When they pool on the floor like that it just looks sloppy IMO. They should just brush up against the floors.

No need to be sorry...

The puddling/pooling look was in the 80's as that's how many English did their curtains. Of course the reason was to stop drafts in poorly insulated or heated houses.

I tried it and they are a magnet for pet hair. BIG mistake but easy remedied by just hemming them up.

I now have curtains made 1/4 longer than the distance from the rods to the floor. It gives a TINY break which looks very nice.

What are people's thoughts (here) about curtains that just go a few inches below the window frame/sill? I'm not sure that I want curtains almost all the way to the floor, but if my window is 63" would it be bad to have curtains that are 74" (or whatever the next size from 63" is)? My home is not formal at all, but I want it to look nice.

I don't like the short curtains even if in informal locations. I think you can get an informal look with the material used or the header used, but the curtains that end up somewhere between the floor and sill look improperly sized to me. Ninigret said it best: "high water pants".

I do think there is a time and place for shades rather than curtains. JMO.

I do like short curtains in three rooms: kitchen, bathroom, kid's bedroom

In my Family Room, I have electric heat under the windows...Right now I have vertical blinds (I know, a no-no but works for us) and when they wear out I will get curtains that come to just above the heat registers...since I do not care for roll up blinds. In most of my house I have curtains/drapes that the rod is just above the window woodwork to about an inch above the floor. In the study I do have short sheers and looks fine to me. So I think it depends on your room and what you like.

I think we all have preferences but have to work with certain situation...I don't mind the windows to the sill. I wouldn't do a silk curtain that way, though...I think certain fabrics are better with long drapes. If you have animals who chew or claw, short works...

Also detest the drapes to the ceiling...the wall should be above the drapery rod and not below it.

Absolutely do not puddle. Sure, it looks lovely in a magazine or if you don't live in your home...otherwise just no. I don't like my drapes to kiss anything. I like mine about an inch above the floor.

My preferences have basis in practicality.

I like a full drape that touches. Not quite enough to break. But as mentioned above, there are all sorts of reasons to do it differently.

i do have my silk drapes puddling in my living room... its a lush and yes, 'english' look for my antique house. but agree, other fabrics would be wrong for that.

i had a cat til a week ago, and really didnt have a problem with pet hair, a smart shake of the bottom of the drape (gathered in one hand while vacuuming) was all that was needed.

but, no look is for everyone!

Thanks, all, for taking the time to respond to my query in this thread.

I like curtains to be like a man's trousers, with a slight break.

Of course the reason was to stop drafts in poorly insulated or heated houses.

Interesting. I was going to ask when pooled curtains make sense -- I couldn't think of a reason myself.

I do like short curtains in three rooms: kitchen, bathroom, kid's bedroom

Agreed. Function has to come first.