I'm not a puddle person. I vote not to puddle.

I love the look of flowing drapes. I've mostly successfully have lived with mine for 4 years now. I have two dogs and two boys. We've only had one uh oh so far. My three yr old son did pull one down just the other day but I was able to repair the drywall and rehang the drape no problem.

I vote no...

If you love it, go for it! Toddler can pull down or swing from any length drapery! Might as well do what you love.

Puddles are beautiful! They may not be the top choice of many but do have a place. You must choose wisely where to use them. They don't work in all fabrics. Not very practical for your current living environment.

Draperies are the softness and romance of the room. You have to deceide what is more important to you, practicality or romance. Fabric that overflowes onto the floor was originally done to show excess. That's right it made the statement that you could afford more. Before you laugh, it's the same thing as the extra long piece of fabric trailing behind a bride. The drapery just touching the floor or a 1/2" above it is more taylored than the puddle. There are several ways to place the puddles also, so they don't look messy. We take a photo of them when done and give it to our client for a guilde.
So what's it going to be, easier cleaning or candle light and flowing fabrics?
A little secret, we add 4" to the length to puddle. If you ever want shorter, you can always rehem..

Most of the drapes in my home puddle on the floor and I love the look. With that being said you have to know that the maintenance for this look is much more than for drapes that do not puddle. I have no children or pets and find that I have to pick them up off the floor regularly to keep the dust etc. from collecting on and around the fabric. If your schedule allows for this kind of regular maintenace then by all means have the look that you want. Also keep in mind that puddling is ideal for stationary drapes but not a good idea for drapes that are functional.