Does anyone else think about gone with the wind and medieval castles whenever you see puddled draperies? Maybe it’s just us.
Overly long curtains were first used to insulate windows during winter, but later were a sign of wealth and excess. Puddled drapes can add just as much grandeur and drama to your home today. Depending on what fabric and style you choose, puddled drapes can give make a space feel more formal or casual. Go with velvet, silk and heavy weight fabrics for a fancy look, and linen or other gauzy fabrics if you want a relaxed vibe.
How Do I Order Puddled Curtains?
To get the puddled look, you can add 1/2″ – 18″ to your fabric length. Choose from a puddling style below to determine exactly how long to go.
We recommend choosing a pinch pleat style. Grommet and rod pocket drapes won’t fold quite as well to get a good puddled look.
Shop custom curtains available with these options at Blinds.com.
Are Puddled Curtains Right For Me?
Long pooling curtains are best as decorative side panels that won’t be opened or closed. Don’t use them if you have pets or kids. They can get dirty easily since they drag on the ground. Also skip them in high traffic areas because they can be a tripping hazard.
How Do I Make Puddled Drapes Look Like What I See In Photos?
For most puddled styles, you’ll want to start by steaming/ironing and training your drapes. This process helps the folds in the curtains hang they way they’re supposed to and all you need is some string! Learn how to train your drapes.
Styles of Puddled Drapes
Break Length
Drapes that are just a hair longer than the floor and have a casual bend, are called break length. Depending on the fabric, room, and arrangement, this look can make a space feel more casual or formal. Add 1/2 – 4″ to drapery length to get this look.
Tailored Break
For this polished look, be sure to use pleated drapes that have been trained to fold uniformly. Heavy weight fabrics or drapes with multiple linings also lend themselves to this look. A classic break folds right at the hem of the panels for a uniform bend.
Casual Break
For this casual look, don’t carefully arrange the pleats, just allow them to flow out naturally.
True Puddling
Truly puddled drapes have a bit more length than a break. Lengths can vary from 2-16 extra inches, but the styles below come from how you train and arrange the drapes.
Flowing Puddle
This style evokes luxurious french country spaces. Add 6-16″ to your length, train drapes to fold uniformly all the way down, and then let fabric form a true “pool” that flows out from your panels.
Stacked Puddle
For a more compact look, add 6-12″ inches to your length and arrange drapes in an elegantly rumpled pile. Get the look by training drapes, lifting up the folds and then drop them down allowing them to “crunch” into a pile at the base of the panels.
Folded Under
You can also give drapes a soft pillowy look by folding the fabric under and poofing it out. For this look, order drapes 12-18″ longer.
Need help finding draperies perfect for puddling?
Blinds.com Designers are ready to help. Reach us at 800-505-1905, or by email and live chat. You can also browse hundreds of curtain styles and fabrics on your own!
Learn more about how to measure for draperies.
