What are Noren? 20 Things to Know About Japanese Curtains

by Teni Wada & Anna Jamieson | LIFESTYLE

© jpellgen / Creative Commons, Noren at Matsuyama Castle

Entering a Japanese shop or restaurant, you may have noticed the short curtains that hang over the entrance. These are noren curtains, a ubiquitous symbol of Japanese design that permeates cities, villages and homes alike. We will take a look at where noren came from, what they are for, and where you can get some yourself!

1. What are Noren Curtains?

© Amagase / Creative Commons, Noren at Naramachi textile store

To put it simply, noren are fabric dividers hung in doorways, across windows, on walls or between rooms. They take many shapes and sizes and are made using a multitude of different colors, patterns and materials.

2. What are Noren Used For?

Shoji Japanese Noren Curtain, available at Japan Objects Store

In public areas, noren are often used by izakaya (Japanese pubs), sushi counters, ramen restaurants, shops and onsen. They typically display the names of the businesses they represent, so become part of the business’s brand. Interior noren are used in homes as well as public spaces, which compartmentalise spaces and divide rooms into separate areas.

3. Where do Noren Come From?

Five Teahouse Waitresses, Woodblock Print by Chobunsai Eishi, 1793

It is thought that noren originally appeared during the Heian Period (794-1185), where they were used to keep houses cool, or retain heat during colder weather. Gradually, businesses started using them to guard entrances from dust, dirt, bad smells and smoke; a function they still carry out today. In restaurants during the Edo period, customers would wipe their hands on the noren as they left the establishment, so the dirtier the noren, the better!

4. What are the Differences Between Noren and other Curtains?

Noren with Oak Leaf Crest, Late 19th Century, Met Museum

At first glance, noren appear to be curtains as you would encounter in any western home. However, the shoji windows found in traditional Japanese architecture have no need for curtains; they are sliding wooden frames covered by translucent paper. It’s also worth noting that some traditional Japanese windows are circular in shape and serve as a unique way to view nature. You can see therefore, that Japanese curtains did not develop to cover windows, but rather to compartmentalise space and divide rooms into separate areas.

Another important difference between noren and standard window curtains, is that the latter are designed to sit open during the day, generally pulled to one end of a curtain rail. Japanese noren on the other hand generally remain in place at all times, and are pushed aside momentarily to allow entry or exit.

The final significant difference stems from this fact that noren remain ‘closed’ at all times: so to avoid blocking out all the light from a doorway, they tend to be much shorter than curtains, typically coming down to only around shoulder height.

5. What Do the Symbols and Designs on Noren Mean?

In modern day Japan, when you come across a noren curtain over the entranceway to a shop or other business, it will normally state identifiying information about the place. It may refer to the owner's family name or the shop’s speciality, for example, a merchant that sells rice may simply have the Japanese character for rice: 米. Another place you may often come across noren in Japan are at the entrances to public baths, where you will see 男 denoting the men’s bath, and 女 the women’s.

Koi Noren Curtain, available at Japan Objects Store

The noren in Japan Objects Store feature auspicious cultural symbols such as a bottle gourd and mizuhiki cord. We also stock noren featuring the bold, evocative designs of contemporary artist Hideki Kimura.

6. How are Noren Made?

© Akiyoshi Matsuoka / Creative Commons, Noren at Kutsukake Onsen

Traditional noren are hand-woven using natural fabrics like linen and cotton and often dyed with natural dyes like Japanese indigo. These days fabrics like polyester have become more popular as they withstand the elements much better, and hold colorful designs for longer without being bleached by the sun.

Noren may feature intricate designs from the weaving process or stitching techniques which enhance the longevity of the fabric.

7. Do Noren go in Doorways or in Windows?

Calabash Japanese Noren Curtain, available at Japan Objects Store

Noren look great in either doorways or windows.

Be sure to accurately measure the width of the window or door frame before you shop. Noren are generally not bunched up like curtains, so you don’t want to get a noren that is wider than the rail you will use. Similarly, for noren to look at their best, they shouldn’t be much narrower than the available space.

