This came as such a surprise to me that I wanted to share it: Article from The Old House Guy Do you have Portieres in your house? Do you know what Portieres are? If your house is older than 1950 I can bet your house had them. Portieres – otherwise known as an archway drape or curtain, were first used in castles. With the high ceilings and large rooms of Victorian homes, they made their comeback. They then became so popular they were used in all architectural styles from mansions to apartments through the 1940’s. Portieres were great for closing off unheated rooms, keeping out drafts, and keeping heat from a fireplace or stove confined to a room for extra warmth and out of the halls wher…