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Thursday, January 16, 2014

A Cozy Winter Home with a Portiere

I hope you're staying warm in your part of the world.  Here in Tennessee, we are having a few very chilly days along with our usual temps in the 50's.



One way I've found that helps keep our house warm on these chilly days is to hang a curtain in the doorway that leads to colder areas or, as in our house, to an area that is open to the second floor.  Hanging curtains in doorways is nothing new.  It's actually a very old idea and is called a portiere.



The use of a portiere has been around for many, many years.  Some sources even say it dates back as far as the 4th century.  During the Victorian era, it was a sign of wealth and was used as an ornamental decoration as well as to prevent drafts.



And, who can ever forget the famous green portiere used in Gone with the Wind, the one Scarlett O'Hara used to make herself a new dress.  I love how she used the tiebacks for a belt, lol!



Well, my portiere is not made from green velvet.  It's made from a 6'x9' drop cloth which matches the other curtains in our family room.  Having seen this past month's electric meter reading and expecting a $500 electric bill, I can definitely say I wish I had done this sooner!



Stay warm and God bless!

Angie
I'm linking here:





House on the Way

Savvy Southern Style


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11 comments:

  1. Alison AgnewJanuary 17, 2014 at 9:13 AM

    your portiere looks lovely
    and i had no idea
    that's what they were called

    we use them in different rooms
    in the winter to keep cozy

    would love for you to share
    at Fridays Unfolded this week!

    Alison
    Nancherrow (formerly Stuff and Nonsense)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Angie ForteJanuary 17, 2014 at 12:18 PM

      Thanks Alison! I've shared the post with Fridays Unfolded!
      God bless!

      Delete
  2. UnknownJanuary 18, 2014 at 1:13 AM

    Great idea for these cold winter days! I love practical and pretty decor! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonJanuary 22, 2014 at 12:15 AM

    I didn't realize that was what they were called. Not only do they serve a great purpose, but looks so very pretty too! I love drop cloth. It's down home linen to me. lol! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  4. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonJanuary 22, 2014 at 12:37 PM

    Hi Angie, just hopping back to let you know that I will be featuring you at SYC later today.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Angie ForteJanuary 22, 2014 at 12:53 PM

      Wow! Thanks Jann, I really appreciate the feature!
      God bless!
      Angie

      Delete
  5. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowJanuary 23, 2014 at 4:49 AM

    Smart idea and quite attractive too!

    My gas bill is far higher this month that last year ( Western Pa here ) and I can only imagine how much worse the next one will be

    ReplyDelete
  6. Parisienne FarmgirlJanuary 7, 2015 at 8:09 PM

    Dugh --- I guess I should have known the NAME! I have these in a couple different places around the house... and Scarlett is my favorite. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownJanuary 8, 2015 at 11:31 AM

    Angie, that is a great idea. I have drapes on windows but I'm sure you're right that hanging that drape keeps in the warmth and the chill out. Bravo and loved the vintage pics too. xo Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownFebruary 19, 2015 at 8:04 PM

    This is such a stylish and practical idea! Love your pretty home and vintage style :)

    ReplyDelete

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