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What is the Difference Between Curtains and Drapes?

Spring is always a good time to explore new ways to enhance your Iowan home. Whether you refresh with paint, new furniture, or flooring, paying attention to your window treatments is critical. Perhaps you have your heart set on curtains or drapes but aren’t sure which would best fit your home.

Home apartment decorated with Hunter Douglas draperies at Interior Re-Styling near Council Bluffs, IA

Curtains and drapes seem alike, and while they do have many similarities, they are different and have their own unique design features. Our design experts are delighted to discuss the unique characteristics and aesthetic appeal of curtains and drapes, along with some features of window shades and how they fit into the comparison as another option.

Drapes for a Traditional Style

Drapes are long fabric lengths and are typically fitted with an additional liner for optimum insulating, room-darkening, and noise-reduction qualities. Fabrics used in drape production are often heavy fabrics like velvet, suede, or wool.

You can select from various drapery lengths, depending on your preference. Consider hanging your drapes at the crest of the ceiling for a dramatic look. This method adds visual height to your room because the eye is drawn upwards. For a romantic flow, consider extra-long drapes to pool the additional fabric on the floor for a dramatic flair.

Curtains for a Casual Aesthetic

Curtains are far more casual than drapes and are made from lighter fabrics like cotton and chiffon. They are not typically lined like drapes, so they will not provide as much insulation, light management, or privacy.

While drapes are hung outside the window frame, curtains are hung within. Spring-released wood, fabric, or metal rods with rings or grommets hang the curtains. Curtains are typically less expensive than drapes and offer a lighter, airy aesthetic.

Window Shades for a Simplified Look

If, after reading about drapes and curtains, you decide something else is the right style for your home, window shades are another classic window covering. They differ from drapes and curtains in that shades come in several styles, such as roller, Roman, sheer, cellular, woven, and vertical.

Window shades offer a more streamlined look because they are installed directly within the window frame. When horizontal shades are rolled up, they virtually disappear, and when vertical shades are opened, they stack neatly to one side.

Curtains, Drapes, and Shades Near Council Bluff, IA

Interior Re-Styling is your premier source for everything you need to reinvent your home with luxurious wallpapers, high-quality window treatments, custom drapery, and more. Our design experts can help you redesign one room or your entire home with fresh colors and furniture and even introduce you to new design trends for 2024. When you are ready to learn more about the difference between curtains and drapes, contact us today for an in-home consultation.

We are honored to serve the greater Council Bluffs, Iowa, area as well as Neola, Minden, Mineola, Treynor, Crescent, Glenwood, Underwood, and Chautauqua, IA; Omaha, Gretna, Elkhorn, Millard, Bellevue, La Vista, Papillion, Ralston, Bennington, Plattsmouth, and Fort Calhoun, NE.