Blackout Curtains

Best for: Bedrooms

Blackout curtains completely block out light and allow complete darkness to promote a good night's sleep. Their thickly woven lining prevents light from filtering through. Besides regulating light, blackout curtains also help regulate temperature and keep drafts out in the winter and hot air in the summer. This set from Deconovo is a great example.

Curtains With Tiebacks

Best for: Bedrooms and living rooms

Curtain tiebacks are a decorative and practical addition to window panels. They typically come with the curtains and are made from the same material—you'll also see them made from woven cords embellished with tassels or a complementing fabric or pattern. They are kept in place with two loops on either end secured in a hook on the wall.

Pleated Panel Curtains

Best for: Formal living spaces and bedrooms

If you want to add an elegant and slightly dressy look to your windows, pleated panel curtains are a beautiful choice. The pleats are made from multiple fabric folds and bunched together to create fullness. They gently hang uniformly for a timeless and sophisticated feel.

Single Panel Curtains

Best for: Small windows, a modern look

A smaller window may only require one curtain panel instead of two. It's typically made from one continuous piece of fabric, and you can always purchase two panels for either side of the window or even double up on panels on both sides for larger windows or sliding doors.

Double Panel Curtains

Best for: Bay windows, French and sliding doors

As the name suggests, double curtain panels are formed from two single panels on each side of the window. When purchasing your window treatments, carefully read the product description to see whether it contains one or two panels.

Pinch Pleat Curtains

Best for: Formal living spaces and bedrooms

Pinch pleat curtains will add a decorative touch to your windows if you're looking for extra detailing. A classic pinch pleat is made from three tight fabric folds that form a fan-like detail at the top of the curtain panel, with the pleats gently fanning out toward the ground.

Grommet Curtains

Best for: Windows where you frequently open and close the curtains

Grommet curtains are easy to open and close quickly, thanks to how well they slide along the rod. The panels have round metal rings built into the top part, eliminating the need for curtain rings since the rod slides directly through the holes punched into the fabric. These curtains create a clean, modern, and uncluttered look perfect for streamlined, contemporary, and transitional spaces.

Cafe Curtains

Best for: Kitchens and bathrooms

Cafe curtains differ from other types of curtains in that they only cover the bottom portion of the window, allowing light to filter in through the top while still providing privacy. They can easily be installed using a small tension rod instead of a permanent rod and are most commonly used in spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Tab Top Curtains

Best for: Informal spaces

Tab top curtains are designed with loops at the top made from the same fabric as the panel and hanging directly from a curtain rod. Like grommet and rod pocket curtains, they don't require curtain rings, and sometimes, instead of sewn-on loops, they have sewn-on ties that add an extra decorative feature.

Floor Length Curtains

Best for: Living spaces, bedrooms

Use floor-length curtains to visually extend the height of the ceiling and make a room feel larger. People tend to hang curtains way too low, which makes the ceiling appear low and heavy, so the general rule of thumb is to hang them two-thirds of the way between the window and ceiling, closer to the ceiling.

Apron Length Curtains

Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, and rooms where the space under the window is blocked

Apron-length curtains fall just below the window sill. They are generally not as popular as they were in decades past, but they are a good choice for spaces with furniture or a heater directly under the window.

Puddle Length Curtains

Best for: Living spaces and bedrooms

Puddling refers to the length of the curtain panel—instead of just touching the ground or having a one-inch break, puddle-length curtains literally "puddle" on the ground to create a dramatic yet soft look. The only drawback to this style of curtains is that they can collect a lot of dust, resulting in the need for more frequent washing.

Light Filtering Curtains

Best for: Rooms where you don't need complete darkness

Light-filtering curtains aren't completely see-through like sheer curtains are, but they let in much more light than room-darkening or blackout curtains. They provide a little privacy and block direct sunlight while allowing plenty of light to filter in. They are made from thinner, loosely woven, lightweight fabrics, usually cotton or polyester.

Window Scarf Curtains

Best for: Traditional-style and formal rooms

You will mainly see window scarf curtains in traditional-style rooms. Their fabric often coordinates or matches the upholstery in the room. These curtains are typically made from three pieces—two curtain panels and a decorative valance on top that drapes over the panels like a scarf.

Rod Pocket

Best for: Standard-size windows and saving money

Rod pocket curtains are one of the most common types of curtains. They have a sleeve at the top for slipping onto the curtain rod. Some fit firmly on the rod and are not easy to open and close often. The pocket may have a small ruffle above it, so account for the size of the ruffle when calculating how low to hang the rod from the ceiling.

Because they are popular, they usually come in many styles, fabrics, and price points. These tend to be the less expensive option. The pockets come in different sizes to accommodate various rod sizes.

Goblet Pleat

Best for: Formal bedrooms and living rooms

Goblet pleat drapes add elegance to any formal space. The top part of these drapes, also called goblet pinch pleats, looks like a goblet. The fabric is pinched, similar to how you would pinch the stem of a goblet with your fingers, with the top cylindrical part looking like a goblet.

