Difference between a curtain and a drape ?

by Elaine
(South Africa)

What is the difference between a curtain and drapes?


Hi Elaine

Very good question you ask, in my opinion not very much. There are 2 schools of thought on this subject.

1. Simply Americans tend to call window treatments "Drapes" on a more regular basis. While most other countries tend to call them "Curtains". I've no real idea why.

2. Then some people call window treatments "Drapes" when they are static. They are only used to dress the window. They don't open and shut them. They reserve the word "Curtain" for working window treatments. When they are able to open and close.

I hope this makes sense to you.



Best regards

Lee