Trevor B Johnson Millinery.

Plaid Stripe

Drapes Vs. Curtains, Window Coverings Demystified

First, let’s clear up the nomenclature.  Curtains are known by many names, some are actually a distinction and some refer to the same thing.  These names include: curtains, drapes, drapery, draperies, drapery panels and curtain panels.  I think there’s even some confusion amongst the so-called experts and if you asked the average person what the difference is between curtains and drapes, I bet you they wouldn’t know.  Aren’t they all the same?  Apparently not.   

Curtains and curtain panels are the same thing.  According to Better Homes and Gardens, “curtains are generally lightweight, unlined and suspended from a rod by simple tabs, rings or rod-pocket casing.”  A rod-pocket casing is simply a sewn flap at the top of the curtain where you push the rod through to hang.  Curtains are decorative and casual and easy to make yourself, if you were so inclined.  Imagine, a country home with sheer curtains pulled back, a typical way to utilize them.  They don’t do much for light control but add warmth and color to a room.  Lastly, curtains panels can be floor-length or just long enough to cover the window casing.  If you add a lining to curtain panels, you start approaching the look of drapery panels.

Draperies, drapes and drapery panels are the same things and are typically lined and floor length and again, according to Better Homes and Gardens, “…often attach by hooks to a traverse rod. A cord mechanism that hangs behind either the left or right panel draws both of the panels open and closed.”  Here we’ve moved into a more formal, mechanized window covering, as opposed to curtains which you would open and close by hand.  Drapes are typically pleated, though not always and offer a much fuller, richer look.  This also affects how much room they take up when fully opened.  The term for this is, “stackback.”  The way to understand stackback is to imagine the amount of space, or width that all this fabric takes up at opposite ends of your window when fully opened.  So, if your window or sliding glass doors (which require more fabric) have minimal wall space around it, you may want to consider curtain panels which take up less room. 

As for fabrics, both for curtains and drapes, the choices are many and varied.  You can dress-up your window for a more formal look with fabrics like silk dupioni, velvet, faux dupioni or, you can dress-down with linen and cotton.  Most of these fabrics can also come with textures if you desire that look.

In the realm of color choices, the sky’s the limit.  There are solid colors, prints, plaids, stripes, sheer fabrics and more.  So, when it comes to interior decorating, drapes and curtains are one of the most versatile window treatment choices available.   

When it comes to drapes there are still a few more options available that will affect the appearance.  These are French pleats, also known as pinch pleats which is the traditional look for drapes with a three-finger grouping of fabric that is pinched a few inches below the top of the drape.  Then there is the inverted pleat option where the pleats come together at the top of the drape instead of flare-out like the French pleat.  Grommet style drapes come with built in rings, or grommets which are sewn into the fabric at the top of the drape.  With these you can just weave the rod through to hang.  Lastly, there’s the rod pocket style.  These drapes have a pocket sewn into the top of the drape that receives the traverse rod.

So, when it comes to window coverings, specifically curtains and drapes, there is a difference.  I hope this helps if you are looking for window treatments ideas. - David Brooks

About the Author

David Brooks is a San Diego based freelance seo consultant.

Plaid Stripe Resort Dress $27.99 Price: US 20~40 Special Suggestion: Please choose one size larger according to your normal size.

stripe plaid dress resort $22.63 Prezzo: 20- 40 Suggerimento: Dal momento che questo capo veste leggermente stretto, ti consigliamo di scegliere una taglia pi ugrave; grande rispetto a quella che indossi di solito.

Kangol Heritage Check Ripley - Plaid $78.95 The Heritage Check Ripley is a throwback to the past with its newsboy-inspired style. Available Colors: Dog Check, Boat Stripe, Glen Plaid, Gingham Check, Plaid.

Stetson Plaid Stripe Western Shirt - Reg & Big $72 Handsome western wear from Stetson. Hues of purple-blue, grey, & blue create all-over plaid . Satin stripe accents. Western by design with front & back yokes. FIT NOTE: Classic fit; not too slim or loose. Stetson prides itself as being a go-to brand for country men! This Mens Stetson Shirt features an easy-wearing spread collar. Two snap flap chest pockets; left pocket sports handy pen slot. Snaps at front placket, pockets, and cuffs. Mens shirt is made of 100% cotton. Imported.

