Curtains Vs. Drapes
The terms curtains and drapes can be used interchangeably today, though historically they were distinct products. Curtains or drapes can add privacy, insulation and style to homes, and choosing them is a fairly straightforward process.
The Facts
Today, the words curtains and drapes are used almost interchangeably. In professional parlance, drapes are usually long, heavy window coverings that are lined, while curtains are lighter window coverings that filter the sunlight and provide some privacy, but to most people, drapes and curtains are the same thing.
History
Historically, drapes and curtains referred not to the window treatments themselves but to the people who provided them. Drapers were merchants who sold fabric and materials for making window treatments, which were purchased by curtain makers who went from house to house to cut, drape and hang the purchased fabric. Though drapers and curtain makers worked closely together, their tasks were distinct from one another.
Curtain comes from the Latin word cortina, which meant (among other things) a partial veil or covering.
Benefits
Curtains serve a variety of purposes in the modern home. In addition to adding to a home's decor and style, insulated curtains can help trap heat or cool air inside, reducing overall home energy use and costs, with positive environmental and economic results. Curtains also add privacy, a plus for people who live in apartments or neighborhoods. Curtains can help block out nighttime light, improving the quality of sleep for some people. And because curtains filter daytime light, too, they can help reduce fading and damage caused by sunlight over time in rooms with strong sun exposure.
Considerations
When choosing curtains, it's generally fine to ignore whether the curtains are described as curtains or drapes and to focus on whether they fit your particular needs.
If your main purpose in purchasing curtains is to add privacy, look for heavy curtains with a lining that will completely cover the window when you want them to.
If you want curtains to block sunlight or nighttime light, look for curtains that are lined with blackout material. You can also purchase blackout liners separately, if your favorite curtains don't come with an option for blackout liners.
If you like the look of curtains but don't want to lose your room's natural light, sheer or very light curtains can be a good pick.
Purchase ready-made curtains at most retail and discount stores, or have curtains custom-made. Though custom-made curtains are more expensive than their ready-made counterparts, purchasing them allows you to dictate the exact materials and style you want. If you are handy with a sewing machine, you can customize ready-made curtains with lace, ribbon or trim to make them more individual.
Other Uses
Curtains and drapes aren't just for windows. Consider using them in other places in your home where you might need to create privacy or define a space, such as to create a closet door where one is missing or to divide a room into smaller spaces.
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