Curtains Vs. Drapes
by Ann Thrope
So, you just bought your new house. You’ve picked out the carpet, the paint, the bathroom tile, new cabinets, counter tops, living room suite, dining room set, faucets, and the pattern for the textured ceiling, but you’re still left with one of the most stressful decisions in the entire decorating process: Curtains or Drapes? What you choose says a lot about who you are, and your friends will note your decision even on their first tour through your new home. Some unfortunate women were never taught the difference or the ramifications of their decision to choose curtains or drapes, and live with their decision for years before realizing their catastrophic error. To avoid your own personal catastrophe, we’re going to give you the breakdown.
Curtains: Are you a light, wistful, whimsical, or airy person? Do you love being swept off your feet? Curtains may be your choice. Curtains are lighter, airier, and more delicate than drapes, and like the American Flag, are never permitted to touch the ground. Curtains that hang to the ground are like kitchen towels with tea stains, they are a sign of a dirty mind, and are to be avoided at all costs. The ideal curtain is like the ideal daughter, thin, light in color, and pressed.
Drapes: Are you a dark, substantial soul who loves feeling securely covered? Drapes should be your choice. Drapes, if well hung, almost touch the floor, are thicker than curtains, and are usually darker colors. Drapes are also sewn with a liner that results in a more substantial look and feel.
Older women also tend to have drapes, even if in their younger years they thought that drapes were rutty and got in the way. Not long after marriage young ladies learn that the constant ironing makes having no drapes too much work. Most women choose to have a combination of the two, and those that have good sense make sure that they match, though sometimes it can be fun to mix it up.
So now that you know which means what, how do you choose? There are a number of factors that can go into your part of the decision making process. You have to consider your budget, the colors of the room, the feel of the room, and the appearance you want to present to your friends and family. Don’t forget to out-do your neighbor’s wife, or else your decorating flop will be the talk of the town.