Wrangler Assorted Stripe or Plaid Long Sleeve Classic Western Shirt - Tall $23.99 Stock up! At this low price, we carry a variety of popular patterns. Please choose from L8 stripe or L9 plaid. Well select a color for you! . Classic cowboy fashions with handsome plaid or stripe styles!. Western by design with front & back yokes. FIT NOTE: Traditional fit; not too slim or loose. Wrangler offers these quality western shirts, at a value price! This classic western shirt features an easy-wearing spread collar. Two snap flap chest pockets. Pearlized snap closures at front placket, pockets, and three-snap cuffs. Serged tails. Mens western shirt is made of 55% cotton/45% polyester. Imported. PLEASE NOTE, color patterns vary at this low price; please select L8 stripe or L9 plaid. If you order more than one, well be sure to send different patterns.

Wrangler Assorted Stripe or Plaid Classic Long Sleeve Western Shirt $21.99 Stock up! At this low price, we carry a variety of popular patterns. Please choose from L8 stripe or L9 plaid. Well select a color for you! . Classic cowboy fashions with handsome plaid or stripe styles!. Western by design with front & back yokes. FIT NOTE: Traditional fit; not too slim or loose. Wrangler offers these quality western shirts, at a value price! This classic western shirt features an easy-wearing spread collar. Two snap flap chest pockets. Pearlized snap closures at front placket, pockets, and three-snap cuffs. Serged tails. Mens western shirt is made of 55% cotton/45% polyester. Imported. PLEASE NOTE, color patterns vary at this low price; please select L8 stripe or L9 plaid. If you order more than one, well be sure to send different patterns.

Wrangler Short Sleeve Assorted Stripe or Plaid Western Shirts $18.99 Stock up! At this low price, we carry a variety of popular patterns. Please choose from L8 stripe or L9 plaid. We’ll select a color for you! . Classic cowboy fashions with handsome plaid or stripe styles!. Western by design with front & back yokes. FIT NOTE: Traditional fit; not too slim or loose. Wrangler offers these quality western shirts, at a value price! This classic western shirt features an easy-wearing spread collar. Two snap flap chest pockets. Pearlized snap closures at front placket and pockets. Serged tails. Men’s western shirt is made of 55% cotton/45% polyester. Imported. PLEASE NOTE, color patterns vary at this low price; please select L8 stripe or L9 plaid. If you order more than one, we’ll be sure to send different patterns.*Note* We will select the color of the shirt for you. You just have to choose stripe or plaid.

Stripe $6 Stripe

Ely Assorted Plaid or Stripe Short Sleeve Western Shirt $18.99 Stock up! At this low price, we carry a variety of popular patterns. Please choose from L8 stripe or L9 plaid. Well select a color for you! . Sheplers plaid or striped western shirts at our lowest prices - hands down!. Two front snap flap pockets. Western by design front & back yokes. FIT NOTE: Traditional fit; not too slim or loose. Our quality western shirt has peaked two-ply front and back yokes. Two snap flap chest pockets; left pocket features a handy pencil slot. Pearlized snap closures at front placket and pockets. Full cut with extra long tails. Easy-care polyester/cotton blend. Imported. PLEASE NOTE, color patterns vary at this low price; please select L8 stripe or L9 plaid. If you order more than one, well be sure to send different patterns.

Ely Assorted Plaid or Stripe Long Sleeve Western Shirt $21.99 Stock up! At this low price, we carry a variety of popular patterns. Please choose from L8 stripe or L9 plaid. Well select a color for you! . Sheplers plaid or striped western shirts at our lowest prices - hands down!. Two front snap flap pockets. Western by design front & back yokes. FIT NOTE: Classic fit; not too slim or loose. Our quality western shirt has peaked two-ply front and back yokes. Two snap flap chest pockets; left pocket sports a handy pencil slot. Pearlized snap closures at front placket, pockets, and cuffs. Full cut with extra long tails. Made of easy-care polyester/cotton; imported. PLEASE NOTE, color patterns vary at this low price; please select L8 stripe or L9 plaid. If you order more than one, well be sure to send different patterns.

Stars & Stripes Stripe Plaid Cream $8.98 Designed by My Mind's Eye for Riley Blake, this cotton print fabric is perfect for quilting, apparel and home décor accents. Colors include red, navy and cream.

Stars & Stripes Stripe Plaid Red $8.98 Designed by My Mind's Eye for Riley Blake, this cotton print fabric is perfect for quilting, apparel and home décor accents. Colors include red, beige and cream.

Bailey of Hollywood Mayron 90049 (Men's) - Grey/Black Plaid $54.95 The Mayron is a quality 8/4 cap with a button on the top from Bailey of Hollywood. Available Colors: Light Grey Stripe, Bordeaux Stripe, Grey/Black Plaid.

Dayton Plaid Comforter Set $49.99 Strikes a perfect balance between masculine and feminine. Set includes reversible plaid/stripe comforter with channel quilting, striped bedskirt with 14" drop and two plaid shams (one with twin, two with full and queen, two king size with king comforter).Cotton/polyester; polyfill. Machine wash and dry. Import. Express delivery not available.

