ComScore

The Royal Family-Approved Curtain Trend That’s Making a Comeback

They’re romantic, they’re regal and they’re taking over our Insta feed: Friend, acquaint thyself with portieres (the fancy French term for drapes hung over doorways).

While they look rather lavish (dare we say, extra?), this treatment is, in fact, très practical: Portieres reached peak popularity in wealthy, Victorian-era homes, where they served as a stylish way to block drafts between rooms (and the outdoors) and retain heat from the fireplace.

We love the softness they add to a room and their opulent, granny-chic vibes (after all, the queen herself dabbles in door drapery). The fact that they also lower the heating bill? Well, that has us Googling curtain hardware. Here, a few modern interpretations. 

You'll Never Guess the Old Lady Decorating Trend That's Back In Style


Craft A Grand Entrance

lce-blue portieres with high-cinched tiebacks add major drama and character (and Cinderella vibes) in this dreamy Suellen Gregory-designed passageway. 

Make An Impromptu Wall

Preppy, striped portieres are used to cordon off living from dining room in this stunning, open-concept space designed by Mark D. Sikes

Add Shade And Privacy

In this serene Anna Carin-designed home, filmy linen portieres curtain a wall of exterior doors while simultaneously adding a dramatic visual to the bathroom approach. J'adore. 



grace1

Home Editor

From 2014-2019 Grace Beuley Hunt held the role of Home Editor covering interior design, styling, trends and more.