Today I had somebody come into the store, inquiring about custom draperies. This nice lady called them custom curtains, however was not sure if this is the proper terminology to use. We hear it all from side panels to draperies, curtains to window coverings. I found this quote online” Although many people think CURTAINS and DRAPES are the same thing, since they both cover windows, there is a difference by definition and use, even though most of us use the word interchangeably. Curtains usually are a lighter fabric, thin or sheer. They are not lined and won’t block out light”.
I agree to some point regarding the weight and quality of the window coverings, however I also think that draperies usually are “custom” and hand made, where as curtains can be found “ready made” at stores. Drapes usually are much nicer in quality, always lined or interlined (or with blackout lining), made out of heavier fabric like velvets, damask, nicer linen fabrics or blends. The top of a drapery panel is also usually pleated and there are several different styles of pleats available. Our most popular pleat is a pinch pleated panel because it stacks nicely and gives drapery panels the fullness they need. ( There are also pencil pleats, goblet pleats inverted pleats).
So there you have it 🙂 the difference between custom curtains and draperies.