Drapes vs. Curtains: What's the Difference?
Drapes and curtains are very similar window coverings but have distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Awnings, Blinds, and Shutters by Albert's South Jersey Wallpaper team explain the differences and share the rooms that best suit each.
The Details of Drapes and Curtains
Drapes and curtains use fabrics, and it's easy to understand why someone may use the terms interchangeably. Let's break down the primary differences between the two:
- Length: Drapes are always long, flowing panels that break no more than half an inch above the floor. Curtains are never any longer than the bottom of the window sill, and many prefer to have their curtains break just above the sill.
- Material: Another critical difference between drapes and curtains is their material. Curtains use lightweight, everyday fabrics, like cotton, linen, or polyester, and rarely have ornate details. Drapes, conversely, are made from luxe materials, such as silk, velvet, or brocade, and often have lavish top treatments, decorative finials, and tiebacks.
- Aesthetic: Curtains are whimsical, casual, and best suited for laid-back spaces, including family and children's bedrooms. Drapes have a stately presence and are an exquisite accent in rooms with extravagant furniture, statement lighting, and refined artwork.
- Lining:
Drapes usually have a liner to boost their insulation and light-blocking power, providing structure so the fabric falls gracefully, helping spare costly drapes from sun damage, and providing a clean, consistent appearance from the street. Curtains rarely have liners as they hang in rooms where natural light is always welcome, and instead, use fabrics that don't show fading as prominently as drapes.
Drapes and Curtains: The Best Rooms for Each
Now that you know the curtains and draperies definitions, consider the rooms you can use them in:
- Kitchen: The kitchen is one of the busiest areas in your home and one of the messiest, so we suggest using curtains made from a durable fabric, like a cotton blend. Café-style curtains are great for windows over kitchen sinks because they allow you to enjoy privacy and sunshine.
- Laundry Room: If you're like us, you spend as little time in the laundry room as possible, so luxurious drapes won't get the attention they deserve here. The thick fabric of drapery panels is also not ideal for the humidity of laundry rooms.
- Dining Room: The windows in formal dining rooms are fantastic spots to hang posh drapes. We love the dramatic appearance of long silk drapes that form a fabric puddle on the floor.
- Bedroom: Drapes are ideal for bedrooms because they offer significant room darkening power and insulation to keep the space warm on cold nights. Many people layer drapes with another window covering for enhanced light control and versatility. You can use drapes with sheer panels, shades, or blinds.
- Bathroom: Humid bathrooms are not the best place for thick materials like velvet, but you can still enjoy the elegant appearance of long panels in lighter fabrics, such as linen. We suggest sill-length curtains in casual décor or half baths, as drapes will visually overwhelm the space.
Drapes and Curtains Near Turnersville, New Jersey
Awnings, Blinds, and Shutters by Albert's South Jersey Wallpaper has been elevating the appearance of local homes for over 65 years. We offer top brands of exterior awnings, blinds, shades, shutters, and custom drapes and curtains.
Contact us today to begin your custom window treatment journey. Awnings, Blinds, and Shutters By Albert's South Jersey Wallpaper is in Turnersville, New Jersey, and proudly serves Burlington County, Cherry Hill, Gloucester County, Washington Township, Camden County, Mount Laurel Township, Sewell, Mullica Hill, New Jersey, and the surrounding areas.
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We are a local window treatment dealer who offers a variety of custom window treatments, including horizontal blinds, vertical blinds, roman shades, roller shades, sheer shadings, honeycomb cellular shades, woven wood shades, plantation shutters, and exterior screen shades. We also offer custom awnings. Our showroom is located in Turnersville, New Jersey (NJ), and also proudly serve Burlington County, Cherry Hill, Gloucester County, Washington Township, Camden County, Mount Laurel Township, Sewell, Mullica Hill, and the surrounding areas.
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