What is the difference between curtain and panel

The difference between curtains and window panels is one of semantics. A panel is a length of fabric, hemmed at the bottom, that hangs in front of a window. The fabric should just touch the floor or hover half an inch above. For example, if the window is inches wide , the curtains should be made to inches wide in order for them to hang off the window when in the open position.

For an inside-mount curtain, measure from one edge inside the frame to the inside edge on the opposite side. Draperies typically cover larger windows in formal living rooms and dens, while curtains with lighter fabrics hang on smaller kitchen and bedroom windows. The most common premade lengths are 63, 84, 95, and inches. Widths vary, but most are 45 inches wide. The grommet panel must be a minimum of 70 inches wide, between the side hem seams, to provide just slightly more than 1.

Purchase more panels and push the grommets closer together on the rod for a fuller look. To calculate the number of fabric widths required to make your curtains: Multiply Pole Length by Fullness Ratio.

Divide this figure by the Fabric Width. Our ready made curtains are sold in pairs , and the size refers to each individual curtain. For example, a pack of curtains labelled W cm X D cm will contain two curtains each measuring cm by cm. Helpful Tips for Curtain Panel Shopping The width refers to a single curtain panel , even when they are sold in pairs. Curtain panel sizes are always listed width by length. You need to allow for both flat panels to be a minimum of one and a half times the curtain pole width.

I personally think they look much better at double the pole width. Give or take a couple of inches. This allows the curtains to have enough fabric to allow the pleats to look right when hanging over your window. Some people do three sections of curtains on double windows --one on each side and one in the middle. For this look you will need three to six panels.

In most cases you will need four panels for a double window. If you want to go for the wispy look then you can get by with two panels. Floor-length sheers should end one to two inches above the floor if they are hung beneath another curtain. However, sheers can go to greater lengths if they stand alone. For a soft and romantic look, add an additional three to four inches for "breaking" sheers, or 12 to 15 inches for sheers that puddle.

Choose Drapes for Insulation and Light Blockage Drapes often have lining, while curtains are unlined. When you combine heavier fabric with lining, you get window treatments that are perfect for keeping rooms warm and free of cold drafts. During warm months, closing the drapes helps keep rooms cooler. Our hardy Insulated Tab Top Patio Door Curtains are bonded with long wearing, acrylic insulation, which keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

If you're looking for window treatments that prevent bright light from entering the room, interrupting sleep, drapes are a great choice. Fabrics are weaved tighter, preventing light from seeping through. No shade is required once you close the drapes. Blackout drapes are a popular choice for anyone who wishes to enjoy restful sleep day or night. Another key feature that most drapes have versus curtains is their formal appearance. Drapes add rich elegance to stately dining rooms and posh living rooms.

Antique and traditional furnishings are a natural pairing for all styles of draperies. Solid color drapes are classic and remain popular for their versatility. Red, gold and deep blue color drapes all exude a sense of royal luxuriousness.

You can also find drapes in a wide range of beautiful floral patterns, or in captivating contemporary patterns. Just because drapes are heavier, doesn't mean you're creatively limited when it comes to window design.

Drapery panels can be enhanced with matching valences, sweeping swags and distinctive curtain ties. Drapery sets may include one or more of these common accent items.

Accessibility skip to main content. Benches Upholstery. Vintage Vinyl Floorcloth Braided Rugs. Shoe and Boot Trays Rug Accessories. Table Lamps Night Lights. Floor Lamps Lighting Accessories. Accent Lamps Outdoor Lighting. List of Partners vendors. Ashley Knierim has over a decade of experience in writing, editing, and content strategy. LeClair Decor.

One of the first things you do when moving into a new space is cover your windows. Not only will the right window coverings provide privacy and warmth, but they can transform a room aesthetically, too. Getting your window treatments right is essential to crafting the most comfortable, beautiful room. But when it comes to curtains and drapes, what do you do? Often, drapes and curtains are used interchangeably, but they actually are two different materials. Read on to find out what differentiates the two and get expert advice on choosing curtains or drapes for your own home.

You've probably used the two words interchangeably—but as it turns out, a curtain and a drape are not the same things. Drapes are typically made of a heavy, rich fabric, and are hung from a rod above the window. They offer an elegant feel and typically extend from the top of the window and puddle on the ground.

Curtains, on the other hand, are typically unlined and much sheerer than a drape. They allow light to filter in, but therefore don't offer the same privacy as a drape. Similar to drapes, though, they are sold as a pair or individually, and hang from a curtain rod above the window. While curtains can extend all the way to the ground, they can also stop at the bottom of the window.

Ashley Webb Interiors. Deciding between a thick, heavy fabric and a thinner one requires you to consider how you'll use the room the most. If you want to add even more texture and visual appeal to your space, consider adding both. Consider layering a thick velvet drape with a sheer curtain in an elegant office space or dining room.

Drapes are also a great choice anywhere you want to reduce noise.