They had their heyday during the war to black out doors and windows in order to hide residential areas from German bombers.

But now heavy curtains are popular again to help with another crisis – as people struggle with heating bills.

Stores report a surge in sales of hanging door curtains, often for open-plan homes where front doors lead directly into sitting rooms. 

Demand at John Lewis is up 50 per cent in the past six months, Argos is selling more thermal door curtains, and Dunelm has extended its range.

Rebecca Hunt, a John Lewis buyer, said: 'Door curtains are back in fashion. Some use them to prevent draughts and save on heating bills, while others are drawn to the aesthetics.'

Costing as little as £30 (and requiring a pole), favourites are made of thick, colourful materials, interlined linens, wools, brocade, bold abstract prints and large-scale florals to match room decor.

Interior designer Emily Harrop-Griffiths said: 'There is a big influence of maximalism in interiors now, and adding details like door curtains has become desirable.'

One convert who has put up a door curtain at his Oxfordshire cottage says: 'Previously, it took three hours to make our rooms warm downstairs but now it's just an hour. Door curtains definitely work.'

There is also a comeback, too, for 'cafe curtains' – half-length sheer drapes. They were favoured in the 1950s to keep out dust and protect furniture from direct sunlight. 

Often derided as 'shields' for the nosy who could keep an eye on neighbours without being seen, they are now frequently bought to protect valuables from the peering eyes of burglars.