DH thinks portieres look tacky. I disagree. I love this look. What does the majority of the area think?

[Anonymous]

Only if there is an extreme amount of light coming through.

In many areas of the world homes are built facing south to let more light in throughout the day. Obviously there are times when it can be too much like in the late afternoon. That’s where this comes in.

Or perhaps if there is a lot foot traffic in front of door and privacy is needed.

[Anonymous]

Not a fan of this look.

[Anonymous]

Not a fan

[Anonymous]

Only if the house faces directly west or east does this make sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seems like a good idea if you have an older drafty house.

I mean, that’s what it’s for. You see them in homes in Europe (think: the English countryside).

To a DP who said it would be a hassle to open and close curtains to access the door: you typically close them at night once everyone is inside. I’ve never seen them closed during the daytime unless it’s a cold, dreary day and the goal is warmth.

I don’t hate the look, but I skew traditional. I think the velvet curtains are a bridge too far and give theater vibes. I would only go this route after consulting a professional and finding fabric that has a sufficient weight and is either machine washable (doubtful) or can be dry cleaned or easily vacuumed. Plus: I would want high quality hardware for the rod. More directly: I wouldn’t just order something from Amazon or some such; that will cheapen a look that is meant to be high end.

I suspect your husband would get on board if it looks beautiful…unless he is like my DH who simply hates antiques and traditional decor (he thinks everything is clutter unless a room is stripped down to a bare bones RH look…yuck).

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I think it definitely looks granny-like (this house would also have a furry toilet seat cover, in my mind). I also really really dislike those shirred curtains from a previous poster. Plantain shutters are probably what I'd use if you need privacy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have them (similar to the third pic home/style, with two sidelights as well). They’re our only drapes/curtains in the home.

They help delineate the entrance and dampen echoes in a two-story front foyer. In velvet fabric, they look beautiful at night.

I’ve used shirred sheers before (example below), but our entrance is exposed to a lot of street and foot traffic, so I wanted something more substantial. We placed a shade on the door, as well, so they don’t need to be opened/closed as often.

This is similar to what i did when we had just side lights -- it didn't look so frilly when it was just side lights and I think I had a less shirring so didn't look quite so frilly. It blocked the view well, but still let in the light. But I think it does look fussy if it's a whole door you are blocking.
Another option is the solar shades that let in light but filter out the UV and block the view into the house. I have those on our big kitchen bay window and love them -- and I also had them in our old house that had one of those giant two story foyers (hate that) with an enormous window that let in too much light/heat. It was the perfect solution for that. They dont' collect dust the way the curtains do. But I think that's probably not OP's look, if she likes the big drapey curtains. The plantation shutters seem to me counter-productive, as they eliminate all the light coming in through the windows.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Who cares what the internet thinks? Your husband hates it. I would not put something in my house that would irritate my husband every day.

+1000!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with your husband.

+1. The purpose behind the drapes was to cut down drafts from the front door. Today we have better insulation and don’t need portieres. It’s a dust magnet.

[Anonymous]

I don’t like that look for a front door. Team DH!

[Anonymous]

My husband would agree. He hates curtains and prefer blinds with slats. I'm not huge on curtains, either. Especially in the living room because they darken it.

[Anonymous]

Curtains get dusty. No, thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can't say I've ever seen this in real life in anyone's home.

It's a little fussy/granny to me, personally.

I have. My grandparents’ home had this. They were born in 1906 and their house was built in 1896.

I agree with OP’s DH.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I never would have bought a house where HOA required a glass door panel people could see through and break and step through.

They can break and step through any window of your house. It’s not any less secure—most homes have sliding or french doors to deck or patio. Think nobody can break those?

[Anonymous]