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.

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.

: to cover or adorn with or as if with folds of cloth. 2. : to cause to hang or stretch out loosely or carelessly. 3. : to arrange in flowing lines or folds.