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.

: 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.

: 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.