What’s the difference between curtains and drapes?
Up until now, you may have heard of drapes referred to as curtains and curtains referred to as drapes. By definition, a curtain is a drape, but a drape isn’t necessarily a curtain. Are you confused, yet?
This blog will walk you through the difference between curtains and drapes and help you know which makes a better fit for the room you’re looking to design in your home.
Curtains vs. Drapes: What’s the difference?
Curtains and drapes are both window treatments, but there are some important differentiators between them in terms of style, fabric, and function.
A curtain is defined as: a piece of material suspended at the top to form a covering or screen, typically one of a pair at a window.
A drape is defined as: long curtain or the way in which a fabric hangs.
By definition, a drape is a curtain, so what gives!? Why aren’t they the same? The difference is in that second definition of a drape, drapes are the distinctly different way that the fabric hangs.
And by my professional definition, as a custom window treatment designer, the main difference between curtains vs. drapes is that curtains you can pick up at almost any big box store, ready-made, and “ready to install”. Drapes on the other hand are custom-crafted, taking into consideration details of your personal style, lifestyle, and needs for a space, and include layers and linings to drape far more beautifully than curtains do.
The exception to this is a cafe curtain, which can be cute in the right spaces, offer privacy, and be made custom with all the details and linings as drapes.
3 Differences between curtains and drapes
1. Fabric and Weight
Both curtains and drapes can be made from a variety of fabrics ranging from lightweight and airy to heavier and robust. Many drapes include an interlining which provides additional benefits such as temperature control and upgrading the aesthetic by improving the way they hang and feel.
The key differentiator, no matter the fabric choice is the custom-crafted approach with drapes vs. a more standard look and less options with curtains.
You can read more about the importance of interlinings and the various types in my recent blog here.
2. Length
Curtains are usually found on the shelves of standard retail stores and come in standard lengths. There’s a limited range of lengths available (floor-length, sill-length, cafe, etc.), but they tend to provide a more casual appearance and because of the standard length may be too short or too long and need to be hemmed. Otherwise, the fabric can gather, bunch, or pleat in unwanted places.
Drapes are typically intended to extend all the way to the floor for a more pulled-together, sophisticated look. They’re tailored to fit the window and space exactly and are coupled with any details necessary to ensure they lay “just so”. Because of the customization, they can be made to the exact length desired.
3. Light control
Curtains are intended to be primarily decorative in nature and don’t always include components that allow for light control, effective privacy, and temperature control.
Drapes are more functional overall as they provide privacy, temperature control, light control, and so much more due to their linings, interlinings, and customized details.
Which is Better? Curtains vs. Drapes?
While both curtains and drapes both serve the purpose of dressing windows, the best choice when considering curtains vs. drapes is to consider what’s important to you in the room you’re decorating or designing.
The decision often comes down to desired aesthetic, functionality, desired lifespan, and preference.
You’ll need to take into consideration how the space is used, how important light control is for you, as well as any comfort needs you have. Not to be overlooked is the aesthetics and ambiance you’re looking to create in the space, as well as how durable you want this investment to be.
There’s a lot to know about the difference between curtains and drapes and navigating it all can be complicated and confusing. That’s one of the many reasons I suggest working with a professional like myself when dreaming up your window treatments. I can help you navigate the complex world of curtains, drapes, blinds, shades, and beyond to find just the right solution for your space.
I offer you 20+ years of expertise, confidence, and experience and help you to achieve the look you’re craving for your home.
I’ll make you feel seen and heard as you share your vision for your home. You’ll feel confident that your home will turn into exactly what you want.
