The Best Way To Puddle Curtains To Add Timeless Elegance To Any Room
If you were to ask experts what the proper length of curtains is, you'd get varying answers. However, there is a consensus that you should make the conscious decision for them to either hang above the floor or leave puddled up. For those who like a grand interior that makes a statement, puddling the curtains is the best way to go. However, there is a right and wrong way to do this. Puddling your curtains incorrectly can lead to a messy look. That said, for a minimum puddle, opt for about an inch of extra fabric. A slightly larger puddle, like medium, will need two to five inches of extra fabric. And the most dramatic puddle can use an additional six to sixteen inches of fabric.
When it comes to pulling off puddings, consider how to style them and the type of curtain materials. Small puddles, for example, can use cotton or linen fabric because they add a little more structure. With medium curtain puddles, you should gather the pleats together or fan them out neatly. More structured fabrics will help achieve this. However, for a more timeless, elegant look, consider going for a large puddle. To do so, opt for flowy, soft materials like satin and sheer fabrics.
Where to incorporate the puddling technique
The curtain puddling technique creates a stylish and timeless detail in your home. However, this style is best used for decorative windows rather than ones you may open often. You should also keep in mind the traffic in the room because puddled curtains in high-traffic areas can present a tripping hazard. Similarly, homes or rooms where kids and pets might mess up the puddles may want to be avoided.
Puddling your curtains means buying the right length. First, you want to determine the height of your curtain rod and then measure the rod to the floor. This is the length you should add inches to in order to create the puddling effect. So, for example, if the floor to the curtain rod measures 90 inches and you want a large puddle with 15 inches of extra fabric, you'll need 105-inch curtains. In fact, some lengths may need to be custom-made.
There are also a couple of puddle styles you can use. Use the drop and stack method to create a structured crunched look at the bottom of the curtains. Do this by lifting the curtain and dropping the folds on top of each other to create a stacked pile. For a softer look, you can use the fold-under technique. This technique is exactly as it sounds: you fold the edges under and tuck them behind the rest of the fabric. This leaves the folded edge skimming against the floor, creating a soft, pillowy finish.