The History of Blanket Use

The history of the use of blankets, from their origin to the present day, has changed significantly, adapting to man's different ways of life at each moment. 

At the beginning of history, for humans, the use of blankets was limited to a simple sack or Mattress animal skin, hair or wool that was used to sleep.

It was placed under people, allowing them to stay dry and warm by separating them from the cold, damp ground. For a long period of human history, man slept on the ground. There are many cultures that continue to do so, and even today many young people enjoy their free time on the ground as well.

The use of blankets has changed throughout history depending on the culture. Blankets have been made with different local natural materials depending on the areas of the planet where they were manufactured. They were an indicator of status, cultural identity, belonging to a trade, clan or region, and always a refuge for man.

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THE BLANKET THAT COVERS AND WARMS US.

The handmade blanket  it started as a versatile fabric thataccompanied us by day, covering our body  to later snuggle up at night, turning into countless cultures in one layer.

The distinctive squares we associate with traditional blankets originate from Celtic clan textiles or shepherd's blankets. These Celtic textiles, called “tartan,” were woven from wool to differentiate clan members and were large pieces that served as both clothing and blankets.

Shepherd's blankets have accompanied this trade for centuries, their characteristic brown checks have come down to us as a traditional wool blanket design.

Muleteers and merchants also used to transport their handmade blankets on their journeys, meaning that wool blankets became a highly prized commodity for their travels.

The Middle Ages will hold great importance within the history of blanket use. In this era, blankets became valuable objects, as they were gifted to nobility and royalty. .

They used to be made of wool and later evolved into decorative objects like tapestries.

The most valuable ones had more elaborate and intricate designs, which in many places stem from an Eastern aesthetic. This is the case in Spain, where looms of Arab origin produce extremely high-quality fabrics.

It is in this medieval period that the woollen blanket separates the bodies of sleepers, and marriages that had the obligation to sleep naked to facilitate procreation. The blankets that go on to cover people during their rest offer separation and intimacy.

And it is also at this moment that its use becomes decorative, as large blankets or Decorative tapestries covered the walls from castles and noble dwellings, insulating them from the cold.

These tapestries of high artistic value  are found among the treasures of many noble families such as the Medici in Italy (Uffizi Gallery - Florence) or Royal Houses such as the Spanish Monarchy.

 

 

In different areas of the world, the blanket will also be a spiritual object that speaks of status and community through its designs. Examples of this can be found in Mexico, which since pre-Hispanic times has had the memory blanket how its most important cultural object.

From this moment on, and right up to the present day, blankets will evolve into very different objects depending on their use, developing into decoration, interior design, or clothing and fashion.

 

Different uses of blankets in decoration.

The blanket has always represented an object of warmth and care for humans, as well as a cultural and spiritual identity.

It was produced artisanally and with natural materials from the area such as wool, linen, cotton, or even silk.

Nowadays hand-knitted blankets more exclusive ones are also still produced in a artisanal way. They are made with natural materials who look after people and the environment. Currently, needs have changed and nowadays we seek softness and comfort.

The history of its use changes when referring to decoration and housing.

Possibly in the history of many world cultures, the first dwellings were built with blankets. Felted wool blankets in the Siberian steppe regions or blankets of lighter fabrics that would be used to make tents and portable shelters in desert areas.

The blanket is a versatile material that is easy to transport on trips, and even today we can't imagine a picnic without a good sofa blanket.

But in many cases, due to their importance and weight, blankets become decorative objects, like decorative tapestries or carpets when placed on the floor, evolving in their design and textile design.

The Tapestries were a cultural and luxurious object, which are now being reborn through the most contemporary textile art. Previously, they served to cover walls and act as insulation against the cold, and they also originate from artisanal blankets.

In Europe, designs also told the story of the era, battles, conquests, and relevant events. These were immortalised through the threads of linen and gold with which these tapestries were made. Artistic tapestries also reflect aesthetics and Contemporary values of textile art are increasingly appreciated in modern decoration and interior design.  

The carpet also evolved from the blanket that was placed on the floor in prehistoric times. It becomes a common item in all types of decoration. In addition to insulating from the cold, its designs allow us to give personality to our decorations.

As you can see, blankets have accompanied humanity since its beginnings. Establishing a very intimate relationship with them and forming part of their culture anywhere in the world.

Nowadays, the blanket has continued to cover our bodies, but it has become a daily staple. We can currently find blankets made from milk protein fibre, silk, wool, and linen, which bring comfort and care to our homes.

 

 

Due to minimalism and current decoration trends, we now prefer sofa or bed blankets in neutral colours for our homes. Tones that offer us comfort, tranquillity, and calm, and that will match all types of décor.

At RiR & Co, we continue to bet on Handmade blankets of natural materials as objects of value and symbols of the artisanal knowledge that has accompanied us for centuries. We tell stories through them where natural materials speak of sustainability and care.

 

Blankets have accompanied us since prehistoric times. They continue to be a part of our lives from the very beginning, and are used in many of our activities all over the world.