What Sets Curtains and Drapes Apart? Understanding the Difference

 Drapery Curtains are considered a luxury window treatment and are available in a wide range of materials, colors, patterns and textures. They can be hung alone or in pairs as part of an overall window solution. They are often hung from a rod via hooks, rings or grommets, and may be pleated, gathered or flat (as in the case of sheer curtains) and might have a bottom hem that is lined with something called lead drapery weight to keep them from flaring out or blowing in the wind. They might also have a valance at the top, and they can be light filtering, room darkening or blackout depending on your needs.

 Window treatments and hang from a rod via hooks, rings

Like curtains, drapes are sold in pairs as window treatments and hang from a rod via hooks, rings, grommets or fabric tabs at the top of the drapery panel. They might be straight and simple or they might be shaped into formal pleats such as box, swag, jabot or tuxedo. Traditionally, a drapery panel extends from the floor to the top of the window frame, and it can be purchased extra long to achieve a puddling effect beneath the window.

 Drapes usually come in stiffer, thicker fabrics

The difference between drapes and curtains is that drapes usually come in stiffer, thicker fabrics than curtains and they are sold custom-sized to fit your windows, whereas curtains are usually mass-produced and only briefly examined for quality assurance before heading out the door for you to buy. Because of this, they can sometimes have loose threads, uneven hems and other annoyances that a designer would catch and prevent from making it into your home.

Block out sunlight and insulate your rooms from extreme temperatures

Curtains are not always lined, whereas drapes are generally lined with either a light or heavy fabric to help block out sunlight and insulate your rooms from extreme temperatures. They also tend to be more expensive than curtains, but they offer a more polished look and can be used for special occasions, such as a wedding or anniversary celebration.

 Add a sense of luxury and beauty to your spaces

They might be used to frame blinds, shutters or shades in a window or a doorway between two rooms and can add a sense of luxury and beauty to your spaces. They can be made in a wide variety of fabrics from lightweight to heavy and can be either sheer or patterned. They might be a great option for bedroom windows, where they can be closed to provide privacy and darkness for sleep, or in family rooms where you might want the light to filter in while keeping out glare on electronic screens.

Conclusion

While both Drapery Curtains and drapes can be motorized for easy operation with a simple touch of a button, they are most often paired with other window treatments to provide a complete and functional window solution. For instance, if you are looking for a window treatment that blocks the sun and glare from your television or computer screen while offering privacy, consider motorized roller shades in combination with your drapery panels to create a seamless look that works with your smart home systems.