If you are a Japanese culture enthusiastic, you definitely once heard about Japanese noren door curtain.
It is the big rectangular pieces of cloth hanging in front of a lot of houses.
Many have bright colors, while others do not.
Others simply have shapes, and others have Japanese characters or words written on them.
In this article, we will explain more to you about this special Japanese traditional feature.
Moreover, if you want to buy a noren for your home or shop, we also provided a recommended list with high-quality products. Let’s take a look!
The Top-Rated Japanese Noren Door Curtain (Recommendation)
#1. LIGICKY JAPANESE NOREN DOORWAY CURTAIN ANCIENT CHARACTER– TOP PICK
#2. FLBER NOREN KITCHEN CURTAIN INDIGO TAPESTRY – WORTH THE PRICE
#3. NARUMI SEVEN BECKONING MANEKI NEKO – UNIQUE DESIGN
#4. NARUMI VERTICAL STRIPE COTTON – BEST SELLER LONG CURTAIN
#5. KRELYMICS BLUE GINKGO PATTERN DOORWAY CURTAIN – PERFECT LENGTH FOR ROOM DIVIDERS
#6. BAIHT HOME COTTON LINEN HOKUSAI UKIYOE
#7. OFAT HOME APRICOT BLOSSOM BIRD DOOR CURTAINS
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What Is Japanese Noren Door Curtain?
You may have seen the short curtains that hang over the entrance when entering a Japanese store or restaurant. They are noren curtains.
This is a ubiquitous icon of Japanese architecture that you can see everywhere in towns, villages, and houses.
People usually fold them over the top of the bamboo pole on which they hang depending on the time of day.
Japanese noren door curtain are cloth dividers that can be used to separate rooms by hanging them in doorways, over windows, on walls, and sometimes across rooms.
People say that this kind of curtain made its first appearance during the Heian Period (794 – 1185).
Back then, the Japanese used them to keep houses cool in hot weather and maintain heat in cold weather.
They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as shown below on our lists.
They are made of a variety of colors, designs, and materials.
Companies and stores gradually began to use them to protect entrances from dust, soil, foul odors, and smoke, a role they still perform today.
In the Edo period, customers would rub their hands on the noren when they left a restaurant.
Thus, the dirtier the noren, the more popular the restaurant was.
They usually feature the names of the businesses they serve, making them a part of the company’s identity.
Interior noren, which compartmentalize spaces and partition rooms into different areas, are used in both private and public spaces.
A popular type of noren (Source: karuilu)
How Many Types Of Noren Are There?
1. Han Noren:
Han Noren has an average length of 57 to 60 cm.
This length is mainly used to cover the sunshine.
However, customers still can see the interior inside.
This is the most popular one, you can easily see it everywhere, in many onsens, shops, restaurants, etc. in Japan.
2. Nara Noren:
In contrast to Han Noren, Nara Noren’s length is longer, about 160 cm.
People hang Nara Noren to both protect themselves from the sun and dust, also restrict outsiders from looking inside.
3. Mizuhiki Noren:
This type of curtain usually has a short length, about 40 cm. It is only mainly used to decorate the entrances, windows, or walls.
It often has a logo to advertise or small lucky charms of Japan.
4. Hiyoke Noren:
This type has the biggest size, often be hung outside stores to show their business logo or many promotions at that time.
Having An Interior Noren In Your House
Firstly, the presence of a noren affects the atmosphere of the room.
The kitchen seems to be a cluttered place, but by hanging a linen curtain at the kitchen entry, the clutter is hidden and space appears cleaner.
By partly covering an area that is a little messy, such as the bathroom, you will give the appearance that the space is clean.
Secondly, another benefit is that by not having a door to divide the spaces, the linking rooms look larger.
You can still use the noren to give your house a vintage feel or make it become a little fancier.
A noren is simple and easy to make, so you can try on your own.
However, make sure its color complements the overall theme and vibes of your house.
How To Hang Up Noren Panels?
It is important to understand what you are getting yourself into before you start hanging your curtains.
Curtain installation is not tough, although it does take some planning ahead of time.
The below are the simple assembly procedures:
- Have a mark on where you will install the brackets
- Drill holes
- Screw-in brackets
- Fix the curtain to the rod
- Install the rod in the brackets
On the other sides, instead of rods, you can simply hang the norens with wall clips or a wire. But a rod makes it more aesthetic, believe me!
