Drapes vs Curtains: Differences & How to Choose
The distinction between drapes vs curtains is slight and the two terms are often used interchangeably — and not incorrectly. Both drapes and curtains refer to panels of fabric that hang from a curtain rod or track system. They come in a variety of pleat styles and share many of the same customization options including fabric selection, lining options, hardware choices and more.
To better understand whether this type of window treatment is right for your space, explore what the differences between curtains vs drapes are, then dive into their many similarities.
Cover photo: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Victoria Hagan Harbor Stripe in Sand, design by Victoria Hagan, photography by William Waldron
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What’s the Difference Between Drapes vs Curtains?
Historically, the main difference between drapes vs curtains comes down to fabric:
- “Drapes” and “Drapery” have typically been used to refer to thick, long, lined panels of fabric with an elevated, luxe look.
- “Curtains” has typically been used to refer to thinner, unlined fabrics like sheers as well as shorter, less formal panels like café curtains.
Learn more about each term through the lens of several factors so you can get a better understanding of your options.
Understanding Drapery
Get a deeper understanding of drapery through the following factors:
- Fabric: Between drapes vs curtains, drapes typically feature thicker, higher-end fabrics like velvet, silk or wool.
- Length: Drapery extends all the way to floor, or beyond, with break- and puddle-length options.
- Lining & Fullness: Drapery almost always features lining in addition to thick fabrics, so your drape panels look lush and full — and provide excellent light blocking, privacy control and insulation.
- Functionality: Thanks to their thicker panels, drapes are best in rooms where a room darkening effect and privacy are essential, such as bedrooms, living rooms and media rooms. Their insulation also makes them ideal for rooms with a draft since they’ll help to block the cold air and keep your room more comfortable.
- Aesthetics: In comparing drapes vs curtains, drapery is typically considered to be the more formal option, thanks to its higher-end materials and lush fullness.
Understanding Curtains
Learn more about the classic definition of curtains through the following factors:
- Fabric: Between curtains vs drapes, curtains are typically made from thinner, often sheer, fabrics like linen, cotton or synthetic blends like polyester.
- Length: There is no standard length for curtains. They can be short, like café curtains and sill-length curtains, or floor-length. However, they typically do not puddle on the floor like Drapery.
- Lining & Fullness: Curtain fabrics are light and unlined, so they don’t have much fullness to them.
- Functionality: Thanks to their lighter, sheer materials, curtains offer a little bit of privacy while still letting natural light and a gentle breeze into your room.
- Aesthetics: Between curtains vs drapes, curtains are considered less formal. Their sheer panels offer a casual, breezy charm to any room.
Drapes vs Curtains at The Shade Store
While the terms “drapes” and “curtains” can be used to refer to slightly different styles of window treatments, they are more often used interchangeably. The Shade Store offers custom-made Drapery that can be made from a wide variety of fabric and be cut to any length you desire. So, we use the terms “drapes” and “curtains” interchangeably since our product offering encompasses styles, fabrics and lengths that suit the classic definitions of both.
Customization Similarities Between Curtains & Drapes
Between curtains vs drapes, the two terms are used interchangeably as they feature many of the same customization options. When choosing between drapes vs curtains, it’s less about choosing between one or the other and more about choosing the customizations that best fit your needs. Your preferred selections of fabric, pleat style, hardware, lining and length will ultimately determine whether curtains or drapes are best for your space.
Customizations that will determine between drapes vs curtains for your space include:
fabric
Even through drapes are typically made with thicker fabrics and curtains made with thinner fabrics, you can actually use any fabric you like for your window treatments, whether they’re long like drapes or shorter like curtains.
Pictured: Drapery Fabric Swatches, Nate Berkus Collection
pleat styles
Both drapes and curtains feature the same range of pleat styles, from sleek, modern Ripple Fold Drapery to classic Pinch Pleat Drapery to contemporary Grommet Drapery and more. Keep in mind that the pleat style you choose may limit your hardware options as some pleat styles are only compatible with track systems while others are only compatible with rod and rings hardware.
Pictured: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Holland & Sherry Andes in Lake and Steel Hardware in Antique Bronze, design by James Huniford
hardware
Between drapes vs curtains, both feature the same hardware options, including track systems, rod and rings hardware and simple tension rods. However, tension rods and simpler rod and ring hardware designs are more likely to be used for curtains vs drapes, since they suit the casual aesthetic. More elegant rod and ring systems as well as track systems, especially motorized tracks, are more likely to be used with formal drapes vs curtains thanks to their more elevated appearance and functionality.
Pictured: Drapery Hardware
lining
Used for fuller drapery panels and to provide greater privacy, light control and insulation, you can add lining to any fabric. Lining options include:
- Privacy – For excellent privacy and a hint of natural light filtration.
- Blackout – For complete privacy and a room darkening effect.
- Interlining – Add interlining, which is a cotton flannel insert, for greater fullness and insulation.
Pictured: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Victoria Hagan Petal in Pearl, design by Victoria Hagan
Length
The ideal length for your drapery or curtains will depend on your aesthetic preferences as well as functional needs. Typically, floor-length or shorter panels are better for easy daily adjustments. Long puddle-length drapery is best for decorative stationary panels.
