Portieres, or Door Curtains, for Houses 1900–1940

I’ve always been partial to portieres. Derived from the French word porte (door), portieres were popular not only during the Victorian era, but also in the early 20th century. Practically, this drapery hung in doorways stops drafts (and dampens sound) between rooms—but portieres also offer a romantic, inviting transition by softening doorways. Most were made of fabric, but portieres might also be made of strung beads, tassels and decorative cording, even seashells (for your beach bungalow). They remain an appropriate accent for the Arts & Crafts home today.

Homeowners (that is, the housewives) of this period were encouraged to make their own portieres, with instructions given in books and periodicals. Recommended materials were simpler than those favored by the Victorians, ranging from straightforward velvets (usually in “earthen” colors such as grey blue, old rose, or “dead-leaf” brown) to heavy linens, often ornamented with hand-applied stencils or embroidery of natural motifs— ginkgo leaves, poppies, perhaps nasturtiums—in bands along the edges or across the top. Embellishments were elementary: simple bullion fringe, a self-welt or cord. The elaborate fringes and tassels of the Victorian period were already in a trunk up in the attic.

Arts & Crafts drapery hardware was simple and functional; period-appropriate fittings can still be found. Dianne Ayres offers plain brass rods in 3/8-inch or ¾-inch diameters, which can be mounted either inside or outside of the door opening, along with brass rings and brackets: For straight or fluted wooden rods, try Antique Drapery Rod: antiquedraperyrod.com Gaby’s Shoppe has an extensive selection of brackets and tiebacks: gabys.com

Custom Portieres