The terms "curtains" and "drapes" are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different types of window treatments. So what exactly are the differences between them? We'll break down drapes vs. curtains, how to choose curtains or drapes for your home, and new knowledge sure to impress your friends.

Drapes vs. Curtains

What's the difference between drapes vs. curtains? Curtains are sold in pairs or by panel, and are installed over blinds or shades. They hang from curtain rods, extend to the windowsill or floor, and are typically made from lighter fabrics, but can be room darkening or even blackout.

Drapes are made from thicker fabrics and are lined to block out more light. They are also more formal in aesthetic and extend to, or even puddle at the floor.

How to Choose the Right Window Treatment

How to choose curtains or drapes comes down to your desired purpose, style, length, and performance. Along with providing privacy, drapes and curtains also control the amount of light in a room, help insulate the room, and complement your home’s style.

Will your curtains and drapes be strictly for decoration purposes? To shade the sun during the day for a nice afternoon nap? Length is also another factor to consider. If you’re looking for a shorter option that solely covers your window, curtains will be the best fit. If you want an option that boosts the room aesthetic, you might want to select drapes since they are longer and are floor-length.

Another factor to think about is how much light you want or don’t want in the room. Since curtains are made with thinner material, they will shade some sun but will also create an airy light aesthetic in the room unlike drapes. Since drapes are made with thicker material, they tend to block out more sun for a darker effect.

Types

Single Panel Curtain:As the name states, single panel curtains are made of one piece of fabric. These are great for sliding glass doors.

Panel Pair: These curtains come in matching pairs, allowing you to hang the two pieces of fabric on either side of the window. This design allows you to let in as much light as you want.

Window Scarf: Designed more for decoration, window scarves don’t block out any light. Instead, they are draped over the curtain rod. They can be hung alone or paired with panel pair curtains. They can be either windowsill length or extend down to the floor.

Liner: Liners are made to block out the light and are used in addition to a curtain. They can either be hung on a second curtain rod behind your curtains, or they can be hooked to curtain rings and attached to the same curtain rod as your curtains.

Light Filtration

Sheer: Sheer curtains offer the least amount of privacy and the most amount of light to come through your windows. You can see through the fabric, but it reduces some glare on TVs and furniture. This style is a light and breezy addition to any room.

Semi-Sheer: Slightly less see-through than sheer curtains, these offer more privacy, but are best paired with blinds or shades.

Room Darkening: This style reduces the amount of light coming in from the window, but some light may still seep around the sides.

Blackout: Great for bedrooms, blackout curtains reduce almost all light, provide privacy, reduce noise pollution, and help insulate a room.

Max Blackout: These block out 99–100% of light, and are a great option for bedrooms. They also help insulate your windows from drafts, and reduce noise pollution coming from outside the home. They also provide the maximum amount of privacy.

To learn more about blackout curtains, read our guide "The Best Blackout Curtains for You".

Header Types

Pinch Pleat: This header style has a permanently gathered look. Pieces of fabric are sewn together at the top to form pleats. Depending on the design, pinch-pleat curtains can be hung with a rod pocket, clip rings, or drapery hooks.

Tab Top: As the name states, tab top headers feature loops (or tabs) of fabric at the top where the rod is thread through. With this type of header, curtains typically lie flatter and have the least amount of gathering.

Grommet/Eyelet: A more modern option, grommet curtains have an circular opening at the top for the curtain rod to slide through. This header style keeps the curtain rod exposed.

Rod Pocket: More traditional and formal in style, rod pocket headers completely cover the rod. This style works best with curtains that are not opened often, or are left open with tiebacks.

Features

Thermal Insulation Curtains: Thermal insulation curtains feature a layer of acrylic foam that helps insulate windows. They share similar qualities to blackout curtains, as they also reduce noise pollution and block out sunlight.

Noise Reducing Curtains: Fall asleep faster with noise reducing curtains or drapes. While the curtains will not block 100% of sound, it will reduce noise pollution from the street (especially helpful if you live in a busy city).

You May Also Like