Whenever you pinch or pleat fabric, it requires more fabric, making it more voluminous and drapey. The volume adds to the luxurious feel.

Thermal

Best for: Energy efficiency, reducing light in a room, cost savings

Thermal insulated curtains are so named because they keep in heat in winter by reducing drafts and also keep out sunlight when you want to reduce cooling costs in the hot months. These curtains are made of special insulated fabric. These curtains can increase your home's energy efficiency and help you save money over time.

Ripple Fold

Best for: Giving the room a soft, modern look

Also called wave drapery, ripple fold drapes work with a special ripple fold rod or track system and clips that allow you to create waves or "s" curves along the track. When drawn closed, the top ripples or waves remain and are held in place by the snaps or clips. The curves give the room a lush feeling. Also, when opened, it folds well on itself, allowing more light in without the thick bunching often caused by pleated curtains.

| September 20, 2023

Explore Types of Drapes for Your Home

As you’re searching for the perfect drapery to enhance your home, you’re likely coming across lots of types of drapes from different pleat styles to material types to control options and so much more. Taking a step back from exploring products to learn about the different types of drapes can help you in your buying journey by giving you the insight you need to choose the very best style, material and control for your wants and needs.

What Are the Different Types of Drapes?

There are a lot of different types of drapes available, so to help you parse through your options, we’ve broken them down by the following categories:

• Pleat style
• Material
• Hardware

As you’re considering the different types of drapes, you’ll likely come across the terms, “drape” and “curtain.” So, what’s the difference?

What’s the Difference Between a Curtain & a Drape?

Between “curtain” and “drape,” both terms can be used interchangeably to refer to the panels of fabric that make up these window treatments. In some cases, however, curtains may be used to refer to more casual styles of drape, as in “café curtains” while drapery can sometimes be used to refer to taller, more formal drape panels. At The Shade Store, we use “drapery” and “drapes” to refer to our own products.

Drapery Pleat Styles

A drapery pleat style refers to how the drape panel is fashioned at the top where it connects to its hardware and how that style affects the folds of fabric as the panel falls toward the floor. Some styles create clean, crisp lines while others create soft, elegant highlights and lowlights. Yet, choosing the right pleat style is more than just an aesthetic choice: It’s also a functional choice.

Certain pleat styles are more functional than others, either due to which hardware they’re compatible with, how much dressing (adjustment of pleats) they need when opened or closed, or both. Learn more about all your drapery options, categorized by functionality, to help you decide which is right for your space.

Functional Pleat Styles

These pleat styles are all functional and very easy to use while still offering attractive aesthetics. All are compatible with track systems (both motorized and standard manual systems) for super easy use. Tailored Pleat and Pinch Pleat Drapery are also compatible with rod and ring systems, which are still straightforward to use, even without the effortless gliding motion of a track system.

Ripple Fold Drapery

With soft S-curves of material, Ripple Fold Drapery features waves of highlights and lowlights.

Choose this for: A streamlined, simple design ideal for modern and contemporary rooms.

Tailored Pleat Drapery

Three-finger pleats pinched at the very top of the drapery panel create a streamlined, linear look.

Choose this for: A versatile style suitable for different aesthetics that creates a sense of height in a room.

Pinch Pleat Drapery

A traditional style of drapery, Pinch Pleat features three-finger pleats pinched about four inches from the top.

Choose this for: A natural visual break at the top of your drapery panel for a classic look.

Cubicle Drapery

Small grommets a few inches from the top of the drape panel attach to hooks in a track system.

Choose this for: Wide, gentle waves ideal for a more casual aesthetic like boho, coastal or farmhouse styles.

Decorative Pleat Styles

Best for use as stationary decorative panels, these types of drapes offer beautiful aesthetics but may be somewhat difficult to open and close on a daily basis. Or, some may simply not look as attractive when stacked off the window.

Inverted Pleat Drapery

Flat, crisp pleats across the top create a linear, formal look when the drapery is expanded.

Choose this for: A stately, contemporary aesthetic.

Goblet Drapery

Delicately pinched goblet-shaped pleats deliver a luxurious, elegant aesthetic.

Choose this for: An elegant feminine element in formal rooms.

Grommet Drapery

Rings pressed into the drape panels an inch from the top create deep, dramatic folds.

Choose this for: A strong linear look ideal for modern spaces.

Types of Drapes Materials

In addition to pleat style, types of drapes can also be categorized by material. Drapery materials not only vary in aesthetics, but also in functionality in terms of how much light and privacy control they provide. Learn more about types of drapes by material to determine which will give you the look you want with the functionality you need.

Sheer Drapes

Sheers are made with a variety of materials from linen and wool to synthetics like polyester and acrylic, but they all share a similar characteristic. They allow natural light to filter through for a soft, ambient glow while still providing moderate privacy. Different sheer materials will give a slightly different effect, such as a soft shimmer with Sheer Metallic, so you can capture just the right look for your space. 

Choose this for: A light, airy look and feel that lets lots of natural light in.

