Why Antique Portieres Belong in Old Houses—With Original Pictures

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Interior design trends come and go, but one vintage look making a comeback is portieres. These long, heavy drapes were popular in the Victorian era and were more about functional warmth than design. Today, portieres are being rediscovered as a stylish way to make a drafty space feel more cozy. Here are some original portiere designs and ways to incorporate them into your home.

What Are Portieres?

The word “portiere” originates from the French word portière, meaning “door curtain,” derived from porte, the French word for “door.” Portieres were very popular in the late 19th and early 20th century and were primarily used to preserve heat in a room. They were usually made of heavy fabrics such as velvet or brocade and were sometimes adorned with tassels or fringe.

These doorway drapes were commonly used in larger Victorian homes and castles, mostly in bedrooms to separate the sleeping area from the dressing area and in the drawing rooms to separate the formal area from the informal area. These drapes were often custom-made to match the room’s decor.

How to Use and Style Portieres

One reason for the resurgence of portieres is the current trend towards antique and retro decor. As more and more people are looking to add a sense of history and character to their homes, portieres are becoming an attractive option. They can be used to add privacy and warmth to a room, as well as to create a sense of separation between different areas of a home. This can be especially useful in undesirable open-plan living spaces.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of this trend:

• Incorporate portieres in large, open doorways.
• Hang portieres on exterior walls or windows, either alone or in a pair, to create a focal point.
• Use heavy fabrics such as velvet or brocade for a vintage or retro look. Opt for lighter fabrics such as linen or cotton for a more modern look.
• Add color and pattern to a room by choosing a bold fabric for the portieres.
• Choose a fabric with a unique texture, such as a boucle or a chenille.
• Match portieres with your window curtains for a cohesive look.