Our team at Discover Interiors has extensive experience in interior design, and we are familiar with the industry’s unique terminology. In everyday speech, the words curtains & drapes are used interchangeably, but designers like us know there are real differences between the two types of window treatment. If you are curious about these differences, keep reading to learn what sets curtains apart from drapes.
- Fabric Weight – One key difference between curtains & drapes is the type of fabric used for each. Drapes tend to be made of heavier materials, such as velvet or damask, while curtains tend to be made of lighter and more sheer fabrics, such as cotton or linen. This makes drapes better at completely blocking light, while curtains tend to cut brightness while still letting plenty of natural light in. Because drapes use heavier fabric and are usually lined, they also provide additional insulation for your windows.
- Length – Another difference between curtains & drapes is their length. Most curtains are made to cover only the window itself, with the hems falling either to the sill or at most a few inches lower. Drapes, on the other hand, usually fall all the way to the floor (or sometimes past it, with the hems creating puddles of fabric), which creates a stronger design statement.
- Maintenance Requirements – Because of the differences in fabric and construction, curtains & drapes have different maintenance needs. Curtains can usually be washed at home in the washing machine, but many drapes must be dry cleaned instead due to the heavier fabrics used.