--- title: "This Old-School DIY Reduces Drafts Inside the House (and It Looks Pretty Cool, Too)" description: "As portiere curtains make a comeback, explore how to incorporate this older feature into your home so you can enjoy the benefits they provide." date: "2026-10-26" modified: "2026-10-26" authors: - name: "Sandi Schwartz" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sandi-schwartz.md" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/interior/portiere-curtain-ideas/" categories: - "DIY" - "Easy DIY Projects" - "Heating" - "Heating & Cooling" - "Interior" - "Interior Design" --- # This Old-School DIY Reduces Drafts Inside the House (and It Looks Pretty Cool, Too) ![A blue curtain mounted between a kitchen and living room to create more divided spaces.]() *Photo: Amazon* Some home design features have been around for generations, such as grandfather clocks, wingback chairs, and wraparound porches. Often found in drafty homes and hung only in doorways, the portiere curtain is another example dating back to the Aesthetic Movement of the late 19th century. It is named for the French word meaning “porter” or “doorkeeper.” Portieres are heavy, functional door curtains designed to block drafts, divide spaces, or close off hallways without requiring permanent walls. The term originally referred to a heavy drapery used for doors leading into private areas, such as bedrooms or other openings in a home, says Swati Goorha, founder and principal designer of [Swati Goorha Designs]() in New Providence, New Jersey. “These draperies were normally made from heavier materials like velvet, woolen, tapestries, etc., with design elements being created by folding and hanging them in various ways.” Portieres can create a sense of enclosure for an area but leave the doorway open, offering both privacy and an attractive look. “I really enjoy using portieres because it adds softness to architecture and does so in a nonpermanent way,” notes Goorha. As portiere curtains make a comeback, explore how to incorporate [this older feature]() into your home so you can enjoy the many benefits they provide. ![Dark green velvet portiere curtain tied back in a living room]() *Photo: Raashi Design* ## How to Make a Portiere Curtain To effectively insulate a room, portiere curtains are crafted from thick, substantial fabrics like rich velvet rather than sheer materials. Hang the portiere on a rod [mounted directly above the door]() so it can be pushed neatly against the wall when not in use. You can also use rings inside the doorframe to ensure smooth opening and closing from both sides. Because both sides remain visible, they are typically hung within the doorway frame so mounting looks the same from both sides. It’s also usually constructed with decorative fabrics on both faces or finished with deep hems to conceal any backing, ensuring a polished look from every angle. ## Why It Adds Privacy This thick doorway curtain is known to provide privacy in a home. The living room, bedrooms, dining room, and hallways would all greatly benefit from portiere curtains, as they add a sense of privacy while softening the edges between rooms, according to Sheeja Nair, owner and principal designer at [Raashi Design]() in San Ramon, California. “The most desirable advantage of using a portiere is that you are able to create private space, such as a home office, a reading nook, or a dining room, but still be able to connect those spaces at any time by simply opening the curtains,” explains Goorha. “The visual separation created by the curtains allows for the spaces to appear to be divided yet still be used together when desired.” One reason Goorha appreciates this type of solution [in older homes]() is because these homes often have larger openings than newer ones. In addition, the need for a swinging door may disrupt traffic flow in smaller homes where doors would otherwise be installed. While a heavy fabric provides some degree of privacy and a feeling of seclusion and enclosure, it will not provide the same level of noise reduction nor security as a solid door, warns Goorha. ## How It Reduces Drafts Back before heating systems existed, portiere curtains were installed to help keep warmth in a room. Even today, they can still [help reduce drafts]() by providing a physical barrier of fabric to limit the flow of air from one room into another or from entering a doorway due to its draughty condition, says Goorha. The heavier the fabric and/or more densely woven, the better the curtain will be at limiting airflow since there is less opportunity for air to move through. “To maximize effectiveness, hang the curtain [above the door opening]() so that sufficient fabric hangs down and covers the door opening without much space between the side edges and the floor edge,” she advises. ![Sage green portiere curtain on a bedroom door]() *Photo: Raashi Design* ## Ways to Incorporate a Portiere Curtain into Today’s Home Portiere curtains add an extra layer of style, privacy, and elegance to any doorway, and their timelessness has led to them making a stylish comeback, says Nair. “I believe they will add warmth and texture to a home while providing a vintage touch.” However, Goorha recommends creating a new interpretation of the element rather than recreating the very ornate Victorian style of doorways. “In its purest form, a portiere feels contemporary when you use clean-line hardware, custom pleated folds, and fabric which complements your space.” To upgrade this look for a modern home, consider the following guidelines: - When it comes to fabric, choose either natural linen and cotton for a relaxed look and feel or velvets for an ultra-lux look and feel, says Nair. - For color, Nair recommends neutral shades like warm beiges, olive greens, terracottas, and deep burgundies that can complement many spaces. Goorha also likes chocolate brown. - To maintain an elegant look, hang the curtains on contemporary curtain rods. - Utilize a printed textile as a decorative accent piece, particularly if your home has an eclectic style, says Goorha. “This will help add some additional personality to your home by introducing color and defining the transition [between two separate areas](). - Add to the look by pairing portiere curtains with wooden furniture and upholstered sofas, as well as vintage pieces and contemporary furniture, says Nair. ## Author Sandi Schwartz is an environmental author and freelance journalist with over 20 years of extensive experience communicating science-based information to diverse audiences in the areas of sustainability, home/garden, green living, nature, and wellness. Sandi began writing for BobVila.com in June 2022. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]() ## More - [Why All Your Neighbors Are Talking About Heat Pumps]() - [Why Your Heat Pump Isn’t Heating—and What You Can Do to Fix It]() - [Solved! Why Is My House So Cold?]() - [Kickspace Heaters 101]() - [How to Fix a Noisy Radiator]() - [How to Clean Air Conditioner Coils]() - [Wood-Burning Fire Ambience Without the Hassle: A Comfortbilt Pellet Stove Review]() - [11 Mistakes You Should Never Make With Your Fireplace]()