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What are the Differences Between Curtains and Drapes?

While in casual conversation, we might use the terms curtains and drapery interchangeably, in the world of professional window treatments, there is, in fact, a difference between these two window treatments. To know if you should get curtains or drapes for your Maryland home, you must first understand the differences between these two window treatments.

Living room drapes in a modern home near Silver Spring, MD

So, the team at Kugler's Home Fashions is taking a close look at drapes vs. curtains and some of the key ways they differ to help you better understand these two options for window treatments near Silver Spring, MD.

Differences in Materials

Both curtains and drapes are fabric-based treatments that come in a range of textiles, patterns, and colors. The diversity of fabric choices for curtains and drapes helps make each one incredibly customizable. However, the type of fabrics used sets each treatment apart.

Curtains: Typically made of lighter fabrics like sheer or cotton.

Drapery: Typically made of thicker textiles like velvet or damask.

General Aesthetic

The variety of fabrics used in curtains and drapes makes them a cohesive choice for many interior design aesthetics, from Coastal Chic to Modern Minimalism. However, curtains and drapes differ in their perceived style, which can affect how or where a homeowner would want to use the treatment in their home.

Curtains: Have a more casual and relaxed style.

Drapery: Has a more formal and luxurious style.

Light Control

Providing light control is one of the primary reasons that Maryland homeowners get new window treatments. Curtains and drapes both provide excellent light control and a spectrum of interior lighting options. 

Curtains: Provide light-filtration or room-darkening effects with their lighter fabrics.

Drapery: Provide room-darkening effects to blackout interiors, especially when fashioned with back liners.

Installation

Both curtains and custom drapery near Silver Spring, MD, can be cut and installed in a variety of sizes to fit custom window sizes in your home. However, the larger installation options are most often for drapery vs. curtains, which more often have a streamlined and sized-down application.

Curtains: Generally, they are cut to fit the window size exactly or only slightly larger. Cafe curtains are even smaller and fit to cover only the lower half of a window.

Drapery: It has larger installation options, from wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling, answering the question, "Should drapes touch the floor?" with a resounding yes! However, some homeowners may choose to have their drapes fall slightly above floor level.

Best Rooms

Curtains and drapes can be used in many different ways throughout a home. However, our team of experts believes that some rooms lend themselves better to drapes vs. curtains.

Curtains: Use in kitchens where the tailored size of curtains will keep out of the way while still providing light control.

Drapery: Use in bedrooms, where blackout fabrics can create a more sleep-friendly environment. Their thicker textiles are also better at absorbing sound.

Window Treatment Store near Silver Spring, MD

Come into our Silver Spring location to learn more about the differences between drapes vs. curtains. The Kugler's Home Fashions team is well-educated in all Hunter Douglas window treatments, and we can help you find and style curtains or drapes to suit your home. Kugler's Home Fashions serves Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia residents from our central location near Silver Spring, MD. Request a consultation today!

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