We are going to talk about what the difference is between drapes and curtains. In this article, we will discuss how they differ and what you should know before buying either type of window covering.
Tips to Know the Difference Between Drapes and Curtains
Tips #1. What they are made of
The first thing you should know about drapes and curtains is that they are made of different materials. Curtains are typically made from cotton, polyester, or silk while drapery panels can be either fabric or vinyl material.
Tips #2. Covering
The second difference is that curtains are mainly used to cover the window while drapes may or may not have a curtain on top of them. Drapes can be made out of either fabric-covered boards, decorative cords with tiebacks, or even leather straps and buckles. They also typically hang from a rod running across the tops of the windows.
Tips #3. Valance
The third difference is that drapes typically have a valance (a decorative fabric panel) on top, which curtains do not.
Tips #4.
The fourth difference is that draperies are often lined and can be back-lined with pleats or gathers to give them shape while curtains usually just hang in one flat sheet.
Tips #5.
The sixth difference is the shape. Curtain panels come in rectangular shapes, but because drapes are often hung from a rod, they can come in any length and shape needed.
Tips #6. Style
Curtain panels are typically made of cotton or polyester fabric with plain designs while drapes can be created using silk, velvet, damask fabrics, and many other decorative materials for both their main body and valance.
Tip #7. Price
Curtains can range in costs from $11 to over $100 depending on what material they are made out of, but drapes often come with a hefty price tag due to their materials and labor-intensive construction methods.
Tip #8. Upkeep
Curtains are typically easier to clean than drapes because they can be removed from their window treatments and placed in a washing machine. Drapes cannot easily be cleaned this way, so dry-cleaning or professional cleaning must take place instead.
Tip # 9. Shading
Curtains are often made with more opaque fabrics like linen or cotton to provide some degree of privacy and control light. Drapes can be lined with fabric, but they need not be – for this reason, drapes let in significantly more light than curtains do.
Tip #10. Material
Curtains are usually made of fabrics like lace, sheer voile, or linen. Drapes can also be made from fabric but they require a heavier and more expensive cloth which cannot easily show stains that need to be cleaned. Curtains must often go through professional cleaning because lightening ings and dirt can be more noticeable on the fabric.
Tip #11. Weight
Curtains have lighter weight and are used as an accessory to drawing attention to other pieces of design such as paintings or furniture while drapes are heavier, usually made from velvet or silk, and often cover up entire windows.
The final difference between curtains and drapes, which some people consider to be an important distinction, is that you need two sets of curtain rods for one set of drapes.
What is a Drape?
A drape is a piece of cloth, typically hung over a wall or table to give it more decoration. They can be made out of many different materials including silk and velvet which are usually thicker in nature than other fabrics.
How to Care for Drapes?
To clean and care for your drapery, it is best to use a damp cloth with soap or detergent. It should be wrung out well so that the excess water does not cause stains on the fabric. You can also take them outside and shake them off before bringing them back in but make sure you have protection from wet weather.
What are the Benefits of Drapes?
Draperies provide a beautiful focal point to any living space. They can also be used as an attractive backdrop for photographs and paintings. The thick fabric is designed specifically to absorb light so it creates softer shadows on walls, which makes them perfect for areas where you will have lots of light.
What are the Disadvantages of Drapes?
When draperies are not used often and they become dirty, this can cause a lot of problems. Dirt will build up in the fabric which creates an environment for bacteria to grow. This causes a strong odor that is hard to get rid of.
Drapes with lots of creases or folds from being stuffed into storage may also hold in more dust and dirt.
What are Curtains?
Curtains are typically made of lighter fabrics and have a hang that is straight on both sides. They can be used to create privacy in certain rooms or spaces where you need them, such as bathrooms. Curtains also offer great insulation from the cold if they’re designed with thicker material like heavy cotton.
What are the Benefits of Curtains?
Curtains are often a less expensive alternative to drapes and can be used in the same way. They come with many more patterns, shapes, and sizes than what you would find with draperies so they work well for any space. Curtains also offer great insulation from heat if made of a thicker material like heavy cotton.
What are the Disadvantages of Curtains?
Curtains do not offer any soundproofing. They also usually come with a thinner fabric that is easily pulled down by pets or small children and then tangled up in other surfaces like furniture, clothing, or carpet. Curtains can’t be used to create privacy when you need them because people can see through them.