The difference between curtains, drapes and valances, with ideas for fullness, length, headers, linings and how each pairs with blinds and shades.
Curtains, drapes and valances are often confused, and each does something different. Curtains tend to be lighter and casual, drapes are lined and more formal and valances finish the top of a window. Homeowners in Nashville ask which to choose, and often the answer is a layered mix.
Fullness and length make drapery look rich: generous width, rods hung high and hems that just reach the floor. Linings change body and light control, and headers such as pleats or grommets change the look. Valances and cornices hide hardware and finish a window. We show samples and sketch the proportions for your room.
Lighter and casual.
Lined and formal.
A finished top.
Just at or above the floor.
Generous width looks richer.
Sheers, shades and drapes.
Custom DraperiesCustom draperies made to your measurements in linen, velvet, cotton and blends, with pleats, lining and hardware that…Explore 
Valances and CornicesValances and cornice boards in fabric, wood and upholstered styles that top a window, hide hardware and add…Explore 
Sliding Door CurtainsCurtains and drapery for sliding glass doors on traversing rods and tracks, wide enough to cover the glass…Explore 
Swags and Top TreatmentsSwags, jabots, pelmets and other top treatments that frame a window with fabric shapes, adding formal or traditional…Explore Design your windows, size them or ballpark a budget.
Window Treatment Design StudioPick the room, window style, treatment, color, mount, valance and motor options, set the window size and watch your window update, then send the design to us.Try it 
Window Size and Mount PickerPick the room and what you want from your windows, enter the window size and see an inside or outside mount suggestion, the clearances to check and the treatments that usually fit.Try it 
Window Treatment Budget PlannerPick blinds, shades, shutters, drapery, motorization or a whole-home package, set the number of windows and add allowances like measuring, hardware and motors to see a ballpark planning range. Placeholder values only.Try it Curtains are usually lighter and sometimes unlined, and drapes are usually lined and heavier. The terms overlap.
Higher rods make ceilings look taller. We test heights on site.
Yes, a valance hides the headrail and adds style.
Comparison guideProcess and TimelineThe usual order of a window treatment project, from first visit and measuring to design, ordering, fabrication, installation…Learn more 
Comparison guideWhat Drives CostThe main factors that make one window treatment project cost more or less than another, such as size…Learn more 
Comparison guideBlind Types ComparedHow faux wood, real wood and aluminum blinds differ in weight, moisture tolerance, looks, cleaning and cost drivers.Learn more 
Comparison guideShade Types ComparedHow cellular, roller and Roman shades differ in looks, light control, insulation, privacy and fabric choices.Learn more Call us and describe your windows. We will visit, measure and give you a clear written estimate.
