Drapes are elegant additions to any window. Thanks to their rich colors, fabrics, and styles, they’re some of the best ways to elevate your space. Although you can trim them so they hover over the floor, you can also opt for puddled drapes. Use the extra material to make a bold statement!
Find Missoula’s custom draperies at Shaded Window Coverings. Our expert designers will help you find and style drapes that will perfectly suit your home. If you want to achieve the perfect puddle, experiment with the options below.
True Puddles
True puddle designs are ideal for over-long drapes with lots of extra fabric at the bottom. These are extravagant options that flow across the ground like water. There are three main sub-types within this style.
Flowing
Flowing puddles fan across the ground in a naturalistic style. In order to achieve this look, you must arrange your drapes into uniform creases and folds. When the fabric reaches the ground, let it unfold naturally and break loose from the mold.
Fold-under
Fold-under puddles require a lot of extra fabric. If your puddled drapes have at least 12 extra inches at the bottom, you can use this style. Fluff the fabric and tuck the excess underneath the drape for extra bulk.
Stacked
Stacked puddles use the weight of the drapes to their advantage. Carefully lift the drapes up and lower them into a neat, stacked pile. This results in a gorgeous collection of folds and ruffles.
Medium Puddle
Medium-puddled drapes are fairly easy to arrange. They can also reduce heat gain within your home.
Simply let these drapes splay naturally across the floor or perform a simplified stack as described above. You can use these styles if you have medium-length drapes with less than five inches at the bottom.
Break Puddles
Break puddles are the smallest and most understated decor options. These styles are suitable for drapes with an extra inch or two.
Casual Break
A casual break is just that — casual. Arrange the upper portion in any way you wish and let the excess trail loosely to the floor. This is a fun and easygoing style that requires very little effort.
Tailored Break
This design works best for pleated drapes with uniform folds. Bend each pleat where it reaches the floor so you have a neat fan or stack at the base.
How to Choose a Puddle Style
As you can see, there are several ways to style your extra drapery. But not every style will fit with the rest of your home. Consider the visual space they will fill as you weigh the following factors:
- Weight
- Color
- Texture
- Length
- Style
You might opt for a true puddle if you have luxurious, heavy drapes. Conversely, a casual break would be suitable for short, lightweight fabrics.
Contact Shaded Window Coverings for Additional Design Ideas
Puddled drapes can enhance the appeal of any room. At Shaded Window Coverings, we can recommend the perfect fabric for window treatments, as well as blinds, shutters, and awnings. Contact us and start planning your next project today.