Lloyd Plaid Boardshorts $39.99 Fox Racing Lloyd Plaid Boardshorts Fox Lloyd Boardshorts sport a classic plaid design, but keep things interesting with panels that switch up the stripe direction, and fresh colors that really pop. Micro-suede fabric offers extra comfort and soft hand feel Secure fit stays on the waist with concealed Micro Rigid Tape sewn in the top of the soft, lined waistband Regular fit sits slightly below the knee Velcro fly and drawstring waist 100% polyester micro suede 22.5" outseam

Keen Sula (Women's) - Plaid $63.95 Where some saw scrap, we saw a shoe. Fashioned from repurposed fabric scraps from our factories, the Sula makes a sustainable statement. Vulcanized construction eliminates the need for toxic adhesives, while natural cotton canvas cradles your foot in comfort. Available Colors: Camo, Country Stripe, Gladiola, Pink Stripe, Plaid, Floral Rose.

Panhandle Slim Assorted Stripe or Plaid Long Sleeve Western Shirts $21.99 Stock up! We carry a variety of popular patterns & well even select a color for you! . Classic cowboy fashions with stripe or plaid styles!. Western by design with front & back yokes. FIT NOTE: Traditional fit; not too slim or loose. Sheplers takes on the work of picking out colors & patterns for your next favorite Panhandle Slim western shirt! This classic western shirt features an easy-wearing spread collar. Two snap flap chest pockets. Pearlized snap closures at front placket, pockets, and three-snap cuffs. Serged tails. Mens western shirt is made of 80% polyester/20% cotton. Imported. PLEASE NOTE, colors & patterns vary at this low price. If you order more than one shirt, well be sure to send different patterns.

Plaid Cargo Board Short $36 Plaid print board short with side seam pockets, velcro closure cargo pocket on each leg, drawstring elastic waistband, 2 stripes down each side of leg, 1 stripe around bottom of each leg, 11 inch inseam and interior swim liner. 100% Polyester. Machine wash. Available in Royal. Sizes: S-XL.

Ely Assorted Plaid or Stripe Short Sleeve Western Shirt - Big, Tall, Big/Tall $20.99 Stock up! At this low price, we carry a variety of popular patterns. Please choose from L8 stripe or L9 plaid. Well select a color for you! . Our best selling western shirt at its lowest price!. Western by design with front & back yoikes. FIT NOTE: Traditional fit; not too slim or loose. Our quality western shirt has peaked two-ply front and back yokes. Two snap flap chest pockets; left pocket has a handy pencil slot. Pearlized snap closures at front placket and pockets. Full cut with extra long tails. Easy-care polyester/cotton blend. Imported. PLEASE NOTE, color patterns vary at this low price; please select L8 stripe or L9 plaid. If you order more than one, well be sure to send different patterns.

Plaid $6.99 Aaron Christensen Plaid - Art Print

Nike 6.0 Kids - Plaid 2-fer w/ Waffle Stripe Sleeves (Little Kids) (Anthracite) - Apparel $16.99 6pm.com is proud to offer the Nike 6.0 Kids - Plaid 2-fer w/ Waffle Stripe Sleeves (Little Kids) (Anthracite) - Apparel: You'll get two awesome looks in one with this warm Nike 6.0 shirt. ; Full button front closure with lapel collar. ; Short sleeves over longs sleeves. ; Shirttail hem. ; Chest pocket. ; 100% cotton. ; Machine wash cold inside out and tumble dry low.

Ely Assorted Plaid & Stripe Long Sleeve Western Shirts - Big, Tall, Big/Tall $23.99 Stock up! At this low price, we carry a variety of popular patterns. Please choose from L8 stripe or L9 plaid. Well select a color for you! . Sheplers plaid or striped western shirts at our lowest prices - hands down!. Two front snap flap pockets. Western by design front & back yokes. FIT NOTE: Traditional fit; not too slim or loose. Our quality Ely western shirt has peaked two-ply front and back yokes. Two snap flap chest pockets; left pocket features a handy pencil slot. Pearlized snap closures at front placket, pockets, and cuffs. Mens Ely Shirt is full cut with extra long tails. Easy-care 65% polyester/35% cotton blend. Imported. PLEASE NOTE, color patterns vary at this low price; please select L8 stripe or L9 plaid. If you order more than one, well be sure to send different patterns.

