History
1967
On 1 August, the skilled interior decorator Manfred Diedrichsen founded a small business together with Alfred Scharkowski, with the objective of perfecting the as-then unpretentious curtain rails. Just one month later, the young company submitted its first patent application to the German patent office.
It only took a short period of time for better materials, greatly improved quality of workmanship as well as simplified installation – taking only seconds – to impress interior designers and stores.
1969
The company started to expand. As it was becoming cramped in the garage, the two entrepreneurs rented a former carpentry workshop in Steinhagen. During the day, they took care of production and sales, in the evenings they worked meticulously on their machines, all of which were built from old car parts, sewing and shoemaking machines. But not only did the amount of machinery grow, the first employees were also employed.
1982
For the first time, interstil instructed a design office to develop new models, which would meet the continuing trend of the clear-cut, unpretentious style of living. The designers Sasse and Zagatta created a completely new 25-millimetre brass range as well as a stylish 30-millimetre wooden range.
1984
In Brockhagen, it gradually became too cramped for further expansion, despite having purchased additional land. The offer of a neighbouring industrial company came at the right time and Manfred Diedrichsen relocated the company to Steinhagen, five kilometres away.
Almost single-handedly, the company built a representative half-timbered building for the administration offices with an adjoining 6,000-square-metre manufacturing hall.
1991
For the first time, interstil instructed a design office to develop new models, which would meet the continuing trend of the clear-cut, unpretentious style of living. The designers Sasse and Zagatta created a completely new 25-millimetre brass range as well as a stylish 30-millimetre wooden range.
2000
Designer Frank Greiser was commissioned for the first time to create a series of designs. In the following years, he was significantly involved in the development of the holistic product strategy, covering form and function, which is nowadays so typical for interstil. To this day, his designs place the topic of design uncompromisingly in the foreground. More than 30 international design awards for products from our company can be attributed to the work of Frank Greiser.
2001
interstil developed a revolutionary system with which curtain poles can be adjusted to run 100% straight – the “integral”. The worldwide-patented “integral” was developed on the basis of technology from bridge building, which allowed for a 60% wider span without additional intermediate brackets.
2005
outlook denoted the birth of a collection which uncompromisingly placed the topic of design at the focal point. Designer Frank Greiser designed five spectacular fittings whose straight-line design language was critically acclaimed both nationally and internationally. outlook.1 impressed with its unconventional method for wall mounting with just one bracket in the middle and won four awards in Germany, Japan and the USA. outlook.4 also won three awards.
2008
The F1 flat panel curtain was launched: the system not only impressed due to its purist design – each track was fitted with its own facing, behind which was hidden the panel carrier. A clever, patented lowering mechanism ensured the highest comfort when attaching and removing the curtains. Aesthetically unostentatious weights provide a highlight at the lower end of the curtain. Three important design awards paid tribute to the new system.

2009
interstil established its first sales company abroad. A capable man was found for the Dutch branch in the person of Ed Jansen van Doorn. As with JAB in the USA, fittings for Dutch customers were individually made to measure in Steinhagen, Westphalia.
2010
The sales system was restructured. In order for dealers to benefit more from the strengths of the company, the sales channel through wholesalers and sales partners was discontinued. Henceforth, interstil supplied all dealers directly, calling for huge changes in the assembly and logistics departments. And the grey tube became the interstil hallmark at the dealers.
2013
The ripplefold curtain collection was launched. Once again, the dealers were impressed by the innovative ideas of this system. Rotating gliders prevented jamming and ensured perfect running, end brackets kept the curtain ends straight, the cords were concealed in the track channels and in the end, Frank Greiser’s designs impressed, all along the line. Alongside numerous other design awards, the W2 fitting also won the highest accolade with the German Design Award in gold.
2016
interstil launched the new 2016 collection. Filled with innovation, refined designs and a greater range of versions, it offered even more ways to implement creative ideas. Over almost 700 pages, the catalogue showed innovative hanging systems for every style of furnishings. With well over 200 different models, more than 50 different finishes and numerous diameters and materials, interstil offered the most comprehensive range on the market.
2017
interstil celebrated its 50th anniversary. During a big anniversary party on 2 September, Manfred and Jens Diedrichsen looked back on five decades of company history. They shared their joy of continued company success with 500 guests as well as representatives from the von Bodelschwingh Foundation Bethel. They presented them with a donation in the amount of € 50,000 for the construction of the new children’s hospital.