Best Taiyaki Japanese Noren Door Curtain Shortlist (Updated List)
*Please notice that the reviews and ratings of the following products were recorded on the writing date by the editor. Ratings can be changed over time.
Choose Your Best Japanese Noren Door Curtain
#1. LIGICKY JAPANESE NOREN DOORWAY CURTAIN ANCIENT CHARACTER– TOP PICK
Key features:
- Dimensions: 33 x 59 inches
- 9 different designs
- Material: Polyester and polyester blend
- Perfect size for most doors
- Do not come with a tension rod
Ligicky Japanese Noren is definitely the first one that flickered on our minds when talking about choosing a good noren.
If you are looking for high quality at an affordable price Japanese door curtain noren, choose this product.
Its size 33.5 x 59 inches is the perfect size for most doors.
You can hang these cloth panels between rooms, on walls, in doorways, or in windows to divide rooms for privacy or as a means of protection from sun, wind, and dust, and for advertising space.
Although it is made from polyester fabric, its quality is still ensured by Ligicky.
The design is printed on just one side, but you can still easily see it from the back.
The seller provides 5 different patterns, but the ones with simple and traditional drawings are the most selling ones.
Above all, it is the cheapest product on this list.
Pros:
- Light weight and thin fabric
- Nice simple décor thing to separate rooms
Cons:
- Some users said it has cheap printing quality
- Design is only printed on one side
- Need to cut the middle
- Slightly crooked cutline
- Kind of short for US doorways
#2. FLBER NOREN KITCHEN CURTAIN INDIGO TAPESTRY – WORTH THE PRICE
Key features:
- Dimensions: 80 x 32 inches
- Material: Linen cloth with good drapability
- Unique carp printed, indigo dye printed handmade
If you prefer long noren curtains, this must be the one for you.
Its length is 80 inches, which can cover almost all the doorway, giving you the level of privacy you need.
The fish pattern is printed on both two sides.
For the first time, natural indigo may appear to be a little bit color-faded.
To remove excess ink, Flber recommends you to hand wash the cloth before using it.
You can wash it in cold water with a soft laundry cleaner and laying it flat to dry.
Nevertheless, this curtain does not have loops to insert a rob.
This issue is kind of disgusting, especially with its expensive price.
You can separate this into 2 different panels for 2 sides of your door if you want.
Pros:
- Linen cloth and handmade dyed printing gives your room a traditional and vintage vibe
Cons:
- Natural indigo may shed color atthe beginning
- Quite pricey
- No loop on either end in which to insert the rob
#3. NARUMI SEVEN BECKONING MANEKI NEKO – UNIQUE DESIGN
Key features:
- 4 pieces
- Dimensions: 85 x 30 cm
- Material: 100% cotton
- Made in Japan
- Color: Navy blue, yellow
Narumi Seven Beckoning Maneki Neko is an imported product from Japan.
It is split into 4 small panels and is one of the cheapest norens.
Because of its short length, it is more of a decoration piece than a true room divider, but it will appeal to those who want to add a traditional Japanese touch to their home.
It is made of 100% cotton and comes in two different colors: navy blue and yellow.
It features the iconic Asian Menekineko, which means lucky charm cat.
Pros:
- Cute and unique design
- Affordable price
- Directly imported from Japan
Cons:
- Too short for a door curtain
- One side printed
- Rod holes are too small
#4. NARUMI VERTICAL STRIPE COTTON – BEST SELLER LONG CURTAIN
Key features:
- Color: Bordeaux red, dark brown, dark green, navy blue
- Dimensions: 33.5 x 67 inches
- Made in India
- Material: 100% cotton
Narumi Vertical Stripe Cotton is the best option for people who seek minimal-designed norens.
Its size 33.5 x 66.9 inches is perfectly long enough to hang on the doorway, especially in high traffic areas.
Some users do not really like its light weight.
However, personally, we do not see this as a very serious problem.
It is light enough for air to pass through but still thick enough to give privacy.
Because it is split, noren is perfect for people to coming and going through with no fussing with moving the curtain aside.
On the other side, one customer complained that the included rod rings are too small to accommodate the rod that was shown as “often purchased with” on Amazon.
She also suggested that if you can not find a thinner rod, you can try using the shower curtain ring or metal ring clasps.
