Drapes vs Curtains – What’s The Best Choice For Your Home?
Drapes vs curtains? Which choice will provide your home with the best option? The answer depends on several factors, including what you want the window coverings to do for your home. Discover how these window treatments each create a distinctive look for your space and which may be best for you.
What Is The Difference Between Curtains And Drapes?
In 2019, Americans spent only $13.58 per household on drapes and curtains. However, this value can be misleading because these types of window treatments can last for years. Therefore, most people don't invest in them annually. A well-made set of custom drapes or curtains can last for years in your home.
Curtains and drapes have several distinctions that make each a unique covering for a window. Their sizes, materials, and uses help to distinguish these window treatments.
First, the sizes differ. Generally, drapes are much longer than curtains. While both can reach the ground, drapes have the option to choose even longer panels for puddling on the floor for an elegant effect. Curtains can stretch down to cover half the window, as in café curtains, cover to the windowsill, or reach down to the floor.
Second, there are significant differences in the materials used to make drapes and curtains and their applications. For instance, drapes use heavier fabrics, which allows them to look more elegant when puddling on the ground. They require denser rods to support the extra weight. However, curtains typically use medium or lightweight materials that would not produce an aesthetically pleasing effect if puddled. Plus, they use a curtain rod for support, which is not as strong as the type of rod used to hold up drapes.
Third, the materials and lengths of curtains and drapes affect their uses. For example, because they are usually thinner, curtains typically pair with blinds or a window shade and have typically informal applications. Often, curtains come in a variety of levels of sheerness to change how much light comes into the room. Sheer curtains let in the most light while blackout curtains prevent most light from coming inside. Drapes are thicker and more likely to offer light-blocking properties. They also tend to have applications in more formal spaces.
How To Choose Fabric For Curtains Or Drapes
Selecting the best fabric for custom curtains or custom drapes is critical to the covering's functions and appearance. Drapes and curtains come sold in pairs of fabric panels. The material used for these fabrics should look good, stand up to light exposure, and last for years.
For great looks, consider whether you need medium or lightweight curtains or heavier drapes. The weight of the window treatment will help you choose the best-looking fabric. For instance, cotton is lightweight, but not likely to offer the luxurious appearance needed for drapes. Similarly, thick velvet is too heavy for a curtain rod to support and is best used for drapes.
The fabric should stand up to sunlight without fading. Linen and linen blends perform very well in this area. However, if you are concerned about fading, ask about a liner for your drapes to protect the side facing the windows from sun damage.
Lastly, the material should last for years. Heavy-wearing fabrics include linens, cotton, and synthetics. Ask one of our expert design consultants when choosing your material for your drapes or curtains to get customized advice for your home.
How To Choose The Best Window Treatment For Your Home
To choose the best window coverings options for your home, first, consider your priorities. Do you want to improve your home's energy efficiency? Block out or let in light? Create a noise-reduction option? By answering these questions, you will have a better chance of narrowing down the best option for your home.
If your goal for your window treatments is conserving energy, heavy drapes will help. Choose white backings and medium colors on drapes for the interior to reduce heat entry during the summer by up to 33%. Plus, regardless of color or material, most drapes can prevent up to 10% heat loss during the winter. Sealing the drapes around the window brings that value up to a 25% reduction in heat loss.
If you want to let in more light, opt for lighter curtains in a sheer material. These will permit the greatest amount of light into the room while still affording you privacy. However, if you would like to block out light, consider blackout curtains or drapes. If you sometimes want less light, and other times need more, use curtains over blinds to have the greatest amount of control over the light coming through a window.
For keeping the neighborhood noise from interrupting your interior spaces, choose long, thick drapes to absorb sound coming through the window.
With the above in mind, you can more easily choose the best window treatments to fit your lifestyle.
Need Help? Contact The Home Decor Experts At Bob's UDC!
Still need help deciding between drapes vs curtains? Visit our Marietta, Georgia location, to see our huge selection of fabrics and talk to one of our experts in creating custom curtains and drapes. Here at Bob's Upholstery and Decorating Center, you will find all the inspiration and expert advice that you need for creating the home that you want. Plus, you can get custom solutions for your window coverings and much more. Make us part of your home décor plans.