleaning code that allows water-based cleaning, and removable covers where possible. In the JOTEX range, YarnGuard PURIFY and REPEL and the textured weaves BLAKE, MARC and VELA are rated at 40,000 rubs. See How to Choose Sofa Fabric.
Frequently asked questions
What curtains are easiest for elderly people to use?
S-fold or French pleat curtains on a smooth-running track, or a motorised track with a remote or wall switch.
How long should curtains be in an elderly person's room?
About 1 cm above the floor, never puddled, so they cannot trip anyone or catch a walking frame.
Are motorised curtains worth it for older parents?
Often, yes. They remove the effort of pulling, and a timer can open them gently each morning.
What fabric is best for an elderly parent's armchair?
A tight weave or short-pile velvet of 25,000 rubs or more that can be cleaned with water, ideally with removable covers.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.