Draperies or Curtains?

Goblet Pleat Draperies over three finger pleat self lined curtains

The other day I was at a networking meeting conversing with two ladies so the argument came up about what is considered drapery or what makes it a curtain.  According to the dictionary: drapery means cloth coverings hanging in loose folds; while curtain means a piece of material suspended at the top to form a covering or screen, typically one of a pair at a window.  Okay stay with me here, let’s get into the conversation. One lady says when she thinks of curtains what comes to mind is cafe style curtains. Hmmm, which means to her that curtains or short and don’t cover the entire window. Now, as she thinks of drapery she can only visualize long thick heavy lined and interlined fabrics hanging on high ceilings. The other lady ironically named Harriet like me said to her curtains are long and flowing while draperies are shorter and have pleats.  Haha…… how interesting? What do you see when you hear these words? What comes to mind for you? What’s your opinion?

So, What’s Your Style Ha?

To my knowledge curtains can be long or short but the key difference is they are usually sheer unlined or self lined, meaning the lined with the same fabric. Curtains are for letting the light into your room.  Curtains are mostly hung closest to the windows. On the other hand draperies are lined and can be interlined depending on the look or purpose. For draperies the fabric is a much heavier weight, can be long or short, sometimes decorated with embellishments or a banding and is usually a second layer of covering on the window.  Many times you have to draw the drapes in order to see the curtains from the inside of the room.

 What’s your style? Do you like it light and airy? Or do you like it heavy, dark and ornate?  There’s no right or wrong way it’s a matter of style and tastes. Whether you're looking for some draperies or curtains Interiors by Harriet can assist you with your window covering.  If your looking for someone to guide you every step of the process and beyond then that’s what we do.