Drapes vs. Curtains. What is the difference?

Do you need drapes or curtains for your windows at home? The first step to figuring out which treatment is right for your windows is to understand the difference between Drapes + Curtains.

When it comes to decorating your house, the smart way to approach it is to find items that merge form with function. In other words, it should look great, but it also needs to function well in your home.

That includes how you decorate your windows. There is a difference between Drapes and Curtains. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

DRAPES vs. CURTAINS

First off, it’s important to recognise that anything hung over a window is considered to be a window treatment. There are various types of window treatments to choose from and in some cases you can use more than one type of treatment for a window. Window treatments are great for several reasons. You can keep the sun out or let it in which keeps your home cool in the summer or warm in the winter. They also enhance and finish off a space.

DRAPES

• Drapes are made from fabric panels and typically come in pairs.
• Drapes are always lined, sometimes heavily. For that reason, they’re often purchased to help block sunlight.
• Many people use Drapes in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. Drapes often hang all the way to the floor and are typically made with stiffer, heavier fabrics such as velvet, silk, or damask.
• While they come in a variety of styles and colours, most often they are solid rather than heavily patterned. You’ll often find that Drapes are pleated and that there is more than one style of pleated heading available.
• The pleated heading and the heavier fabric create a more formal appearance.
• Drapes with a Valance Pelmet are often used together to complete the look. Typically Drapes and Valances are matched using the same material and design but it’s also possible to mix and match.

CURTAINS

• When comparing Curtains to Drapes, there aren’t too many difference but those differences do matter.
• Curtains are also fabric panels that are often sold in pairs.
• They are made from much lighter weight fabrics than Drapes. Some of the material used in Curtains is extremely sheer.
• Sheer Curtains are perfect in rooms where you’re looking to filter some sunlight but also require natural light in your home.
• Curtains work well in every room. In the kitchen, you’ll often find Curtains and Valances used together which is called a Cafe curtain.
• In the bedroom, it’s common to use Curtains with Blindsor Shades to give the room a more fashionable look. Adding Curtains will also help to block sunlight.
• Curtains and Valances hang from Tracks, Rods, metal grommets, a fabric sleeve, or metal or fabric rings.

MAKE YOUR CHOICE

Whether you choose Drapes or Curtains is your choice. Pick whichever one works for your home and needs. They both look great!

dollar curtains + blinds has specialised in crafting custom made Curtains and Drapes for over 50 years. Contact us today, visit a store or book a free design, measure and quote. Our Interior Consultants can help you to make the perfect choice.