Pictured: Ripple Fold Drapery, Basket Sheer in Winter, design by Anita Yokota for the 2019 Real Simple Home, photography by Christopher Testani for Real Simple
How to Choose Between Curtains vs Drapes
Now that you know the customization options between curtains vs drapes, learn about factors to consider to help you decide on the right selections for your particular project.
Factors to consider include:
Type of Room & Functionality
When thinking about the type of room, it’s best to think about it in terms of its functionality. What do you plan on doing in the room, and between drapes vs curtains, which is more appropriate for the space? A kitchen, for instance, is a place full of activity with lots of potential for sprays and spills from the sink, countertops where you prep food and table where you eat. In this case, long, luscious drapery is likely not ideal. Instead, short café curtains or sill-length curtains are a great choice as the short panels will stay out of the way of your dishwashing, food prepping and meals.
On the other hand, a formal living room where you entertain family and friends and feature your best furniture and décor will likely benefit most from thick, tall drapery. The luscious, lined panels will suit the formal aesthetic while also providing needed privacy and excellent light control to protect your furnishings from the sun’s harmful rays.
Light & Privacy Needs
Light and privacy needs tie closely into the type of room and how you’ll use it. For instance, a bedroom requires a room darkening effect for better sleep and excellent privacy, so blackout-lined drapery is ideal. On the other hand, a sunroom with lots of natural light may require minimal privacy, so sheer curtains that soften the light and allow a gentle breeze will be perfect.
Insulation Needs
When comparing drapes vs curtains in terms of insulation needs, drapes are almost always the better choice as the thick, lined floor-length panels help trap cold air at the window so your room stays more temperate. Drape panels are also great for blocking the sun in warmer climates, so that your room stays cooler during the hottest times of day.
Existing Aesthetic & Décor
When deciding between drapes vs curtains, it’s also important to consider your existing décor. Your choice in drape or curtain fabric, hardware and pleat style should all complement your space in terms of formality, color scheme, textures, patterns and more. For instance, light, airy curtains may look out of place in a formal dining room with dark colors and visually heavy furniture, while thick, lush drapes will look out of place in a bright, airy breakfast nook.
Inspiration for Drapes & Curtains
See how all the factors above come together in curated spaces featuring drapes and curtains.
Bright & Airy Curtains in a Contemporary Living Room
In a sunny contemporary living room with floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors, use light, airy, floor-length sheer curtains to enhance the natural light in your space. Sheer material for your curtains will soften the natural light in your space while still keeping your space bright and providing some privacy. A nice neutral color like Basket Sheer in Winter, a soft white, with further help to keep things bright while also blending into your contemporary aesthetic.
Pictured: Ripple Fold Drapery, Basket Sheer in Winter, Designed by Anita Yokota for the 2019 Real Simple Home, photographed by Christopher Testani for Real Simple
Blackout Drapery in a Cozy Bedroom
Create a cozy, peaceful bedroom with blackout Drapery layered with blackout Roller Shades. Choose a thick yet soft fabric like Chinoiserie in Blush, made of linen and featuring an inviting pink tone for both tactile and visual softness. Adding blackout lining will help you achieve a tranquil room darkening effect ideal for sleep. Plus, the lining increases the lush fullness of your drapery.
Pictured: Outer Layer: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Chinoiserie in Blush and Inner Layer: Roller Shades, Ava in Birchwood, design by Erin Featherston
Sill-Length Curtains in a Luxe Bathroom
In a luxury bathroom with a free-standing bathtub and gold accents, short, sill-length curtains can add another layer of opulence — while still being functional — to your space. Choose a material made of a soft, yet durable material like Holland & Sherry’s Andes in Fountain, made of 100% wool, a high-quality, long-lasting natural fiber. The cool blue color of Fountain beautifully complements the gold metal accents and is a perfect color with which to match your towels for a cohesive, intentional look.
Pictured: Outer Layer: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Holland & Sherry, Andes in Fountain and Inner Layer: Waterfall Woven Wood Shade, Breakwater in Mist, designed by Eneia White for the 2023 Kips Bay Palm Beach Showhouse
Layered Drapes & Curtains in a Study
If you can’t decide between drapes vs curtains, consider layering them. Sheers underneath thick, lined drapery is a common combination that offers you versatile light and privacy control as well as inviting design dimension. For a sophisticated study, choose a light, elegant sheer material like Breeze in Sand and layer it with a deep, dark drapery fabric like Vanda in Midnight. The result is a high-contrast look with lots of visual interest thanks to the visual texture of Breeze and the subtle pattern of Vanda.
Pictured: Outer Layer: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Victoria Hagan, Vanda in Midnight and Inner Layer: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Victoria Hagan, Breeze in Sand, design by Victoria Hagan
Dive Deeper Into Drape & Curtain Options
With a clearer understanding of the differences and similarities between drapes vs curtains, as well as inspiring examples of each, you’re ready to start making your own selections. Visit a showroom to experience all the options available to you in terms of pleat style, hardware, lining, fabric and more. Plus, you’ll meet our dedicated Design Consultants who can answer your questions and help you decide on the right selections for your space.
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