Drapes vs Curtains: What’s the Difference Between Drapes and Curtains, Anyway?
I’ll bet you didn’t know there’s a curtains vs. drapes controversy out there, did you? These two terms are often used interchangeably and actually cause a good bit of confusion.
Europeans prefer to use "curtains," while North Americans often say "drapery (or in the plural: drapes or draperies)."
And across the United States, people use the terms differently, or they use both terms to describe the same thing!
Even decorators and interior designers sometimes use the terms drapes and curtains interchangeably.
So, it makes it hard to know what you’re really asking for when talking to a designer! However, if you understand one clear definition between the two, you’ll be able to “speak designer” about the types of window treatments available to create inspiring spaces in your home.
By learning the most common definition of the two as we understand them at Adrette, you should be able to say to a designer, “When I think of a drapery panel, I think of this…”
You’ll be able to find a common language about the difference between drapes and curtains.
So, what is the difference between drapes and curtains?
At first glance, the drapes vs. curtains controversy seems pretty complicated. After all, most windows have long, hanging fabric on either side. Isn’t it all the same thing – just one big home décor mish-mash of a category?
You’ll find the differences easier to understand not in the basic shape or design, but in the function of the window treatment. How is it being used?
What is a curtain, and how is it used?
A curtain is a simple window treatment. It helps to think of them as more ornamental than practical.
Curtains are:
Typically unlined
Usually stationary
Hung on simple curtain rods
Possibly hand-drawn (instead of motorized and automated)
Curtains are usually a less formal design choice and are commonly lighter in weight and shorter than draperies.
For example, our Window Fashion Designer, Marlys, studied Interior Design in the Midwest, and they use the term curtain for a simple window treatment like a short kitchen curtain.
Sheer panels hung behind draperies or on their own are sometimes called curtains.
Outdoor curtains around a pergola, gazebo, or deck are often lightweight and designed "to blow in the breeze."
Think of curtains as an ornamental accent - lightweight, simple, and there to add layers or finishing touches to a great overall effect.
OK, then what are drapes, and how are they different?
A drapery is a heartier window treatment, lined on the back side to protect the beautiful colors and patterns of the face fabric from the sun's damaging rays. (This also helps protect your furniture and interior.)
Drapery panels are heavier and more structural than a curtain, with pleating or a Ripplefold header. Beyond external lining, they are sometimes also interlined to add "body" so they hang and drape nicely.
Many people would probably refer to this kind of fabric panel as a “lined curtain” or think of it as simply a curtain along with the other panels in a design, but the big, beautiful, lined stars of most fabric-based window designs are really called drapes.
They tend to have more options in terms of how they function.
Typically, there are many fun, creative ways to use hardware to hang draperies.
And there are also different ways to open and close them, including automated motors you operate from your mobile phone.
Sometimes they can also be stationary. Usually, this means beautiful, statement-piece drapes flanking each side of a window rather than hanging in front of it.
Draperies are your statement pieces, the main element of your custom window treatment design.
Drapes vs. curtains: What are the practical benefits?
In the great drapes vs. curtains debate, drapes win out big time in terms of functionality and practicality.
As we mentioned above, curtains tend to be more decorative in nature. Drapes have a wide variety of uses and create the double win of a beautiful design which also improves the quality of life in your home.
Privacy – Lined draperies create privacy. You can fully block out any view from the outside and enjoy your time at home.
Acoustics – Custom drapes also absorb sound and soften the echo in a room.
Sun Protection – As we mentioned above, the lining in a drapery panel protects the valuable fabric from sun damage. However, it also protects the furniture, carpet, and artwork in your room.
Energy Efficiency – Hearty, lined drapes help keep rooms warm in the winter and also keep the heat of the sun from roasting a room in the summer.
Longevity and Value – Custom drapes last well over a decade when well crafted, installed and maintained. Vacuuming them regularly with a soft brush is advised to remove dust and other airborne irritants.
Motorization – There are many options for motorization and automation. It can be as simple as pushing a button on the wall, or our experts can even integrate your automated drapes into your smart home system or mobile phone.
Drapes vs. Curtains: What are the design benefits?
Custom draperies are works of art. They are hand- and machine-sewn by talented local artisans and made to fit your windows or doors perfectly.
Through this level of craftsmanship, custom drapes also offer some unique design benefits over curtains.
Lined draperies soften the look of "hard" window treatments, such as wood blinds or plantation shutters.
Interlining (or bump) is an additional layer of insulation that is sometimes added between the face fabric and the lining fabric for extra volume. It provides additional body to a drapery, especially when it is a silk fabric, and helps it hang in a well-defined, elegant way.
Draperies are fully Customizable. Small details matter. We coordinate the hardware to existing metals in your room. The hardware's exact height, the drapery panel's length, and even the weight of the material itself can evoke different emotions.
How to choose the perfect drapes and curtains.
Drapes and curtains are both great allies in creating inspiring spaces in your home.
With windows, the fabric softens edges, emphasizes (or de-emphasizes) architectural qualities and shortcomings, and provides a needed barrier between the outside elements and the inner harmony of the home.
We understand not all folks can or want to invest in custom draperies, and there's nothing wrong with having simple curtains in place. However, layering drapes with shades or other options is a client favorite since you can find the most creative options for functionality and design.
You simply need to find the balance between your visual design and the functionality you want in your home. A good custom window treatment designer will help you find the perfect solution.
We're obviously biased in favor of high-quality and custom-design solutions since that's what we do. However, we love nothing more than the look on our client's faces when we install their custom drapes to perfection when they see their vision for their home come to life!
We are happy to guide you through the "window covering jungle" and make sure you get what you want and avoid costly mistakes.
Simply put, our goal is your happiness.
We look forward to meeting you and taking the joyful journey of transforming your home together.
Schedule your complimentary consultation for an estimate here or by calling us at 503-703-4692.
Marlys & Jens Wiegand