What are the Main Differences Between Drapes vs Curtains?

Drapes and curtains are stylized fabric panels that cover windows and add elegance and style to a room. Even though the words are often used interchangeably, the two have several differences, including material and fabric length. For high-quality window treatments near Manchester, NH, visit NH Blinds. We carry custom fabrics so you can design custom drapes or curtains for your home. Explore the differences between curtains and drapes to learn which would look best in your home.

Drapes vs Curtains: Differences in Length

Custom curtains and drapes typically have fabric panels that glide across a rod above your window. You can also select drapery panels that frame your window instead of sweeping across it. This is an excellent choice in addition to other window treatments, like wood blinds or shutters.

One of the most significant differences between drapes and curtains is that drapes hang all the way to the ground, often creating a puddle of fabric. Curtains typically drop just below the edge of the window. However, some curtains cover only half the window, like café curtains. Both options have room for personal choice, particularly as you assess whether you'd prefer drapes vs curtains.

Curtains vs Drapes: Differences in Fabric Opacity

Curtains have a much wider range of options regarding fabric opacity. They typically range from sheer to room-darkening and blackout. On the other hand, drapes usually have less openness, so they're available in opaque to room-darkening and blackout.

• Sheer fabrics offer little privacy but great view-through, especially during the day, which allows for a lot of natural light and has an airy appearance.
• Semi-sheer fabrics provide more privacy during the day and let in filtered light.
• Opaque fabrics offer excellent privacy but little view-through and let in little natural light when they're closed.
• Room darkening or blackout fabrics block out 99% of light. They're more energy efficient because they reflect or absorb heat from sunlight and provide excellent privacy in spaces like primary and guest bedrooms.

Drapes vs Curtains: Differences in Fabric Weight

Another big difference between curtains and drapery is the weight of the fabric. Curtains can be made from light fabrics, including lace, silk, rayon, and linen, to heavy fabrics, like wool, velvet, corduroy, poplin, and chenille. Curtains can also feature medium fabrics like satin, taffeta, and cotton. Heavy-weight fabrics are often considered room-darkening or blackout materials.

Drapes near Manchester, NH, typically include heavy fabrics. These add warmth and texture to your home, creating privacy and boosting energy savings.

Contact Us for Window Treatments Near Manchester, NH

Improve the aesthetic of your home with interior shutters for windows. At NH Blinds, we carry wood composite, vinyl, and wood interior shutters near Manchester, NH. We also carry blinds, shades, and custom drapery from top window treatment companies, including Norman®, Comfortex™, Carole™ Fabrics, and Pro Design.

Request an in-home consultation by calling or leaving a message on our contact form. We proudly serve Manchester, NH, as well as Southern New Hampshire, Southwest Maine, and Northern Massachusetts. Contact us today!