Pros:
- Simple but attractive pattern
- Good length
- Perfectly fit for Western doorways
Cons:
- Too light weight
- The rings for tension rods are too small
#5. KRELYMICS BLUE GINKGO PATTERN DOORWAY CURTAIN – PERFECT LENGTH FOR ROOM DIVIDERS
Key features:
- Dimensions: 33.5 x 47.2 inches
- Material: 100% cotton linen
- Color: Ginkgo
- Eco friendly HD printed
It is no surprise that a lot of customers gave this product high ratings because of the abundance of simple but full of Japanese feeling patterns.
Many people like the curtain’s durability as well as its consistency.
This curtain is simple to maneuver and has a lot of ‘drapability’ thanks to the handcrafted, light weight linen fabric.
Moreover, Krelymics says that all their products have been eco friendly HD printed.
Therefore, it is a bonus for people who care about the environment.
Moreover, it is less likely to fade.
Use this as a space divider, accent to a blank wall, or even as window coverings, these Japanese noren door curtain have a number of possibilities.
Krelymics produces a lot of different noren curtains that vary from the finest quality cotton, silk, to polyester cloth.
All are meticulously designed by hand and given charming designs to adorn these exquisite curtains.
You will always find your suitable one with its many exclusive designs.
Pros:
- Eco friendly printed
- Good size suitable for many doorways.
- Unique designs
Cons:
- Not found yet
#6. BAIHT HOME COTTON LINEN HOKUSAI UKIYOE
Key features:
- Dimensions: 33.5 x 47.2 inches
- 5 different patterns
- Material: cotton linen
- Safe activity printing and dyeing, no formaldehyde, no fading
- Precision cutting, double layer lock edge
When you purchase a Baiht Home product, you will get a free tension rob included.
This is a competitive advantage in comparison to other ones on this list.
Moreover, it made from heavy weight cotton line, giving you a luxury sense with the exclusive pattern printed on one side.
With vibrant colors and clear images, these curtains will add a great perspective and completely change the look of your room.
Besides, they are environmentally friendly with no dye substance that will not harm your family’s health.
You can choose 5 different exquisite patterns, which are all printed clean and clear.
Pros:
- Expensive but worth the price
- Include free tension rod
Cons:
- Heavier than the other fabrics
#7. OFAT HOME APRICOT BLOSSOM BIRD DOOR CURTAINS
Key features:
- Dimensions: 33.5 x 60 inches
- Material: Odorless reusable polyester with good drapability
OFAT Home is famous for its quality curtains.
Although using reusable polyester material, but all of their products have good drapability and never fade printing quality.
Some sensitive customers said that they smelled a little bit of chemical odor from this curtain.
Nonetheless, it is not a very big problem for us because it will fade soon.
The length of this product is also perfect for door hanging.
It will split into two parts for entering, which means bringing good luck in Japanese tradition.
One big advantage that OFA has a customized service of any size or your favorite picture, all you have to do is email them with the details you want.
Pros:
- Well constructed hanging door curtain with strong seams and heavy natural fabrics
- Thick enough to block the most light
- No overprint or color running
- 12 different designs
Cons:
- Have a little bit of chemical smell from the ink and fabric processing
- The print feels synthetic rather than linen or cotton
How To Make Your Own Japanese Noren Door Curtain?
It is totally possible for you to make your own noren at home. This decor stuff is very easy and will save you some budget. It is fun as well!
1. You will need:
- Fabric (Any kind of fabric you like. But we suggest you choose the thick, woven cloth both to block light and look good from the inside).
- Rod
- Buttons, ribbons, or anything you want to décor
2. Step-by-step guide:
Step 1:
Take measurements of the width and height of your doorway.
Add 9 cm to the top, 4 cm to the bottom, and 1 cm to the two side edges for seam allowance while dividing the width in half.
Cut each piece into two parts.
Step 2:
Stitch the top 19 cm (9 cm for curtain rod loop and 10 cm for closed part of noren) of the curtain with right sides facing to make the center flap.
The 1 cm seams should be pressed apart.
Step 3:
To cover the raw side, fold and press the seam twice at 5 mm intervals.
If your cloth is very thick, you may have to use a basting stitch to keep the seam together.
Step 4:
Seams should be stitched and basting stitches should be removed.
Repeat
Step 5:
Repeat step 4 with the other hand edges.
Fold and press the top edge to the 9 cm mark.
