Are Curtains Out of Style? A Designer Take on Modern Drapery

Custom drapery is a style of window treatment made of fabric panels that sit above the window and cascade downward elegantly. Some people use the term “curtains” interchangeably with drapery, but in designer lingo, the two terms have big differences! Drapery is traditionally considered to be longer and more substantial, while curtains tend to be shorter in length and made of lighter-weight fabrics.

No matter what you call them, drapery and curtains have been a staple element of interior design for a very long time, and the short answer is: they are very much still in style. What has changed is how they’re made, how they’re installed, and the fabrics being used to create the perfect look.

At Morgan White Window Coverings, our team brings an interior design background to every drapery project, which means every panel is selected and installed with intention.

Modern Drapes Have Evolved

The heavy curtains of decades past are still a popular look, but modern alternatives focus on clean lines, luxurious fabrics, and streamlined hardware.

Modern drapes today include drapery panels, lighter-weight materials, subtle textures, and neutral palettes that blend seamlessly into current design trends. Fabric brands like Carole Fabrics offer an enormous range of over 3,000 materials, from sheer to room darkening, all available in colors and patterns that suit today’s interiors.

Some curtains or drapes are built to remain stationary, while others are traversing, which means that they open and close. The key difference between off-the-rack curtains and custom drapery is design and fit. Custom drapery panels are built to the exact dimensions of your windows, which means they hang properly, stack evenly, and look intentional rather than like an afterthought. This precision is what separates a room that feels “finished” from one that falls flat.

Curtain Styles That Work in Today’s Homes

Styling has a huge impact on how drapery panels look in a room. The right pleat (or non-pleat!) can make a space feel modern and polished, while the wrong one can change the entire room.

Here are some of the most popular curtain styles Morgan White Window Coverings works with:

• Pleated drapery styles create a consistent, wave-like pattern that suits contemporary and minimalist interiors, making them one of the most requested styles right now. Euro pleats (also called Parisian pleats) offer a pinched, open-top look with clean spacing that reads sophisticated without being overly formal.
• Non-pleated drapery styles can feel more modern because they rely on elements like hardware to create a more simplified look. Grommet-top panels thread directly onto the rod for a casual, relaxed drape that pairs well with linen and cotton fabrics.

No matter what fabric you choose, pleat styles change the character of the fabric and the feel of the room, so having a designer walk you through options in person makes a real difference.

Why Professional Design and Installation Matter for Drapery

Custom drapery is one of those products where the installation matters as much as the product itself. Panels that are hung too low, spaced unevenly, or mounted with the wrong hardware will look cheap or unfinished regardless of the fabric quality.

Morgan White Window Coverings handles every step of the process, from the initial in-home consultation through final installation, with in-house installers who treat every home with white-glove care. Our interior design background means you’re getting design recommendations rooted in real expertise, with guidance on fabric weight, color pairing, and hardware finish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Modern Drapes

Q. Are floor-length curtains still in style?
A. Yes. Floor-length panels remain the standard for a polished, finished look. Curtains that stop short of the floor tend to fit just below the window sill. This look can make ceilings appear lower, and larger rooms feel more cozy.

Q. Can I pair drapes with blinds or shades?
A. Absolutely. Layering drapery panels over shades or blinds is one of the most effective ways to control light, add privacy, and create visual depth in a room.

Q. How long does custom drapery take from order to installation?
A. Timelines vary by fabric and manufacturer, but Morgan White Window Coverings keeps communication clear at every stage so there are no surprises between the design meeting and installation day.

Q. Is custom drapery worth the investment over ready-made?
A. Custom panels are built to your exact window measurements, lined properly, and installed with precision hardware. The difference in appearance and longevity is immediately noticeable.

Schedule a Drapery Consultation Today

Morgan White Window Coverings, based in Saratoga, CA, is available by appointment for in-home consultations throughout the South Bay and surrounding communities.

Call (408) 621-9122 or connect with us online to book your consultation and see how custom drapery can refresh any room in your home.