Although they're both considered soft window treatments, drapery is typically made from heavier materials than curtains, such as damask, silk, or velvet. Drapes consist of fabric panels that are lined with light or heavy cloth for light and temperature control.

Curtains are fabric panels used to cover windows, and are generally cut to fit a window or drop a few centimetres below it. Drapes are also fabric panels but are generally made from thicker fabrics and cut to floor length or to slightly puddle on the floor.

: a decorative piece of material usually hung in loose folds and arranged in a graceful design. b. : hangings of heavy fabric for use as a curtain. 3. : the draping or arranging of materials.

noun. , plural drap·er·ies. coverings, hangings, clothing, etc., of fabric, especially as arranged in loose, graceful folds. Often draperies. long curtains, usually of heavy fabric and often designed to open and close across a window.