What is the difference between curtains and draperies

Another way to tell is how much higher the window treatment was hung above the window and whether the drapes are touching the floor. A board-mounted swag and jabot valance with matching draperies. A drapery has certain standards it must meet. For example, some of the standards that many drapery tailors use are:. Look at the bottom of the drapery and try to answer these questions.

Were the main fabric and lining sewn separately at the bottom of the drapery this is a floating bottom hem? In other words, can you see inside the drapery when you look at it from the bottom? If yes, are the stitches on those bottom seams barely visible? If your drapery has pleats like pinch pleats, goblet pleats, or similar, are the pleats big and noticeable, or are they short pleats that are barely half an inch deep and do very little to add fullness to the overall drapery?

Is the bottom hem of your drapery able to touch the floor? Is the drapery framing the window, or are you forced to cover the window instead? Draperies also tend to have more features than a curtain. These are small details that often make a big difference. A pinch pleat header on a silk drapery with fabric-covered buttons. The drapery also had tassel fringe on the leading edge and was hung on a traverse rod. A custom drapery hung on drapery medallions.

Remember me Log in. Lost your password? Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy. Curtains can often be washed at home in the delicate cycle of a washing machine. Drapes are often operated by a drawstring on one side of a window. Oftentimes, curtains are opened and closed by gently pulling the fabric. Depending on the fabric, drapes may be steam cleaned whereas most curtains cannot be cleaned in this way.

Generally, drapes are floor length while curtains drop to just below a window sill. Drapes usually have a backing on them that gives them structure while hanging on a rod while curtains are made to move in the breeze. Curtains and drapes are available in many styles, patterns, and appealing colors.

They can both be closed or opened in front of a window. Curtains are of a single layer design. Name required. Email required. Please note: comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Written by : lancepenpal. User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury.

You agree that we have no liability for any damages. Author Recent Posts. Latest posts by lancepenpal see all. Curtains function by being opened and close for light and privacy while drapes are installed to block out light and reduce noise. To sum it up, drapes are more formal, have a thicker fabric to block out light and reduce noise, while curtains are casual and modern and are used to let in light or for privacy.

Knowing the difference between these two is essential so you can decide which one you like best for your home. Go for drapes if you want to invest in a window treatment that can last for a lifetime, has a formal look, blocks out light, and reduces noise. If you want to choose a curtain that has different patterns or colours, then browse curtain fabrics from our website and visit www.