Here’s what you gotta know about using drapes as window treatments.

Whether you opt forcurtains or drapes, purchasing the right length for your windows is important.

What Are Drapes?

blue curtains

Drapes are curtain panels that literally “drape” the window.

They differ slightly from curtains in that they fall past floor length, sometimes “puddling” the floor.

Keep in mind that the position of your curtain rod above the frame will increase the height.

curtains

The length of the curtain dictates the height of the rod.

This lets the hem of the curtains brush the floor.

What Does It Mean When Curtains “Puddle” the Floor?

Wrapped windows

A panel is flat until you clip it to rings or thread it onto a curtain rod.

When the panel pulls to the side of the window, the fabric gathers into gentle waves.

Another style is the pinch-pleated drape, which is common for custom-made draperies fashioned by drapery workrooms.

This is a more formal look and is often used in hotels, banquet halls, and restaurants.

Hemmed Up

Drapes don’thaveto be long.

If you buy them in a store on online, the typical length for short drapes is 63 inches.