Heavy drapes were once used between rooms to keep the heat in. Back when wood stoves or fireplaces were a main source of heating a house, it was prudent not to let the heat escape. I remember seeing them when I was a child.
A few years ago, a friend lived in my home for 9 months while she rehabilitated from a broken hip and other medical problems. She was not able to climb steps, so I turned my formal dining room into a bedroom for her. My DR has an open entry from the kitchen and the living room. I hung drapes to give her privacy.
They really didn't look bad at all. When she moved back home, I took the drapes down.
It is not a look I want in my home, but it doesn't bother me if others do. I think this look is best in older homes where it was probably done many years ago.