8. What are Some Points to Consider When Buying Noren?

Mizuhiki Japanese Noren Curtain, available at Japan Objects Store

One of the main points to consider when buying noren is location. If you prefer to hang your noren outdoors, it’s best to opt for fade-resistant synthetic fabrics like polyester. On the other hand, if you plan on hanging your noren indoors, the use of natural fabrics add a touch of warmth to your decor. You should also consider the size of the available space, as you want your noren curtain to be either the same width or slightly narrower than the space.

9. Where to Buy Noren?

Pureland Noren Curtain, available at Japan Objects Store

We’ve got you covered! In Japan Objects Store you can browse our designs by renowned artist Hideki Kimura, as well as a selection of noren featuring auspicious Japanese motifs in traditional Japan Blue. Are you looking for something in particular? Let us know and we’ll try to help you find the noren that’s perfect for you!

10. Are the Noren in the Japan Objects Store Made in Japan?

Yes! All the noren featured in Japan Objects Store are made in Japan. We also offer free gift-wrapping using authentic Japanese washi paper.

11. Where Do Hang My Noren – Indoors or Outdoors?

© Clay Banks, Noren at an okonomiyaki restaurant

Noren were primarily used to regulate the temperature inside homes between the late 8th and early 12th century. Eventually, shops and eateries adapted noren to guard the entrance from dust, dirt, smoke, and unpleasant smells. So even if you are trying to use noren in the most traditional ways, you can still decide for yourself whether to use them indoors or out.

A wonderful aspect of noren is that they are easily adaptable to any living space or commercial property. For example, if you work from home in a studio apartment, use noren to create a dedicated section for your office. Likewise, if you are a small business owner, hanging an eye-catching noren outside can be an effective way to draw attention from passersby.

12. How Do I Hang My Noren?

Paean Noren Curtain, available at Japan Objects Store

Unlike curtains, with their complicated moving parts, noren are relatively easy to install. Simply slip the noren through a curtain rail adjusted to the width of your doorway or window. Noren don’t slide open and closed, so once it is hung up, you’re all set!

13. What Size are Japanese Noren?

Noren come in a great variety of sizes, and are often custom made to suit a more unusual size of opening. However there are common lengths of around 33”-34” (83cm-86cm), with widths frequently in the range of 51”-56” (130cm-145cm)

14. What Materials are Used to Make Noren?

These days, noren are often made from durable, fade-resistant synthetic fabrics like polyester, particularly if they are to be used outdoors. However, natural fabrics like linen and cotton remain popular.

15. How Do I Take Care of My Noren?

For best results hand wash, or machine-wash your noren in a laundry net. Do not mix with other colors and do not tumble-dry.

16. Is it Safe to Hang my Noren Outdoors?

If you plan on hanging your noren outside, the best bet is to opt for a noren made from synthetic fabric. A noren made from cotton or linen can also be hung outdoors if placed in a sheltered or covered doorway. Or of course, if you don’t mind the whethered look of a noren basking in the elements, which is one of the features of the traditional noren, then feel free to use whichever fabric you prefer!

17. Can I Use Noren as Regular Window Curtains?

© Takashi Tomooka / Creative Commons, Rope style noren

Absolutely! As noren are designed to fit in doorways and entrance ways, be sure to get the precise measurements of your window before you shop!

18. Can I Use Japanese Noren if I Don’t Live in a Traditional Japanese Home?

Shima Noren Curtain, Japan Objects Store

Yes of course! Noren can be used as room dividers or curtains for doorways wherever you can place a curtain rail. In fact, you don’t even need a curtain rail if you’re intending to use a noren as a decorative wall hanging!

19. What Japanese Home Decor Pieces Go Well with Noren?

Natural Cotton Japanese Futon Mattress, available at Japan Objects Store

If you're looking for some Japanese inspiration for your home, check out our selection of zabuton cushions and futon bedding!

20. What are Some Unique/Creative Ways to Use Noren?

Noren are a fantastic alternative to room dividers and partition screens as they are lightweight and are very easy to install.

Use your noren as a privacy curtain for bunk beds or dividing a shared room/studio apartment. You can also use noren as a partition to create a changing area in a walk-in wardrobe.