CURTAINS MADE PERFECT SENSE

Birgitte Due Madsen creates art and design based on form, tactility, and light. These elements are central to all her works. She works with a classic, universal design language that transcends time and trends, using various materials which have all found their place in the studio, where Birgitte spends most of her waking hours. Initially, curtains weren’t part of her design plan, until a friend suggested them:

“Curtains aren’t usually the first thing you think of, when moving into a new studio,” she admits. “Curtains are something associated with your private residence. But my studio is my second home, so it actually made perfect sense to incorporate them,” says Birgitte Due Madsen.

PRIVACY AND FOCUS

“I use my studio for many purposes—both as a workspace and for meetings. The curtains offer privacy while I work, and they create areas where I can hide unfinished projects until I’m ready to reveal them. Controlling what people see and when, carries a certain exclusivity” she explains.

“Now, the curtains allow me to direct focus. Before, walking into the showroom felt visually overwhelming – too much was happening all at once.”

SOFTNESS AND BETTER ACOUSTICS

Much of Birgitte Due Madsen’s artwork is crafted from gypsum, and her predominantly white aesthetic is beautifully complemented by the white linen curtains. Before the curtains, the space had what she describes as a ‘harsh acoustic.’ Now, they soften both the sound and atmosphere:

“Curtains instantly create a more intimate, welcoming feel. They soften the room, making the furniture and design stand out. They serve as a subtle backdrop, bringing calm and focus to my work. The heavy linen fabric has a casual yet exclusive feel, which I associate with studio life. They don’t draw attention but add tactility and unify the visual impression.”

The homely atmosphere also serves a practical purpose:

“When people visit showrooms, it’s often difficult for them to imagine objects in their own home, but the curtains help create that homely feel, making it easier to envision my work in a private setting.'”

SUPERIOR LIGHT CONTROL

The curtains also provide superior control of the daylight:

“I love being able to control the light! Before, I had to rely on the sun and weather. Now, I can adjust the light myself. I can even leave the studio door open, using the curtain as a portiere to muffle street noise. In winter, the curtains are sure to help insulate against drafts as well,” Birgitte Due Madsen says.

TRACKS MIRROR DESIGN

The slim, burgundy AP 0689 curtain tracks act as a decorative stucco, creating a dynamic contrast against the coarsely woven white linen curtains. These tracks not only serve practical functions—controlling daylight and acoustics—but are also key to the interior’s aesthetic.

“The tracks mirror the angles and curves I use in my artwork. They’re not just functional installations but an extension of the geometry I create,” she says.

“The tracks draw attention to focal points, like the mirror by the portiere and the shape index on the shelves behind the curtains, tying the whole space together visually.”

SCULPTURAL IMPACT THROUGH COLOUR

The specially lacquered curtain tracks, with their shifting tones of deep aubergine and burgundy, were a deliberate choice, Birgitte Due Madsen explains:

“I originally considered gold and peacock tones for the curtains but ultimately chose natural hues. Instead, I prioritised the tracks, making them the focal point. The deep aubergine creates a striking graphic contrast with the white curtains and other surfaces in the rooms. Typically, curtains are only mounted in windows, but in my studio, the curved tracks have become part of the room’s design.’

“People usually focus on the curtain fabric, but here, it’s the tracks that draw attention. They are design pieces in their own right, so I gave them a bold colour to ensure they stood out. Here, the curtain tracks take centre stage.”

I NEVER HEARD A ‘NO’

The collaboration between Stilling and Birgitte Due Madsen led to the use of the slim AP 0689 track, crafted from at least 75% recycled aluminium. Its curved cross-section and flexibility perfectly met Birgitte Due Madsen’s design needs. Reflecting on the process, she was pleasantly surprised by the creative potential of curtain tracks:

“I never heard a ‘no’ throughout the project. I’m familiar with aluminium, but I was amazed at the possibilities Stilling brought to the table. It’s been a pleasure to work sculpturally with something as functional as curtain tracks,” says Birgitte Due Madsen.

CURTAIN TRACKS ELEVATE THE AESTHETIC

The design language central to Birgitte Due Madsen’s work is reflected not only in the tracks but also in the curtains, utilising Stilling’s ‘Perfect Wave’ system. The fabric flows in soft, graceful waves, harmonising with the curves of the tracks to create visual movement. The combination of materials and colours strikes a balanced contrast between the raw and the refined, giving the room both graphic and tactile depth.

In Birgitte Due Madsen’s studio, aesthetics and functionality blend effortlessly. The curtain tracks and curtains don’t just complement the design — they elevate it to an artistic level. Her space exemplifies how even the smallest details can transform a room’s function and overall aesthetics, demonstrating Birgitte Due Madsen’s impeccable artistic sensibility.

ABOUT BIRGITTE DUE MADSEN

Birgitte Due Madsen is a Danish artist and designer based in Copenhagen, specializing in sculpture, furniture, ceramics, and product design. Known for her meticulous craftsmanship, she works directly with materials like plaster, natural stone, concrete, and resin, creating tactile, geometric forms that play with light and shadow. Her signature pieces are characterized by smooth surfaces and a classic, minimalist aesthetic. In addition to creating handcrafted, limited editions made to order, she collaborates with manufacturers to produce high-quality industrial designs. Light is a central theme in her work, reflecting her deep connection to its importance during the long Scandinavian winters.