Drapes vs Curtains What’s the Difference

Feb 18, 2022

The world of window treatments can be confusing for the newly initiated. There are so many different types of choices out there. If you are having a hard time telling the difference between curtains and drapes, you shouldn’t feel bad about yourself. A lot of people have a hard time telling what’s the difference between drapes and curtains. This is what we are going to talk about drapes vs curtains today and figure out what makes the two different from one another.

At a glance, curtains and drapes pretty much look the same. However, a closer look will make it obvious that drapes and curtains have a few key differences. In fact, drapes and curtains are quite different from one another in terms of style and functionality.

CURTAINS VS DRAPES: SIMILARITIES

Curtains and drapes are both panels of fabric that are installed on a rod that gets attached above your windows. They have similarities in their design and functioning that make them look more or less the same as one another. Curtains and drapes are both available in different shapes and sizes since there are a lot of different types of curtains and drapes out there.

Curtains and drapes have a number of standard designs. These different types of curtains and drapes can be found in varying lengths and shapes. And if none of the different types of curtains and drapes speak to you, you can always go for a customized option.

This is where the similarities between curtains and drapes end. Now, let’s talk about what’s the difference between drapes and curtains.

DRAPES VS CURTAINS: THE DIFFERENCE

Like we mentioned just now, drapes and curtains have their own distinct characteristics. This means that there’s a definite difference between curtains and drapes that you should keep in mind before you decide which one you should go for.

Curtains

Curtains are one of the simplest types of window treatments out there. They are basically panels of fabric that come in different shapes and sizes. Curtains are generally used in pairs and are installed on a railing that gets fitted above your windows.

Window curtains have been around for a long time, and their timeless look has made sure that they don’t go out of style. Curtains are incredibly versatile; they can be used for dressing small and large windows and can be integrated easily with most interior spaces.

Curtains are usually made from a single piece of fabric. While they don’t have any gaps in them, they let light through them since they’re made from thin fabric. Curtains don’t totally block light; instead, they filter it as it passes through them. Curtains are great for people who want to let natural light into their rooms while reducing its intensity.

Characteristics of Curtains

  • Curtains offer great light control since you can decide how thick or thin you want their fabric to be. You can decide with your window treatment company how what fabric thickness will suit your needs the most.
  • Curtains can be great for improving insulation as well. You can have them made from special thermal fabrics in order to reduce the amount of energy seeping through your windows. Energy-efficient curtains can help lower your energy bill in the long run.
  • Curtains are highly customizable. You can play around with their size, shape, and their materials as well. Their simple structure means that you can have them customized any way you want without having to worry about your costs skyrocketing.

In the difference between curtains vs drapes, curtains stand out for their relaxed and elegant look.

Drapes

Drapes are installed and operated in a way that’s very similar to curtains. However, their structure and their functionality are quite different from the curtains. Drapes are made from thicker, denser fabric than curtains. Also, they have an additional layer of lining on their backside.

Drapes have a more solid look as compared to curtains. This makes them look bolder and also more elegant. Drapes look well in interior spaces with fancy furnishing or for rooms where you want your windows to be a big part of your interior design.

Drapes are also longer than curtains. It’s quite common to use oversized drapes that collect on the floor below your windows. This creates a puddling effect that can make your windows look fancier.

Characteristics of Drapes

  • Since drapes are made from thick and dense fabric, they offer noise reduction. They can dampen sounds coming in through your windows. This makes them useful for houses that are located close to New York’s busy streets.
  • Drapes are also better at offering light control and privacy. Unlike curtains, drapes are capable of blocking almost 95% of the light that comes through your windows. You can further increase their light-blocking by going for blackout drapes. Their dense fabric also makes them great for improving privacy since they completely block your windows.
  • Just like curtains, drapes are highly customizable as well. While their structure is more complicated than curtains, they’re still really simple when compared to other window coverings. This means that you can play around with their fabric, size, and shape. There are different types of curtains and drapes that you can look at for design ideas.

In the difference between curtains vs drapes, drapes stand out because of superior light control and noise reduction.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DRAPES AND CURTAINS?

By now, it should be clear that curtains and drapes, although similar looking, are two different types of window coverings. You should have a better time telling someone else what’s the difference between drapes and curtains after going through our “drapes vs curtains, what’s the difference?” article.

Curtains are a lighter and more relaxed kind of window covering. They are made from a lighter fabric and have a softer look to them. Drapes, on the other hand, are made from denser fabric, and they have a much fancier look. Their heavier look gives them a larger presence in your room as well.

CURTAINS VS DRAPES: WHICH IS BETTER?

The answer to the curtains vs drapes debate is simple; their difference does not mean that one is better than the others. Both window coverings have unique characteristics that make them decent options. It all comes down to what your requirements are.

People who are looking for a solution that looks relaxed and offers adequate light control would think that the answer to the curtains vs drapes debates is curtains. Meanwhile, people who are looking for a bolder window covering that can block light more effectively will think that drapes win the curtains vs drapes argument.

One thing people can agree on is that curtains and drapes are both great at being customizable.

CONCLUSION

So, what’s the difference between curtains and drapes? They both look similar, but they have certain differences that are worth noting. The drapes vs curtains debate is going to remain a hot topic in the window treatment community, but you shouldn’t let this confuse you.

After going through our “drapes vs curtains, what’s the difference?” article, if you’re still not sure about the difference between curtains and drapes and what option you should go for, feel free to contact us. We at Alluring Windows can help you explore different types of curtains and drapes and pick one that’s best for you.

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