Drapery & Curtains
Drapery & Curtains..... Aren’t They the Same?
If You’re Confused, it’s Okay...
You’re Not Alone!
There’s a common misconception held by many people (including some designers!) that Drapery & Curtains are basically the same thing, and both terms tend to be used interchangeably. And that can be confusing! However, there are several obvious and/or subtle differences that distinguish one from the other, all of which can dramatically transform and redefine the function and feel of the room they’re chosen for.
Drapery or Curtains – How Will I Choose the Right Treatment?
Aside from their differences, both window treatments also share similarities which could further compound the confusion and affect other decisions regarding the selection of complementary paint colours, furniture, lighting, flooring etc. However, the good news for either situation is that they both share a common solution: knowing the purpose or intended use of the room will give you a much better sense of which type of treatment to choose. Then, from that point, everything simply boils down to individual taste. So with that in mind, let’s look at some key features of both:
FABRICS
Your choice of fabric is one of the most important decisions affecting the choice of window treatment. Curtains are not lined and usually made with a lighter fabric, thin or sheer, and come in a wider range of colours and patterns. Drapes are made of heavier fabrics and typically lined and although they come in a range of colours and styles, they are usually solid instead of heavily patterned.
FUNCTIONALITY
The key difference Drapes have over Curtains is their formal appearance. Drapery adds a rich elegance to stately dining rooms and posh living rooms. Antique and traditional furnishings are a natural pairing for all styles of draperies.
- To Block out Light:
If you’re looking to completely block out light, opt for thick-lined Drapes. This is a popular choice for bedrooms or other places where complete darkness or privacy is a must. - To Let in Light:
Curtains come in a variety of thicknesses, with sheer options that let in light. Choosing a sheer Curtain in a warmer shade means that as the sun shines in, your home will be flooded with a beautiful light. - To Alternate Between the Two – Dual Shading System
If you want to alternate between allowing light to shine through and completely blocking it out, Curtains with blinds underneath work best, as the blinds can be lowered or raised to your liking. Perfect for bedrooms, home theatre etc. - To Block out Noise/Insulate:
Drapery that extends from the top of the window to the floor and contain a thick lining are best for blocking out noise and insulating your home. Polyester is the most popular choice for noise-reducing and insulating drapes.
Can Drapes & Curtains be Motorized? Absolutely!
Although creating an environment that speaks to elegant design quality is always a prime consideration, motorization provides many other benefits including:
- child safety
- convenience
- privacy
- an added sense of security
- improved energy efficiencies...just to name a few.
And when you decide to motorize your Drapery or Curtains, even just one room at a time as your needs or budget require, Drapes’n Shades will be happy to address all your Motorization questions along with bringing a full range of colours and exciting blackout textures for you to examine and choose from.
Smart-Home Technology
Selected as an Expert Somfy® Dealer, we know exactly what needs to happen to ensure flawless wiring and seamless smart-home system integration. And, as a Motorization specialist, Drapes’n Shades has the expertise to assimilate the latest in cutting-edge interface technology with most popular control platforms, including Alexa, Lutron, IFTTT, Google Assistant, Somfy®, Logitech, Control4, etc. Plus, we offer a full range of hard-wired, battery, and solar-powered options that easily let you modify natural daylight and privacy with a simple touch of a button on hand-held/wall-mounted remotes or voice-commands, pre-programmed time-sets from anywhere in the world, in real time, directly from your tablet, phone or computer.
Don’t put it off any Longer!
Book an appointment right now and let Drapes'n Shades help you design and produce the perfect Drapery & Curtains shading solution for every room in your home. And if saving money is important, don’t forget that you’ll receive Factory Direct Savings because there’s no middleman -- you’re buying direct from the manufacturer!
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