Make sure your curtain rod is the right size.
Then get a stitch.
Step 6:
Finish by hemming the bottom of the curtain.
You can add buttons and embroidery to décor your noren, or you can leave it simple.
Watch this simple tutorial on how to make your own easy Japanese curtain:
Japanese Noren Door Curtain: Short Buying Guide
Since this is a very basic home appliance, you only need to consider simple factors before buying.
1. Durability:
A lot of noren products are very durable without being too heavy.
Moreover, materials and printed methods affect durability as well.
Before buying any curtain, do read reviews to make sure you are getting the right one you need, not a cheap knock-off.
If you just want a simple cloth to cover your doorway, just go with the industrial polyester ones.
However, if you are a Japanese enthusiastic, a high-quality linen cloth with a traditional dying process is the most suitable one.
Of course, handcrafted products require special washing and cleaning care.
2. Quality:
This seems like an obvious consideration, but a lot of people still do not know how to choose a high-quality curtain.
We understand that purchasing items online can be difficult, but we hope that this article has assisted in identifying a few companies that have earned loyal customers by offering high-quality products.
They have already shown a strong track record of doing just what they are selling.
That is, the images show the exact product that will be delivered to your house.
Personally, we prefer the made in Japan noren since Japan is its origin, so they may behave experience in producing high-quality ones than the others.
3. Measurements:
If your measurements are wrong, the curtains you buy will be useless.
It may be not suited properly, it will be too short or too long, with too much or too little fullness.
At all, the final result would be underwhelming.
Since each window or doorway takes a certain length and width, we recommend you to measure it all before buying your noren.
In living rooms and bedrooms, long, sweeping window noren panels look amazing.
These, though, are ineffective in kitchens.
Short curtains are better options for the kitchen or doorway, where people usually go in and out.
4. Type of fabric:
There are so many options, how can you be confident that you will find the right curtain fabric for your room?
Obviously, different fabrics are appropriate for various spaces.
Polyester ones, for example, are suitable for bedrooms but not for kitchens because the material is flammable and retains odors.
On the contrary, fabrics like linen nor ensure ideal for use in kitchens.
Japanese Noren Door Curtain: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Do The Japanese Cover Their Doorways With Short Curtains?
Shops and restaurants in Japanese have been used exterior noren to cover their doorways from the sun, wind, and dust, as well as to show their name or logo.
Mon emblems, Japanese rebus monograms, or abstract designs are frequently used as names, especially Kanji.
2. How Do We Call The Japanese Wedding Noren?
It is called Hanayome Noren, and it is a Japanese bridal tradition that dates back to the end of the Edo and Meiji eras (19th century).
Passing via the Hanayome curtain, which is hung at the Buddha’s entrance to the marriage house, signifies welcoming the ancestors.
The Hanayome Noren expresses a parent’s warm feelings for their marrying daughter.
3. How Do We Call Noren At Japanese Onsens?
If you have ever been to the Japanese style hot spring (Japanese onsens), you can see this kind.
People call it Yu-noren, with the word ‘Yu’ means hot spring in Japanese.
Traditional onsens use it to separates women’s and men’s bathing places.
Normally, they use a red or orange noren for women’s baths and a navy blue one for men’s baths.
4. What Are The Differences Between Drapes And Curtains?
They are all fabric panels that are usually sold in pairs.
However, drapes are lined, often with cloth thick enough to filter out the outside light.
Therefore, drapes are ideal for use in the bedroom.
5. Can I Use A Tension Road To Hang My Curtains?
You should lengthen the rod to fit between the two walls as closely as possible.
To save the walls from scratching, most rods have rubber tips on both ends.
They are similar to shower curtain rods and operate on the same principle.
You should hang your norens after you have installed your tension road.
Conclusion
If you do not have time to make yourself a noren, just go buy it. Still do not know what is the best?
Let us summarize for you. LIGICKY JAPANESE NOREN DOORWAY CURTAIN ANCIENT CHARACTER is the perfect one so far, thanks to the high quality it delivers, together with the affordable price.
Are you a minimalist?
Do not hesitate to give NARUMI VERTICAL STRIPE COTTON a try.
It is simple, long, and lightweight, which is perfect to give you enough privacy you need.
Japanese noren door curtain is a good home decor stuff and widely used nowadays. We believe that with our suggestions, you can find your most suitable ones.
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