What Do Curtains Symbolize in Your Dreams?

Dreams are often rich with symbolism, and the imagery we encounter can shed light on our innermost thoughts, fears, and aspirations. One common yet impactful symbol is that of curtains. When curtains appear in your dreams, they may be expressing feelings about forthcoming changes in your life.

Just as curtains can block or reveal what lies behind them, your subconscious may be guiding you toward recognizing transformations—be they welcome or challenging. The way these curtains are depicted in your dream, whether they've been drawn back to let light flood in or tightly closed, speaks volumes about your readiness to embrace the changes that lie ahead. Understanding the layered meanings behind this symbol can empower you to approach transitions with greater awareness and grace.

• Curtains in dreams often symbolize transitions, new beginnings, and the unveiling of new opportunities.
• They can reflect personal emotions, the need for privacy, or a desire to hide certain aspects of life.
• The state of the curtains—whether open or closed—can further indicate how ready you are to embrace change.

Symbols

• blinds
  • Spy glass:

    (Spy glass; Telescope) In a dream, binoculars represents a notable person or the person who is looking through them. Looking with binoculars from a distance in a dream means victory over one’s adversary, attainment of one’s goals, rising in rank, spying, or happiness. If a merchant looks through binoculars in a dream, it means sovereignty, prosperity, presiding over his fellow merchants and gaining power.

    Bird’s nest:

  • Telescope:

    (Spy glass; Telescope) In a dream, binoculars represents a notable person or the person who is looking through them. Looking with binoculars from a distance in a dream means victory over one’s adversary, attainment of one’s goals, rising in rank, spying, or happiness. If a merchant looks through binoculars in a dream, it means sovereignty, prosperity, presiding over his fellow merchants and gaining power.

    Bird’s nest:

  • Askance:

    Eyes in a dream represent one’s religion or wealth. If one sees grass growing all over him but does not cover his ears or eyes in a dream, it means prosperity. One’s eyes in a dream also represent his faith and the road to victory in this life and in the next.

    One’s eyes in a dream also could represent his guidance or his heedlessness. Having many eyes throughout one’s body in a dream represents one’s piety, vigilance and excellence of character. If one sees the eyes of his heart in a dream, it means that he sees with the light of clarity.

    If one sees a man looking at him with a side glance in a dream, it means that he will suffer from an adversity, mistrust, disapproval, suspicion and disdain at the hand of such a man. If such a man opens his eyes and looks at him straight forward in the dream, it means that he will help him in his business or support his interests. If one’s eyes turn into iron in a dream, it means distress, a scandal or serious suffering from one’s community.

    If one sees himself looking at women in his dream, it means that he commits adultery with his eyes by looking and desiring what is unlawful. If one looks at someone’s eyes in a dream and likes them, it means that he will suffer from an adversity, religious corruption or jealousy. If one sees himself having an extra eye inside his body in a dream, it means that he is an atheist.

    If one sees himself having an extra eye over his shoulder in a dream, it means that he will be named to receive money in absentia. If one sees his eyes transfixed in a dream, it means that he looks suspiciously at a relative or someone else’s wife. Black eyes in a dream represent a religious person.

    A bluish-black eyes in a dream denote opposing one’s religion. Blue eyes in a dream mean religious innovations. Green eyes in a dream mean a religion which is different from all religions.

    Sharp sight in a dream means blessings, while weak sight means joblessness and living from the generosity of others. If a father sees weakness in his sight in a dream, it means that a sickness will inflict his children. If one loses his eyes in a dream, it means the death of his children.

    If a poor person or a prisoner sees that in a dream, it means that he will never become free again, or see any light for the rest of his life. If an oppressed person sees weakness in his eyes in a dream, it means that someone will help him overcome his adversities. If a traveller sees that dream, it means that he will DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 149 never return to his homeland.

    If one sees that his eyes belong to an unknown person in a dream, it means that he will become blind. If he recognizes that person in the dream, it means that he will be married to his daughter. If one’s eyes fall into his lap in a dream, it means the death of his brother or son.

    The eyes of a human being in a dream also represent his beloved, his son or his faith. Any defect in them in the dream may reflect in such people. Having one hundred eyes in a dream means money.

