1. Fabric Hangings: This is the most common meaning. Drapery refers to fabric panels used to cover windows, doorways, or other openings for decorative or functional purposes. This includes curtains, blinds, valances, and other types of window treatments.
2. Art Term: In art, drapery refers to the representation of fabric in a painting, sculpture, or other artwork. It's a challenging aspect of art, requiring skill in capturing the folds and creases of fabric realistically.
3. Architectural Term: In architecture, "drapery" can refer to decorative elements that resemble fabric, such as sculpted folds or swags. These are often seen on cornices, ceilings, and other architectural features.
4. General Term for Fabric: "Drapery" can also be used more generally to refer to any type of fabric, especially when it is used for clothing or other decorative purposes.
To understand the meaning of "drapery" in a specific situation, consider the context. If you are talking about window treatments, it clearly refers to fabric panels. If you're discussing a painting, it likely refers to the artist's depiction of fabric.