What Is the Difference Between Drapes vs. Curtains?
When you hear the words “drapery,” “drapes,” or “curtains,” do you assume they’re all the same thing? The average person usually does, which makes sense! But they’re not exactly alike. Both are soft window treatments that hang on windows, yet have different design profiles and functions.
Our experts at Smart PNW can explain what sets these styles apart and help you select casual fabrics, formal ones, or materials that fall somewhere in the middle.
Curtains Are on the Casual Side
Typically, curtains have lighter fabrics and simpler construction methods. They usually hang from rings, tabs, or rod pockets for a more laid-back appearance. You can find these in cotton, linen, and lightweight synthetic materials. The installation process is straightforward, using basic hardware like rods.
We recommend curtains for informal kitchens, children's bedrooms, or casual living spaces. Their lighter weight makes them easy to open and close throughout the day. Many curtain styles allow natural light to filter through, for a bright, airy atmosphere. For bedrooms, you can add a liner to darken the room when needed.
Drapery Dresses Up Rooms
Drapery takes a more formal approach to window treatments. These coverings might have heavier fabrics like velvet, silk, tweed, or thick cotton blends. You’ll also see more detailed pleating techniques like pinch pleats, box pleats, or goblet pleats. Proper drapery installation is more involved because the fabrics are heavier than those in casual curtains.
The formal aesthetic of drapery makes it suitable for dining rooms, primary bedrooms, and living rooms where sophistication matters. The heavy fabrics are more insulating, regulate room temperature, and reduce energy costs. Drapery hardware must be sturdier, with heavier rods and hardware to manage the thicker fabrics.
Drapes vs. Curtains: Delving Deeper Into Differences
Both window treatments come in standard sizes, including 63, 84, 96, 108, and 120 inches. Custom options are also available, like floor-to-ceiling draperies for a dramatic effect.
Linings are more commonly used in drapery to add body and improve light-blocking capabilities. Drapes are often left open for design appeal, but closing them is fine, especially to keep out the cold or heat. Homeowners frequently layer drapery with other window treatments, like horizontal blinds, cellular shades, and interior shutters.
Drapes vs. Curtains at Smart PNW
We feature Carole™ Fabrics and Hunter Douglas window treatments, designer brands offering every imaginable drapery style. Our Smart PNW team can show you the complete selections, but here are a few favorites to get you started:
- Carole™ Fabrics offers custom drapery and stationary side panels with more than 4,000 fabric and color choices. Both categories provide pleated, non-pleated, and Ripplefold™ options, premium hardware, and top-quality materials.
- Luminette® Sheer Panels have a drapery-like effect for a sophisticated and innovative look. This hybrid design has light-diffusing vertical sheer panels with integrated soft vertical vanes, so you can choose from over 80 fabrics and colors.
- Provenance® Woven Wood Shades offer an artisanal vertical drapery style made from natural materials and several color choices. You can add a sheer or opaque independent liner for better light and privacy control.
These custom styles offer different control options, including PowerView® Automation, wand control, and manual cord control.
Shop Custom Drapery Near Tacoma, WA
At Smart PNW, we specialize in the collections of Hunter Douglas and Carole™ Fabrics to offer our clients the finest window treatments and exceptional client service. Let us show you how custom curtains and drapery can beautify your home.
Contact us for a consultation online or call (425) 448-3279 to get started on creating the custom drapery of your dreams. Smart PNW is located in Tacoma, WA, and proudly serves Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island.