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That said, keep in mind that various types of fabric will hang differently.

Additionally, certain curtain lengthsrequire more maintenancethan others, which we will touch on in further detail below.

Pleated curtains in a living room interior

The Spruce / Jacob Fox

Try floating curtains in spaces that lean contemporary, Stein says.

Break

Curtains that break reach the floor but aren’t as long as those that puddle.

Curtains that break are seen as more casual in style than those that float or puddle, designers say.

purple curtains touching floor

Mary Patton Design

Stein agrees that curtains that puddle are more labor-intensive.

Designers say that it’s always best for curtains to at least float.

Curtains that do not touch the floor at all are awkward looking and to be avoided.

curtains pooling on floor

Kate Marker Interiors/ Photo byStacy Markow

Curtains can either float, break, or puddleat minimum, the should just barely touch the floor.

Different types and styles of rooms are most conducive to different types of curtains.

Light filtering curtains in a living room interior

Float length curtainsThe Spruce / Jacob Fox

Floor-length curtains in a living room interior

Break length curtainsThe Spruce / Jacob Fox

Puddle length curtains in a living room interior

Puddle length curtainsThe Spruce / Jacob Fox