    The eyes of a ruler represent his spies. Eyes in a dream also represent a controller, a man or a spring. Treating one’s eyes with medicinal ointment in a dream means correcting one’s religious life or begetting a son who will become the jewel light of his father’s eyes or if one’s brother is exiled or deported from his homeland, it means that he will solicit him and entrust him with duties toward his family.

    If one sees his sight better than what people think in the dream, it means that his inner character is better than what people think, or if he sees his sight weakened though people do not know about it in the dream, it means that he keeps his faith to himself. If one’s eyes become white in a dream, they represent sorrow, or loss of a beloved. If one sees his eyes white, and if the white veil is lifted in the dream, it means that he will be reunited with his beloved and his distress will be dispelled.

    The right eye in a dream represents one’s son and the left eye represents one’s daughter. If a father sees one of his eyes being transposed to mix with the other eye in a dream, and if he has a son and a daughter, he should separate their bedrooms. Eating someone’s eye in a dream means steeling his money.

    Seeing one’s eyes without eyelashes in a dream means defying God’s laws. If one unplugs his eyelashes in a dream, it means that he will expose himself to his enemy. Seeing beautiful eyes in a dream could denote, sorcery, black magic, life or death.

    Eyes in a dream also represent one’s family, relatives, children or workers. Eyes in a dream also signify mourning someone or they could denote a sickness. Smearing one’s eyes in a dream means calamities, sufferings and punishment for one’s sins.

    To guard one’s eyes from looking at what is unlawful in a dream means heeding God’s commands.

• drapes
  • Drapes:

    (Cover; Happiness; Fears; Veil) In a dream, drapes means veiling one’s private life. Drapes in a dream also represent a confidant or a trustworthy friend or a wife who covers the pitfalls of her husband, protects his business and guards him from looking at other women. If a man of knowledge sees such a dream, then drapes represent his integrity, his honorable wife and children.

    Unidentified drapes in a dream represent worries or distress. If the drapes are hanging over one’s front door in the dream, it means that such difficulties will come from the world. Old drapes in a dream represent adversities which will not last.

    Torn drapes in a dream mean happiness and joy. If they are torn vertically in the dream, they represent a quick joy. If they are torn horizontally in the dream, they mean slander against one’s family.

    Black drapes in a dream mean worries because of money, a child, or the authorities. White or green drapes mean good results. Drapes hanging over the door of a mosque in a dream represent spiritual problems or religious failure.

    Seeing drapes out of their place in a dream mean adversities, and seeing them hanging over one’s windows has no interpretation. In a dream, seeing drapes hanging over a strange environment means fears which will culminate in satisfaction. Drapes adorned with gold means hallu¬ cination or dispelling one’s worries.

    If an unmarried person sees drapes in his dream, it means that he will get married and protect his chastity, or it could mean a business that will shelter him from poverty. If a fugitive or a scared person sees himself covered with drapes in a dream, it means a shelter from what scares him. Falling through a hole while hanging to a drape in a dream means taking a long, frustrating, toiling and a distant journey.

    The bigger the drapes are in a dream, the more difficult is one’s adversity.

  • Canopy 1:

    (A canopy with drapes covering one’s bed; Mosquito net; Transparent hood) In a dream, the canopy that drapes over one’s bed represents a good woman or a well mannered man. In a dream, a canopy also may represent one’s wife, or it could mean affliction, grief, distress or darkness.

  • Attire:
• change
  • Garment alteration:

    (Couturier; Garment alteration; Hemming; Tailoring) Seeing a tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream signifies dispelling one’s worries, overcoming one’s difficulties, eradicating dishonesty, dispelling conceit or per¬ haps he could denote music, elation, sexual intercourse or someone who ex¬ hausts himself and strives in every way to help others. A tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream also could represent a preacher or a teacher at whose hands many people will repent of their sins and walk on God’s path. A tailor doing alterations and handling trims and the ends of things represents a charitable person who makes someone happy by taking something from him and giving it to others.

  • Tailoring:

    (Couturier; Garment alteration; Hemming; Tailoring) Seeing a tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream signifies dispelling one’s worries, overcoming one’s difficulties, eradicating dishonesty, dispelling conceit or per¬ haps he could denote music, elation, sexual intercourse or someone who ex¬ hausts himself and strives in every way to help others. A tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream also could represent a preacher or a teacher at whose hands many people will repent of their sins and walk on God’s path. A tailor doing alterations and handling trims and the ends of things represents a charitable person who makes someone happy by taking something from him and giving it to others.

