What Is A Portiere?

A portiere is simply a curtain, or drapery panel, hung across a doorway. The hardware would work on a swing-arm system, allowing it to move freely alongside the movement of the door.

In other instances, portieres can be used to embellish a doorless entryway into a room, as seen in our photo here. This photo showcases a portiere which was made merely for ornamentation, however, portieres are often installed as a single operational panel, meaning that it may be drawn across the entire breadth of the doorway.

A portiere was a common decorating tool in wealthy British households of the 1800's and this look is often used today by designers and homeowners who still love to decorate in a Victorian style.

Traditionally, a portiere would be constructed using a brass rod, accompanied by a heavy fabric such as velvet or brocade. It's purpose was to regulate heat, so the dense weave helped block any drafting, and retained heat from a fireplace, while the elegant appearance appealed to the Victorian Era's love of luxury.

Photo courtesy of Bernard Interiors.