The Dated Window Treatment Option That Won't Be Coming Back Anytime Soon

Whether you opt for blinds, curtains, valances, or pull-down shades, trends in window treatments wax and wane over the years. However, there are some once-popular window treatments that are now dating your home, and frankly, many of us don't want to see these fads coming back into style. One obsolete drapery trend is the puddled curtain. Puddled curtains are floor-length draperies with excess fabric on the ends, allowing the material to "puddle" on the floor. The bunched-up look can be subtle, created by only a couple of inches of extra fabric, or dramatic with several inches pooled on the floor. It's believed that this window treatment was popularized in the 18th and 19th centuries when wealthy homeowners would invest in lavish textiles like silk or velvet. They often purchased the drapery fabric in excess to show off their affluence. However, some argue that this is a myth. Regardless, it's fair to say the trend may have been a design preference of the times rather than a status symbol.

Puddled curtains fell out of fashion for a time, returning again in the 1980s when window treatments were gaudy, excessive, and opulent. However, much like the dreaded '80s and '90s balloon valances, this heavy look quickly became outdated as homeowners and designers favored more minimal aesthetics. Today, puddled curtains are still seen in some elegant and luxe designs, but they aren't as popular as they once were. Further, many homeowners find the excess fabric is more troublesome than it's worth when enhancing their home design.

While these drapes can offer a luxurious and classy look to fancier spaces like a formal dining room, you may want to reconsider going for the puddled curtain look in your home. On top of puddled curtains' outdated appearance, many users of this design fad share that, practically speaking, these draperies are less than ideal. One expert, interior designer David Santiago, told Designers Today that puddled curtains "will never look prim and proper when drawing the draperies opened and closed." The bulky fabric and excess length make it difficult to maneuver them properly.

Further, homeowners have reported that the pooled fabric can be a tripping hazard for people and pets, especially when these drapes are added to high-traffic areas. Additionally, small spaces may lose precious floor space where the fabric puddles, and furniture and walkways might need to be readjusted to accommodate the excess fabric. Puddled curtains are also higher maintenance than some curtain alternatives — pet dander, hair, dust, and debris pile up between the folds of the pooled fabric, meaning more frequent cleaning is necessary. Rather than opting for puddled drapes, a floor-length curtain tip that even HGTV stars swear by is to allow the fabric to barely brush the floor, floating about one-half inch to one inch above. This allows easy access for vacuuming and minimal debris build-up. Further, curtains that hover just above the floor will be easier to open and close, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.