Drapes vs curtains – what’s the difference and which will be best for your space?

If you’re dressing a window, the differences between drapes vs curtains are important. While the words are often used interchangeably, their style and the benefits they bring to the room aren’t quite the same.

Window treatment ideas can be crucial in order to create privacy for a room, and to regulate the light reaching it, and they’re a fundamental factor in a room’s aesthetic, too. Knowing the benefits drapes and curtains bring ensures all the demands you have of them in a particular space are met.

To guide you through your selection, we asked interiors experts to explain what drapes and curtains are, and how they are best used, so you can do so with confidence.

Drapes vs curtains

Curtains and drapes may both be window treatments, but they are distinct.

‘“Curtains” and “drapes” are often used interchangeably, and terminology can vary by location,’ explains Betty Brandolino, founder and creative director at Home Environments. ‘Some people rarely use the word curtain, while in other places, curtain is the default term for all types of drapery. However, in the industry, there are key differences that set them apart.’

This is the lowdown.

What are drapes?

Compare drapes to curtains and there are distinctions. ‘Drapes are more formal and elegant, and are often made from heavier more luxurious fabrics such as velvet, silk, or thicker wool blends,’ says interior designer Linette Dai.

‘They are usually floor-length, sometimes with puddles for a slightly dramatic and old-world effect. Drapes are often pleated and lined, and are sometimes designed with custom valences in more traditional homes.’

The lining of drapes fulfills a variety of needs. ‘Drapery is usually lined with privacy or blackout fabric, offering better light control and enhanced privacy, while giving the room a more substantial, polished look,’ says Haley Weidenbaum, founder of Everhem. ‘The lining in drapery not only adds to its durability and function, such as blocking light, but also provides a more elegant, structured appearance.’

What are curtains?

What they’re made from and their level of formality sets curtains apart from drapes.

‘Curtains are made from lighter weight fabrics, typically unlined, and are used in spaces where full privacy or blackout coverage isn’t necessary,’ says Betty Brandolino. ‘They share the same header styles as drapes and can be customized to any size. Overall, curtains create a more casual and relaxed look.’

Curtains may be full-length, but that’s often not the case. ‘Typically, when we talk about curtains, we’re referring to a window treatment style where the length of the fabric stops just above the windowsill or at the bottom of the window,’ says Haley Weidenbaum.

When is it preferable to use drapes?

Drapes are the more elegant choice. ‘Drapes are preferable when you need to achieve both privacy and light control while enhancing the overall design of a room,’ says Haley Weidenbaum.

‘They work best in spaces where you want to make a more substantial design statement – such as living rooms, bedrooms, or formal areas – because they provide a tailored, structured look.’

They’re the best choice for bedrooms for a further reason. ‘Their heavier fabrics create a more substantial presence, and custom liners make them a preferred choice for bedrooms where room darkening and soundproofing are priorities,’ says Betty Brandolino.

When is it preferable to use curtains?

Curtains can prove the better choice for some areas of a home.

‘In spaces where you’d like to keep a more casual vibe or want to be able to wash your window treatment regularly, curtains can be quite low maintenance and suitable,’ says Linette Dai.

Think of them when you want to let in daylight. ‘Curtains are a great choice for café areas, sunrooms, and sliding doors, as they add warmth and a touch of privacy while still allowing plenty of natural light to filter through,’ says Betty Brandolino.

And Haley Weidenbaum suggest using them in kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.

What else is important when deciding on drapes vs curtains?

Both drapes and curtains are highly customizable, notes Betty Brandolino. However, there is a key distinction.

‘Drapes are always custom-made by fabrication workrooms to fit a client’s specific window dimensions and ceiling height,’ she says. ‘Curtains, on the other hand, can often be store-bought, as their relaxed nature means precise measurements aren’t always a priority for homeowners.’

Drapes and curtains have their individual merits, but drapes win hands down in the head to head when your window treatment has two specific purposes. ‘If privacy and light blocking are a priority, a proper set of drapes with blackout lining would be the ideal solution,’ says Linette Dai.