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DESIGN SOLUTIONS
Puddles
and More
Two window treatment challenges are resolved with the
right style, fabric and design.
by Sharon L. Anderson
CHALLENGE: I have a request
from a client to design a custom pinch-pleated drapery. I am not
sure of the style my client is referring to. It is called a Mermaid
Puddle. Can you help me?
SOLUTION: As we all know, related interior design styles
many times can be so much more easily referenced if we only could
place a visual image of it in our minds. For this style, let’s
think a minute about a very well known movie “The Little Mermaid.”
The actual name of this custom window treatment style comes from
the shape of a mermaid as the drapery panels flow onto the floor
with additional fabric. Usually, you would design a pinch-pleated
drapery to stop about one-quarter to one-half inch from the floor,
but this treatment lays directly on the floor, usually by as much
as 10 to12 inches deep or more, depending on the window size and
the length of the treatment.
As you picture a mermaid sitting on a rock with her tail to one
side or the other, the Mermaid Puddle also flows to either the left
or right, depending on which side of the window it is on, if it
is part of a pair of panels. Otherwise, if the drapery is swaged
to the right, the puddling would go to the right and vise versa.
(This term puddling comes from the relationship of the fabric to
water. The fabric lying on the floor resembles a puddle.)
The success of this type of window treatment is in the fullness
of the drapery. The fullness should not be less than 300 percent
to obtain the full effect of this beautiful treatment. The fabric
should be at least medium- to heavyweight. Weights definitely should
be sewn into the hem on this treatment also. French and Italian
interiors historically included puddling in many of their elaborate
window treatment designs.
CHALLENGE: I find myself in need
of some draperies to cover windows that measure nine- feet-by-four-and-one-half
feet. I am in need of a window treatment with good insulating abilities.
I would like to use the existing rods that are already at the window.
SOLUTION: These windows are large
and will need a window treatment with the ability to protect interior
furnishings and textiles and also assist in insulating the room.
There are some excellent materials and manufacturers listed in
Draperies & Window Coverings’ Directory & Buyer’s
Guide, also available online at www.DWConline.com.
I would also think about a layered treatment that might include
either soft shades or blinds underneath and a pinch-pleated or tieback
drapery as the overtreatment so you will be able to use your existing
hardware. This will not only enhance the beauty of these large windows,
it will also make a statement in the room. The windows definitely
would serve as a focal point in the room, and the surrounding furnishings
would be protected from the outside elements as well.
Editor’s note: This is a continuing series of articles written
by Sharon L. Anderson that will answer some of the many questions
we receive at Draperies & Window Coverings as well as
questions Anderson has encountered in her own business. If you have
a question you would like Anderson to address, please send it to:
Design Solutions
c/o Draperies & Window Coverings
1724 E. Grand Ave.
Lindenhurst, IL 60046
Fax: (847) 356-9013
E-mail: SharonAnderson@adelphia.net
Sharon L. Anderson has more than 20 years experience in the
residential and commercial areas of interior design. She is currently
a faculty member at two Southern California colleges. Anderson has
been featured in numerous books and publications.
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