Salespeople inspect curtains at the Brighter curtain showroom in the MWEA Tower in Dagon township, Yangon.

A SUBTLE change is taking place in many of Yangon’s homes as bland, older curtains are being replaced by more fashionable versions.

Yangonites used to think that curtains were only sunshades,which were often homemade. But homeowners are increasingly regarding curtains as essential decorations.

U Zaw Win Tun, owner of the Brighter curtain shop, who has been in the curtain business for 10 years, said sales have improved significantly in the past three years and have the potential to continue climbing.

“When we started this business, people were not very interested in it. Only a small portion of the population bought curtains and most people just made them at home.

“However, buyers are seeing in movies or when they go abroad how other people decorate their houses, and they’re willing to give it a try too. We had our best sales last year,” U Zaw Win Tun said.

Daw Mie Mie, owner of Shu Tone curtain business, said she has sold curtains for 10 years, giving up a job in the construction industry.

“As soon as I had established my curtain business, I found it really interesting. So I gave up my other business.”

Both U Zaw Win Tun and Daw Mie Mie said even though demand was increasing, a genuine interest in home decoration was needed to survive in the industry.

“Since this business includes giving suggestions to buyers, it is very important sellers have an artistic sense,” U Zaw Win Tun said, adding that he stayed abreast of international trends by going to trade shows in Singapore and Thailand.

He said local buyers preferred imported curtains but expatriate customers mostly chose those made locally.