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Do you need drapes for your windows at home, or will curtains do? The first step to figuring out which treatment is right for your windows is to understand the difference between drapes vs. 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's a difference between drapes and curtains. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

The trick is to figure which is better for your needs. To help you out, keep reading to learn whether you should choose drapes vs curtains.

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 out or let in the sun. And you can keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They also dress up any space.

Drapes

Drapes are made from fabric panels. They typically come in pairs.

Drapes are always lined, sometimes heavily. For that reason, they're often purchased to help block out outside 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 fabrics, including 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 vs curtains are pleated. And there is more than one style of pleat available.

The pleats and the heavier fabric contribute to a more formal appearance in the rooms they're used in. You'll have to hang your drapes from a rod on a hook, grommet, ring, or fabric sleeve.

Drapes with valances are often used together to complete the look of a room. Most choose to match the drapes and valances using the same material and design but it's also possible to mix and match.

Curtains

When comparing curtains vs drapes, there aren't too many differences. But those differences do matter.

Curtains are also fabric panels that are often sold in pairs. However, curtains come in a wide variety of lengths, widths, colours, and patterns.

They are also made with 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 blinds or shades to give the room a more fashionable look. Adding curtains will also help to block out more sunlight.

You'll hang the curtains and valances from rods, metal grommets, a fabric sleeve, or metal or fabric rings. In most cases, you can choose to hide the rod or use it as part of the decoration.

Make Your Choice

Whether you choose drapes vs curtains is your choice. Pick whichever one works for your needs.

Before you make any purchases, don't forget to fill in and request a Free in-Home Measure and Quote from one of Dollar Curtains Specialists.

Your next step is to take a look at our products to find your perfect match.