Puddle Curtains – Origin of the Term
Found on Chantiki a real Victorian bedroom in the Doge’s Palace – Venice, Italy
Puddling refers to an amount of extra drapery length that is spilled or “puddled” onto the floor. In the days when fabrics were rare and expensive, only the wealthy could afford them and only the wealthiest could afford extra material to just lay on the floor! Puddling added opulence and style to their drapes.
Not all draperies are found in window treatments, as evidenced by the beautiful image of a turquoise Edwardian era canopy bed. Notice how it puddles on the blue carpet with the gold-legged table with a greenish glass top set at the foot of the bed. A perfect color scheme, perfect placement of the objects in the photograph. This real Victorian bedroom is so formal I wonder if I could relax in it, much less sleep.
Formal or Relaxed
Temporarily unavailable
I know, puddle curtains are a small part of this room. But it’s a gorgeous picture, so I’ll use it anyway as an example in the debate over puddle curtains: do they create a formal or relaxed look. This turquoise bedroom gets my vote for formal. On the other hand, the picture of the “tie-dye” aqua puddle curtains I make in 1:12 scale (when I can find the right fabric) are popular with enthusiasts creating contemporary and modern miniatures when they want a casual look.
How Much Fabric
Besides style, there is a practical reason for having a voluminous puddle. It provides for the ability to tie the curtains back. If you choose to do this in 1:12 scale you’ll need an additional 1.5 to 2.00 inches of fabric. A moderate amount of puddle requires a 1/2 inch of fabric on average. If you desire something in between a puddle and no puddle at all, try a break at ? inch. which is when the fabric just folds onto the floor.
Real Edwardian parlor and dining room. Source unknown.
I can’t resist using an Edwardian picture I found of a real parlor with the dining room beyond, as an example. Look at that lace curtain? I think ‘displayed’ is a better word than puddling. Can’t you just see turning that picture into a wonderful room box?
Whether to puddle or not, like so many things in the dollhouse miniature universe, it comes down the personal choice. Almost anything is acceptable in contemporary and modern miniatures, as long as the overall effect is pleasing. There is great latitude in period pieces too, but do your research to understand what accepted boundaries were in real life.
I really dislike the name of this book series, but Curtains For Dummies can simplify a complex issue
Susan Downing, with Patrick Owens
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I invite you to visit my Etsy Shop where I offer many accessories and pieces of furniture in 1:12 scale.
