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Drapes vs. Curtains vs. Shades: What’s the Difference?

If you’re looking into getting curtains, drapes, or shades, you’ve probably wondered about the differences between the three. While knowing what exactly makes each of these window treatments unique can be confusing, our team at Jamesburg Hardware & Appliance can explain the differences.

Hunter Douglas Designer Roller Shades blocking light in a home near Jamesburg, NJ

Whether you’re looking to enhance one room or need a window covering for every room of your home, we can’t wait to share with you the differences between drapes, curtains, and shades so you know which one is the perfect choice for your home.

What are Curtains?

Standard curtains are made of fabric panels, which often come in pairs. You will typically be able to find curtains in different widths, colors, and fabrics based on your preference. If you’re looking to soften the look of a room with fabric, texture, and color, then curtains can be an excellent choice to do so. Curtains also hang from a rod that generally sits just above the top of the window.

Are you asking yourself, “What are standard curtain lengths?” Well, what makes curtains unique from shades and drapes is that standard curtains don’t go all the way to the floor the way that drapes do. Curtains will typically only fall to the end of the bottom of your window.

What are Drapes?

Unlike curtains, drapes are long in appearance and tend to feature heavy fabrics. If you’re considering getting drapes for your interior window treatments, there are some things you need to know before making the final decision. These long panels of fabric will usually run just above the floor or pool onto the floor below the window for an elegant look. Like curtains, drapes are often sold in pairs. However, most drapes feature heavy fabric that makes them ideal for blocking out light and helping to keep out the heat or cold from your windows.

What are Shades?

Shades are quite different from both curtains and drapes in a variety of ways. First off, shades are a single piece of fabric that is sold individually and not as a pair. Shades also typically have some sort of lifting mechanism, like a cord or roller that rolls or bunches around a rod. You can find shades in different fabrics, colors, patterns, and styles that complement your home’s décor or your individual tastes.

Like curtains, shades generally run to the bottom of your window when pulled down. Options like Hunter Douglas Designer Solar Shades can be great for blocking light and UV rays, while Roman shades can bring a touch of contemporary flair to a space.

Deciding Which Custom Window Treatment Is Best

While each of these window treatments has its own advantages, there is no “best” between the three. Your choice will ultimately depend on which custom window treatment you prefer. Each option has different features, such as differences in opacity, movement, and pattern, to consider. For instance, blackout curtains are great for blocking out unwanted light and UV rays, while certain shades gently filter light while still giving you a view of the outside world.

Custom Window Treatments Near Central NJ

Jamesburg Hardware & Appliance offers a wide selection of custom Hunter Douglas window treatments. Contact us online to learn more about the differences between drapes vs. curtains vs. shades. We can also answer any questions you have about getting custom window treatments for your home.

We proudly serve Jamesburg, NJ, as well as Monroe Township, East Brunswick, East Windsor, and Manalapan.

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