Q. Dear Haskell,
When installing drapery panels, what is the correct way to hang? I see many different lengths: puddle, a gentle break and some don’t even touch the ground at all. What do you do?
Thank you
Helen
Chattanooga, TN
A. Dear Helen,
That is an excellent question. First of all, unless you are in the Palace of Versailles or stuck in an 80′s soap opera, there is no need to puddle. Personally I never liked the look; it always looks like someone measured incorrectly!
Today, I take a rather practical approach. I like for the panels to hang about ½” above the floor, but still gives a long elegant look. Also this allows you to use a Swiffer type head or broom under the panel without much disturbance.
One note, many drapery fabrics have a bit of stretch and many times will drop a bit after hanging for about a week, depending on humidity and the panel weight. This may involve re-pinning the panels or making other adjustments. In the case of a heavy fabric and/or a stretchy fabric I will hang hem about 1” above the floor and if they drop a bit, I am still just fine.
If you would like to pose your own design dilemma for Haskell to address, just post it on our FB page http://www.facebook.com/haskellinteriors or via Contact Us on our website www.haskellinteriors.com. He will select one to answer each week.