Curtainmaking comes with a language all its own.
Balloon shade-A curtain that is gathered horizontally across the heading and, as it is pulled up, also is gathered vertically. The British call it an Austrian shade.
Curtains-”Correct” term for what hangs on windows.
Drapes-A vulgarism for curtains. According to designer Mark Hampton, Nancy Mitford wrote that a drapery is something used in a photographer`s studio; in upper-class language (”U” rather than ”non-U,” as Mitford put it), the word ”drape” is never used.
Dust ruffle-A wide ruffle encircling the bottom of a bed to the floor. The British call it a bed valance.
Valance-A short drapery or frame used as a decorative heading of fabric across the top of the window to conceal the tops of curtains. The British call it a pelmet.
Roller blind-British term for window shade.
