We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Design duo Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent took to Instagram this week to share their latest project: a newly decorated Manhattan apartment with an open-floor layout; ’70s-inspired furnishings; and an elegant, monochromatic color palette. But if you’re anything like us and listened at full volume, multiple times, you may have also picked up on their sneaky trick to make a bedroom feel like a serene oasis. As it turns out, it’s all about curtain length. 

 

View this post on Instagram
 

A post shared by Nate Berkus (@nateberkus)

The couple kept the drapery the same fabric throughout the space, but changed the way it was hung in the main bedroom. “They’re in a bit more of a puddle and a little heavier, so it feels more romantic and softer,” says Brent. The result is a billowing effect meant to inspire feelings of tranquility in the room you need it the most. 

But what is the proper length to add on to standard floor-grazing curtains to create the same sense in your own bedroom? According to custom drapery company Barn & Willow, there are actually four types of looks you can go for. 

The first is a break puddle, which just requires about an inch of extra fabric for a subtle effect. If you want something more dramatic, a medium puddle (2 to 4 inches of extra fabric) or a true puddle (6 to 16 extra inches) will create a train that appears almost like a cloud, thus lulling you to sleep. And if you want to really commit to the style, over 16 additional inches will get you a fold-under puddle, where the textile is tucked underneath itself to create a pouf at the base of the curtains. Whichever way you go, the romantic twist will certainly make your bedroom stand out from the rest of your home and feel like an oasis all your own.