Fabric Window Treatments: The Difference Between Drapes vs. Curtains

There’s something about flowing fabric window treatments that has long appealed to homeowners. Their soft material contrasts beautifully with your windows' flat, hard surfaces and adds coziness and elegance to a room. Fabric treatments offer many options for texture, opacity, color, and patterns. You also get to choose between drapes vs. curtains. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they are actually two different window treatments. Understanding their differences will help you pick the right product when you contact your trusted custom window treatment installer.

What Are Curtains?

Everyone thinks they know what curtains are, but do you know how they differ from drapes? Knowing the subtle differences will help you pick the perfect window treatments for your living spaces. Typically, curtains are

• Made of lighter, casual fabrics like cotton, polyester, or linen

• Unlined or even sheer

• Varying lengths, hanging anywhere from just at the windowsill or lower

Depending on how translucent they are, curtains can provide some privacy and light control. They work on windows where you don’t want material hanging all the way to the floor. Most importantly, they come in lots of different styles and colors to decorate your windows.

Because curtains come unlined, they don’t offer as much control over sunlight, privacy, or energy efficiency as other window treatments. Their thin material might tear more easily, too. If you find curtains that look how you want but don’t provide enough coverage, consider pairing them with custom blinds, shades, or interior shutters.

What Are Drapes?

Drapes and curtains may look the same at first glance. However, drapes have some distinguishing characteristics you should know about before ordering window treatments. Drapes are

• Made of heavier, luxurious materials like brocades, silk, or velvet

• Usually lined for blocking light and drafts

• At least floor length and may even puddle on the floor

Thanks to their thick materials and long length, drapes excel at protecting your home’s interior from unwanted sunlight and outside temperatures that come through your windows. They provide privacy round the clock and look beautiful. If you want to decorate a room with formal flair, long, sophisticated drapes are an excellent choice for window treatments. You’ll find them in many materials, colors, textures, and patterns to complement your decor.

Curtains vs. Drapes: Which Should You Choose?

Once you know the difference between drapes vs. curtains, you can consider the needs of your windows and room to decide which window treatment will work best.

• How is the room decorated? Curtains suit casual rooms, while long drapes add elegance to formal rooms.

• Is the window hot and sunny or drafty? Lined drapes work best at blocking light and trapping outside air before it enters the room.

• Is there anything below the window? Use short curtains on windows with furniture or counters below them.

• Do you want long-lasting window treatments? Thick, high-quality drapes will last longer than thin curtains.

• Do you want a high-end look? Luxurious, quality drapes instantly upgrade a room’s decor.

Add Beauty To Your Home With Drapes From Sunburst Shutters

You’ll love how your windows look with chic drapes from Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions! Our drapes are sewn from premium materials with the finest craftsmanship to ensure they look and work how you want. Best of all, we customize them to fit your windows and preferences. Ordering your new drapes starts with a free in-home consultation, so call us at 877-786-2877 or fill out the form below to schedule yours today.