MAKE A HOUSE A HOME
A curtain to dress a door
AS PRETTY AS IT IS PRACTICAL, A DOOR CURTAIN CAN DO MORE THAN BLOCK OUT DRAUGHTS. IT’S AN IDEAL OPTION FOR HOMES WHERE THE FRONT DOOR OPENS INTO THE LIVING SPACE, ALLOWING YOU TO CONCEAL THE ENTRANCE FOR A COSY FEEL. WITH SO MANY FABRICS AND STYLES TO CHOOSE FROM, A DOOR CURTAIN IS ALSO A QUICK WAY TO INTRODUCE CHARACTER AND CAN BE UPDATED WITH THE SEASONS.
what’s THE story? Our ancestors hung up animal hides to create privacy and keep out the cold. The evolution of plush textiles, such as velvet and linen, made for more sophisticated designs, particularly favoured in wealthier households. By the Victorian era, an effective
portière mechanism had been introduced, allowing the curtain to rise and fall as the door opened and closed. Nowadays, thanks to central heating, the curtains have lost some of their functional appeal, but they are still just as cosy, making them a favourite in country homes.
which style To choose? Consider fabric pattern, colour and headings to suit your scheme. Eyelets and tab tops offer a contemporary feel, while a cottage pleat or tie tops work well for classic country style. A simple pole above the door will allow you to swap curtains depending on the time of year; warm, lined wool is perfect for winter, while a lightweight voile lets light through in summer.
style IT Up Once you’ve made your fabric choice, it’s all about the detail. If you’ve chosen a plain design, why not add character with a striking holdback or fancy finials? Busy patterns speak best for themselves so keep decorative touches to a minimum.
When choosing a patterned fabric, make sure it looks just as good when the curtain is pulled back.