The Unusual Place To Add Curtains For Privacy And Style

Front doors and other entryways into your home often present a unique challenge when it comes to privacy. As they frequently feature windows, side panels, transoms, and other transparent surfaces in unique shapes, it can be difficult to know how to cover the glass. While more modern means of covering doorways like smaller curtains, blinds, shades, and window films are still popular, the gracefulness of a full floor to ceiling set of curtains has a much more dramatic look.

This European-inspired trend of adding full sets of curtains over doorways is gaining popularity, with many homeowners and designers using doorways as a chance to add beautiful curtains and textiles that fulfill a number of functions, including creating privacy and preventing drafts. This door curtain hack also frames a doorway nicely and makes it a feature of a room. While curtains may not be right for all homes, they especially work in cottagecore, glam, farmhouse, and boho spaces that can benefit from some added texture and softness. They may also be a more budget friendly alternative to custom coverings intended for the window openings in doors.

While it may seem like an unusual way to decorate with curtains, one of the chief benefits of using curtains on a rod over your door is privacy, especially for glass doors or doors with a transparent surround that you do not want to add short cafe curtains or shades to individually. You can pull them closed in the evening while still allowing the sunlight to filter through during the day, a great tactic for brightening up a small entryway. Curtains can also help prevent cold drafts if they are thick enough and can retain hot or cool air for doors that are used frequently.

Visually, curtains can soften a doorway with hard lines and frame out the door as a focal point when drawn open. They can also hide an ugly builder grade door if necessary. If your home lacks a dedicated entryway or foyer, curtains can help define the space around the door more intentionally. By adding a curtain rod at ceiling height, you can also make a small, low-ceilinged space look taller and larger.

Use the curtains over a door as an opportunity to introduce pattern and interest into a boring foyer or entryway. You can leave them loose or tie them back to one of two sides using pretty tie backs or hooks. Textured curtains that add another layer to your décor are also a great option, including materials like linen, velvet, or corduroy. Add a curtain rod right above a single or double set of doors or, to lengthen a shorter door, hang the curtains at ceiling level and allow them to drape to the floor. Add a single panel that you can pull to one side or two panels that open to flank the door on either side. Ensure the curtain rod is long enough so the curtains aren't in the way of opening and closing the door when pushed to the sides.

While solid curtains can work best for creating privacy and blocking drafts, if these things are less of a concern, try some sheer or transparent curtains to get a softened, flowy look without all the weight. Great options include sheer lace panels or a macrame curtain to cover the door. You could also create a beautiful layered configuration using vintage crocheted panels, doilies, and other textiles for an eclectic curtain look.