  • Hemming:

    (Couturier; Garment alteration; Hemming; Tailoring) Seeing a tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream signifies dispelling one’s worries, overcoming one’s difficulties, eradicating dishonesty, dispelling conceit or per¬ haps he could denote music, elation, sexual intercourse or someone who ex¬ hausts himself and strives in every way to help others. A tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream also could represent a preacher or a teacher at whose hands many people will repent of their sins and walk on God’s path. A tailor doing alterations and handling trims and the ends of things represents a charitable person who makes someone happy by taking something from him and giving it to others.

• curtains
  • Philander:

    (Flirting; Love poems; Philander) Courting a woman or singing love songs to her or displaying amorous behavior for her in public in a dream represents someone who divulges people’s secrets.

  • Armistice:

    (Armistice; Cease fire; Cessation) Negotiating a truce, or witnessing one between two armies in a dream means cessation of fear, relaxing, recovering of a sick person from his illness, caring for the wounded, extending the chances of one’s survival, profits, business, marriage, rebuilding, doing good, or perform¬ ing one’s prayers. 4DU id's oniiiin.ii's o

  • Cease fire:

    (Armistice; Cease fire; Cessation) Negotiating a truce, or witnessing one between two armies in a dream means cessation of fear, relaxing, recovering of a sick person from his illness, caring for the wounded, extending the chances of one’s survival, profits, business, marriage, rebuilding, doing good, or perform¬ ing one’s prayers. 4DU id's oniiiin.ii's o

• alteration
  • Garment alteration:

    (Couturier; Garment alteration; Hemming; Tailoring) Seeing a tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream signifies dispelling one’s worries, overcoming one’s difficulties, eradicating dishonesty, dispelling conceit or per¬ haps he could denote music, elation, sexual intercourse or someone who ex¬ hausts himself and strives in every way to help others. A tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream also could represent a preacher or a teacher at whose hands many people will repent of their sins and walk on God’s path. A tailor doing alterations and handling trims and the ends of things represents a charitable person who makes someone happy by taking something from him and giving it to others.

  • Tailoring:

    (Couturier; Garment alteration; Hemming; Tailoring) Seeing a tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream signifies dispelling one’s worries, overcoming one’s difficulties, eradicating dishonesty, dispelling conceit or per¬ haps he could denote music, elation, sexual intercourse or someone who ex¬ hausts himself and strives in every way to help others. A tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream also could represent a preacher or a teacher at whose hands many people will repent of their sins and walk on God’s path. A tailor doing alterations and handling trims and the ends of things represents a charitable person who makes someone happy by taking something from him and giving it to others.

  • Hemming:

    (Couturier; Garment alteration; Hemming; Tailoring) Seeing a tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream signifies dispelling one’s worries, overcoming one’s difficulties, eradicating dishonesty, dispelling conceit or per¬ haps he could denote music, elation, sexual intercourse or someone who ex¬ hausts himself and strives in every way to help others. A tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream also could represent a preacher or a teacher at whose hands many people will repent of their sins and walk on God’s path. A tailor doing alterations and handling trims and the ends of things represents a charitable person who makes someone happy by taking something from him and giving it to others.

• modification
  • Garment alteration:

    (Couturier; Garment alteration; Hemming; Tailoring) Seeing a tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream signifies dispelling one’s worries, overcoming one’s difficulties, eradicating dishonesty, dispelling conceit or per¬ haps he could denote music, elation, sexual intercourse or someone who ex¬ hausts himself and strives in every way to help others. A tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream also could represent a preacher or a teacher at whose hands many people will repent of their sins and walk on God’s path. A tailor doing alterations and handling trims and the ends of things represents a charitable person who makes someone happy by taking something from him and giving it to others.

  • Tailoring:

    (Couturier; Garment alteration; Hemming; Tailoring) Seeing a tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream signifies dispelling one’s worries, overcoming one’s difficulties, eradicating dishonesty, dispelling conceit or per¬ haps he could denote music, elation, sexual intercourse or someone who ex¬ hausts himself and strives in every way to help others. A tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream also could represent a preacher or a teacher at whose hands many people will repent of their sins and walk on God’s path. A tailor doing alterations and handling trims and the ends of things represents a charitable person who makes someone happy by taking something from him and giving it to others.

