Dublin’s Georgian Doors Accessorized?

July 26, 2012

I came across something odd today on my walk from the office into the city centre.

I saw a whole handful of the iconic Dublin doors covered with these stripey cloths. Like a pretty summer outfit for the doors? Are we protecting the doors form fading in the (not very prevalent) sunshine? Are we accessorizing?

I’m baffled but find the stripey cheerfulness totally charming.

Can anyone explain?

10 Comments

10 Comments

  • Reply Danny Faloon July 26, 2012 at 9:46 pm

    Don’t know but also curious to find out. I must say, up and down appears much more pleasing than side to side.

    • Reply emily July 27, 2012 at 7:03 am

      Much more slimming, no? 😉

  • Reply Sally-Anne Bennett July 26, 2012 at 10:54 pm

    Yes they are used to protect the paint work from the sunshine!all be it random sunshine! Possibly the door being so big and old would warp and stick if it gets too hot.

    • Reply Gerard August 11, 2022 at 7:33 pm

      Hi Emily,are you still in business,as I looking to buy a sun protector for my hall door.tks.

  • Reply Mark Gorman July 27, 2012 at 10:27 am

    These are a remainder of days when bright lead based paints had little UV protection and even nominal amounts of sunlight would fade the color. In some towns you may still be able to find special blinds that clothing merchants pull down to protect the “outfits” deployed in the window from fading. Although almost a thing of the past with modern UV proof glass it spring a nostalgic trip in me when I see them.

    • Reply emily July 29, 2012 at 7:26 pm

      Interesting!!

      • Reply Carmel Halpin March 7, 2024 at 9:19 am

        They are beautiful I would like one for my door , Does anyone know where I can get one
        Many thanks

  • Reply Emily March 18, 2015 at 11:27 am

    I would like to know if this door protector is custom made by a curtain maker or if it hand crafted by the house owner. What kind of fabric is it? Any idea how to find out more about this accessory?

  • Reply Aoife April 8, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    Hi Emily

    I have been on the hunt for one for my Victorian front door and found this article – http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/best-dressed-door-1.638133

    Seems they can still be custom made and were originally used to protect the paint from bubbling and fading in the sun ?

  • Reply Philip May 13, 2019 at 3:15 pm

    I grew up in Dublin and I remember my grandparents house in Booterstown having one of these. Every house had one and they all fit perfectly. Seems like they came with the house.
    I mentionthem to my clients and San Francisco who are having front door problems.

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