door curtains
From The Archive: Tapestry Portières
Tapestry portières of 1915, from the Trorlicht–Duncker Carpet Company
Portieres, or Door Curtains, for Houses 1900–1940
Practically, this drapery hung in doorways to stop drafts (and dampens sound) between rooms—but portieres also offer a romantic, inviting transition by softening doorways. Most were frequently made from tapestry to match the wall hangings and give some decorative cohesion to the room, 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.