Drapes vs. Curtains: What Are the Differences and How Much Do They Cost?

Custom curtains and custom drapes are increasingly popular as window coverings in window treatments. They are central to the color scheme of the treatment and are an effective way to complement or enhance a room’s décor. Read on to learn more about drapes vs. curtains

Drapes

Different Types of Drapes

Goblet Drapery

Goblet Drapery gets its name from the way the pleats taper a few inches beneath the rod, in the shape of a goblet.

Inverted Pleat

If you want to hide the pleat from the room’s interior, inverted pleat drapes are a good choice. The pleats face the exterior, giving the drapes a flat look from inside the room.

Pinch Pleat

Like goblet drapery, the pleats pinch together a few inches below the rod, but the pleats are narrower, without the goblet-shaped flare at the top.

Ripple Fold

Ripple fold is an elegant and popular design for drapery. Its gentle, wavelike folds allow the drapes to close easily.

Tailored Pleat

This versatile design is pinched off at the top so that the pleats widen gracefully as they descend. Their combination of functionality and understated elegance make them a top choice for modern homeowners.

Combining Drapery Styles

Many homeowners create a layered, complex look with multiple drapes on the same window. Experiment with different combinations to see what works best for your window treatment. Custom curtains and drapes give you virtually unlimited options.

Benefits

Drapes are ideal for more formal window treatments. They are generally thicker and more durable than curtains. Because they reach the floor, they can do a better job at keeping out unwanted exterior light.

Curtains

Different Types of Curtains

Austrian Curtains

Austrian curtains have a unique scalloped pattern that adds a rich, old-world feel to a window treatment.

Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains are thick and provide good coverage, which is ideal for situations where you need the room to be dark.

Grommet Curtains

Grommet curtains are durable because of the metal grommets near the top.

Tab-Top Curtains

Tab-Top Curtains are easy to install because of the tab of fabric that loops around the rod.

Benefits

Curtains are, in most cases, easier to open and close than drapes, and they provide a lighter, more casual feel to the window treatment.

The Difference Between Drapes and Curtains

Drapes and curtains are similar in their form and function but differ in form and aesthetic. Drapes tend to be longer and heavier, giving them a stately, formal look and making them a bit harder to move. Curtains tend to be lighter and cover the window rather than hanging to the floor.

The Similarities Shared by Curtains and Drapes

Curtains and drapery panels both hang from curtain rods positioned above a window or set of windows. They attach to the rod by tabs, rings, or grommets and hang down to cover the window when closed. They are elements of many common types of window treatments.

How Much Do Drapes and Curtains Cost

The cost of a curtain or drapery panel set varies widely, from a few dollars for a light set of curtains on a clearance rack to well over a thousand dollars for custom curtains and drapes made from silk, linen, or some other exotic fabric.

How to Choose Between Drapes vs. Curtains

The best way to choose between drapes and curtains is to experiment with different styles until you find the ones that work best for you. Drapes are generally better for formal areas, like a dining room, while curtains have a lighter feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Curtains Be Put Over Blinds?

Yes. The most important consideration when installing curtains over blinds is that the blinds are within the window frame. This leaves enough room for the curtains to hang outside the window frame.

What Are the Uses of Curtains and Draperies?

Curtains and drapes have many uses:

• They draw attention to the window and exterior landscape beyond.
• They accentuate the room's decor
• They are effective at blocking unwanted light
• They help to insulate the house from cold air
• They provide privacy

Are Curtains and Drapes in Style for 2022?

Curtains and drapes are definitely in style for 2022. The drive to beautify and enhance indoor spaces is a rising trend as people plan for family gatherings, set up home offices, and have more money to invest in home improvement.

For more information about the latest custom curtains and drapes trends, call Zinga’s Home Solutions at (844) 374-5830 today.

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Braden Jones