Drapes generally come in heavier fabrics than most curtains – common drapery fabrics are velvet, damask or silk. Curtains generally give a more relaxed feel and look, and drapes are seen as more formal and luxurious.

Drapery is a general word referring to cloths or textiles (Old French draperie, from Late Latin drappus). It may refer to cloth used for decorative purposes – such as around windows – or to the trade of retailing cloth, originally mostly for clothing, formerly conducted by drapers. Drapery used as window curtains.

drapery, depiction in drawing, painting, and sculpture of the folds of clothing. Techniques of rendering drapery clearly distinguish not only artistic periods and styles but the work of individual artists.

A drapery seamstress makes or mends drapes or curtains or sews custom window treatments for customers.