Western Chief - Wendy Plaid-Wide Shaft (Teal/Plaid) - Footwear $26.97 6pm.com is proud to offer the Western Chief - Wendy Plaid-Wide Shaft (Teal/Plaid) - Footwear: Wendy has you covered when it comes to looking great and getting all eyes looking at you! ; Plaid rubber upper is eye-catching and works with so many great outfit combinations. ; Flexible goring and buckle fastener on the shaft create the perfect fit. ; Rubber stripe seam on the back with an attached Western Chief tag. ; Soft cotton lining wicks away moisture for better climate control. ; Siped rubber outsole. ; Heel Height: 1 in ; Shaft: 7 1 2 in ; Circumference: 16 in ; Weight: 1 lb 10 oz ; Product measurements were taken using size 8. Please note that measurements may vary by size.

Tamara Mandy Wristlet (Women's) - Black/Ivory Plaid $48.45 Carry it by the wrist strap or on the shoulder. This wristlet has plenty of room for the necessities. Features top zipper closure, inside zipper pocket, and hot pink lining. Available Colors: Brown Geometric, Black/Ivory Stripe, Black/Ivory Plaid.

Keen Sula (Women's) - Country Stripe $63.95 Where some saw scrap, we saw a shoe. Fashioned from repurposed fabric scraps from our factories, the Sula makes a sustainable statement. Vulcanized construction eliminates the need for toxic adhesives, while natural cotton canvas cradles your foot in comfort. Available Colors: Camo, Country Stripe, Gladiola, Pink Stripe, Plaid, Floral Rose.

Keen Sula (Women's) - Pink Stripe $63.95 Where some saw scrap, we saw a shoe. Fashioned from repurposed fabric scraps from our factories, the Sula makes a sustainable statement. Vulcanized construction eliminates the need for toxic adhesives, while natural cotton canvas cradles your foot in comfort. Available Colors: Camo, Country Stripe, Gladiola, Pink Stripe, Plaid, Floral Rose.

Keen Harvest MJ II (Women's) - Plaid $68.95 Add funky flavor to your life with the Harvest MJ from KEEN. Bursting with color and personality, the upper is crafted with reclaimed rice paper. Recycled polyurethane and cork create a naturally comfy footbed, rewarding your eco-friendly frame of mind. Please note, because of the unique nature of this product, each item is one of a kind. Features natural canvas lining for comfort, a recycled PU and cork footbed with natural canvas cover, and a woven rice bag upper. Available Colors: Country Stripe, Gladiola, Pink Stripe, Plaid.

Plaid Tennis Personalized Vinyl Yard Sign Personalized Yard Sign Each $9.99 The colorful Plaid Tennis Personalized Vinyl Yard Sign, featuring a racquet and ball, is separated by a horizontal center stripe where your personal message will fit perfectly. Customize the 18 inch wide x 22 inch high Plaid Tennis Yard Sign with your team colors to create a unique yard decoration to support the team. Each Plaid Tennis Vinyl Yard Sign comes with a metal stake for easy and quick setup.

RLF Home Galahad Plaid Tassel Table Runner $93.53 This vibrant silk-like woven plaid table runner features forest green, crimson, ivory, and gold. This lovely table runner is finished with stylish tassels at each end.Pattern: Galahad plaidColor options: MulticoloredIncludes: One Table RunnerMaterials: 100-percent Cotton Lining: Taupe Ticking Stripe 70-percent Polyester, 30-percent CottonDimensions: 72 inches wide x 12 inches wideCare instructions: Spot clean for best resultsTassel: 100-percent Rayon Tassels

Lacrosse Plaid Personalized Candy Bar Personalized Candy Bar With Wrapper Each $1.99 The Lacrosse Plaid Personalized Candy Bar features two poised players atop a wide horizontal stripe, perfectly placed to hold your creative message. Select from our milk chocolate, dark chocolate, mint chocolate or milk chocolate crisp candy bars. Each Lacrosse Plaid Personalized Candy Bar is 1.5 ounces and measures 5 1/4 inches long x 2 inches wide. Personalize the Lacrosse Plaid Personalized Candy Bars on both the front and back with your team colors and wording. Just want the wrappers? We also sell Lacrosse Plaid Personalized Candy Bar Wrappers. You supply the chocolate and we will send you these unique wrappers.

Volcom BYS FRKN ST FWS BST (Brown Stripe) $33 The boy's Volcom Frickin Plaid stripe are made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. It features a plaid design throughout, welt pockets in front, a zipper fly with button closure, two welt pockets in back with one button closure and small patch logo, and an embroidered Volcom stone on the back left corner.

Tamara Mandy Wristlet (Women's) - Black/Ivory Stripe $48.45 Carry it by the wrist strap or on the shoulder. This wristlet has plenty of room for the necessities. Features top zipper closure, inside zipper pocket, and hot pink lining. Available Colors: Brown Geometric, Black/Ivory Stripe, Black/Ivory Plaid.