Pictured: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Luxe Sheer Linen in Off-White

Natural Drape Materials

Natural fabrics include materials like delicate silk and hardy linen and wool, all of which deliver their own unique character-rich looks. However, these materials are prone to stretching and wrinkling, but these imperfections are to be expected and are often desirable.

Choose this for: A high-end look with the added charm of imperfection.

Pictured: Pinch Pleat Drapery, Raw Silk in Glacier

performance fabrics

Synthetic fabrics like Sunbrella are made from acrylic, polyester and other man-made fibers for greater durability and resistance to staining, stretching, wrinkling and more. Their strength makes them ideal for more active rooms like kitchens, living rooms, or kids’ rooms.

Choose this for: A beautifully pristine, unaffected look and peace of mind in its performance.

Pictured: Inner Layer: Relaxed Roman Shade, Sunbrella Vitela in Silver and Outer Layer: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Sunbrella Alma in Beige and Lafayette Hardware in Gun Metal

Privacy Drapes

Privacy drapes are those with privacy lining sewn on the back of your chosen drapery material. While most materials can have privacy lining added in, the thickness and color of the material will affect how much light is allowed through and how much privacy you’ll achieve. The thicker and darker the material, the greater privacy and less light filtration you’ll get.

Choose this for: A touch of light filtration while maintaining complete privacy.

Pictured: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Victoria Hagan, Casa Stripe in Sky

Blackout Drapes

Blackout lining blocks up to 99% of the natural light, helping to create a room darkening effect and provide excellent privacy. Just like with privacy lining, the thickness and color of your drapery material affect how much room darkening and privacy you achieve. Thicker fabrics in rich, dark colors will provide the very best blackout effect and privacy.

Choose this for: A soothing room darkening effect and complete privacy.

Pictured: Inner Layer: Roller Shades, Ava in Birchwood and Outer Layer: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Chinoiserie in Blush with Madison Track System in Bronze

Hardware

Just like pleat style and material, drapery hardware also plays a role in both your drapery’s aesthetics and functionality. Hardware falls into three main categories: traditional rod and rings hardware, track system hardware and motorization track systems.

Keep in mind as you consider hardware options that some drapery pleat styles are only compatible with certain types of hardware. Find out more about types of drapes hardware systems.

Rod & Rings

Rod and ring drapes feature a curtain rod and matching rings to which the drapery panels are attached. This style of hardware is the most traditional type, and it comes in a wide range of aesthetic options from elegant, classic designs to sleek, modern options. Functionally, it is simple to use as the rings glide easily over the rod.

Rod and rings are compatible with all pleat styles except for Ripple Fold Drapery and Cubicle Drapery. For Grommet and Rod Pocket Drapery, keep in mind that you’ll only need the curtain rod, as the rod will be threaded either through the grommets or the fabric pocket, so the rings are not needed. This also means Grommet and Rod Pocket Drapery may be less functional as it will be more difficult to move them without the ease the rings provide.

Track System

Track system drapery consists of a track and carriers that allow the attached drapery panels to glide effortless back and forth. For aesthetics, there are several design options ranging from sleek and minimalist to more elegant, traditional designs.

Track systems are compatible with all pleat styles except for Rod Pocket and Grommet Drapery. However, remember that some pleat styles are not ideal for regular use, such as Goblet and Inverted Pleat Drapery, and look more attractive as stationary decorative panels.

Motorized Drapery

Motorized drapery features a motorized track system, complete with a motor and remote, that allows you to adjust your drapery with the touch of a button. Some motorized systems, like our proprietary motors, can be paired with an app on your smartphone or tablet, or with a smart home device like Amazon Alexa or Google Nest. As for design, motorized track systems come in limited colors and styles, but all offer a simple, minimalist design that suits a wide range of home styles.

Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Drapery

Now that you know the different types of drapes in terms of pleat style, material and hardware, it’s time to think through how to choose the right combination for your home.

• Capture the Right Aesthetics – You’ll want to make sure the pleat style, color, pattern and texture of the material as well as the color and finish of the hardware all complement each other and your existing interior design.
• Assess Your Functionality Needs –Will you be frequently adjusting your drapes each day or are they more for decorative purposes? Your functionality needs will affect which pleat style and hardware system is best suited for your space.
• Get the Right Light & Privacy Control – What kind of light filtration and privacy levels will give you the most functionality out of your room? From gossamer, light filtering sheers to lush, room darkening blackout drapes, your choice in materials and linings can give you just the right level of light and privacy control for every room in your home.

Dive Deeper Into Different Types of Drapes

With all your drapery options in front of you, as well as tips on how to choose the right ones, you’re ready to explore your options in more depth. Our showrooms feature interactive displays of all our product options, including all the types of drapes in terms of pleat style and hardware, so you can get a sense of not only the style of each, but also the functionality. Plus, all material options are available as swatches that you can take home for free to compare in your own lighting. Find your local showroom and plan a visit soon to discover the perfect types of drapes for your home.

FIND A LOCAL SHOWROOM NEAR YOU

Visit your local showroom for interactive displays of all our products, 1,200+ premium material swatches and helpful Design Consultants ready to assist you.

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