  • Hemming:

    (Couturier; Garment alteration; Hemming; Tailoring) Seeing a tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream signifies dispelling one’s worries, overcoming one’s difficulties, eradicating dishonesty, dispelling conceit or per¬ haps he could denote music, elation, sexual intercourse or someone who ex¬ hausts himself and strives in every way to help others. A tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream also could represent a preacher or a teacher at whose hands many people will repent of their sins and walk on God’s path. A tailor doing alterations and handling trims and the ends of things represents a charitable person who makes someone happy by taking something from him and giving it to others.

Navigating Change: Practical Insights for Interpretations

• Reflect on Your Current Circumstances

  When analyzing dreams involving curtains, take time to consider your waking life. Are you facing significant changes, such as a new job, moving homes, or shifts in relationships? Dreams can act as mirrors to our reality, helping us process these transitions.

  Journaling about your feelings regarding these changes can provide further clarity. Approach your dreams with curiosity, asking yourself what the opening or closing of curtains might represent. Does it symbolize a desire to let new light into your life, or does it signify a wish to guard yourself from unwanted influences?

• Pay Attention to Emotions

  The emotions you experience in your dream can significantly alter the interpretation. If you felt joy as you drew back the curtains, this suggests a positive acceptance of change. Conversely, if anxiety prevailed, it might hint at resistance.

  Feelings often guide us toward understanding our subconscious desires. Take time to sit quietly and meditate on these emotions, allowing them to reveal deeper insecurities, hopes, and intentions. This process can nurture both self-awareness and spiritual growth.

• Explore Cultural Interpretations

  Different cultures view symbols uniquely—understanding these variations can enhance your dream interpretation. In many Eastern traditions, unveiling through curtains signifies enlightenment, while in Western contexts, it may denote privacy or secrets. Educating yourself about these perspectives not only deepens your understanding of your own dreams but can illuminate how various insights harmonize or clash with your personal beliefs.

  Consider how these various interpretations resonate with your experiences, and explore how they might guide your journey toward understanding.

• Consult with a Trusted Friend or Mentor

  Sometimes, discussing your dreams with someone you trust can provide invaluable perspectives. Friends and mentors may see patterns in your life that you overlook. Sharing your insights about the curtains in your dreams can enhance your understanding and also encourage deeper conversations about your aspirations.

  By engaging with others, you honor the communal aspect of exploring dreams, reflecting the wisdom of classical scholars who emphasized the importance of shared knowledge.

FAQs

• What does it mean to dream of open curtains?

  Dreaming of open curtains often signifies a readiness to embrace new experiences or opportunities. It can reflect enlightenment and a sense of being unshielded, indicating that you are prepared to face what lies ahead. This openness may point to personal growth or a new chapter in your life, inviting you to step into a more expansive reality.

• What does it mean to dream of closed curtains?

  A dream featuring closed curtains may symbolize feelings of privacy, secrecy, or a desire to protect oneself from outside influences. It can indicate that something in your life is being withheld or hidden from view, either by you or others. This may also reflect a fear of change, urging you to explore what remains concealed and consider whether it's time to unveil those aspects.

• How can I determine the context of curtains in my dreams?

  Context is crucial for interpreting curtains in your dreams. Reflect on the details surrounding the curtains—what were they made of? Were they old and faded or new and vibrant? Each detail contributes to the overall message your dream conveys. Consider your feelings as you interacted with the curtains; this emotional response can further clarify whether the dream emphasizes acceptance of change or a desire for protection.

• Can curtains in dreams relate to personal relationships?

  Yes, curtains can symbolize the dynamics of personal relationships in your dreams. They may represent emotional barriers, boundaries, or desires for intimacy. If you notice moments where curtains are drawn back or drawn together with someone, it might indicate how you feel about transparency and connection in that relationship. Reflect on what the presence of curtains reveals about your interactions with those close to you.

• Is there a difference in meaning based on the color of the curtains in my dreams?

  Yes, the color of curtains can add a rich layer of meaning to your dream. For instance, white curtains can symbolize purity and new beginnings, while darker colors might suggest hidden challenges or fears. Bright colors may hint at joyful news or excitement about upcoming changes. Take time to meditate on the specific hues in your dream and consider what personal significance they carry.

References

• Ibni Sirin's Dream Interpretation. Islamic Dream Interpretation texts and commentaries.