What's The Difference Between Curtains and Drapes + How Long Should They Be?

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You might know Carson Kressley and Thom Filicia as two of the original "Queer Eye" cast members, or maybe as the hosts of Bravo's "Get a Room with Carson & Thom."

RELATED: Former "Queer Eye" Stars Carson Kressley + Thom Filicia Reveal 3 Hot Design Trends For 2019

The talented design duo brought their talents to our show, helping a few members of our studio audience with their home decor woes — and they helped clear up some confusion in the process!

Ann, who is starting to settle into her new home, has yet to put up curtains in her living room. She asked Carson and Thom what they would recommend: curtains or drapes, as well as how she can determine the right curtain length for her windows.

According to Thom, there's actually one big difference between curtains and drapery — and that is that drapes are meant purely for decoration!

If it's functional (basically, if it opens and closes), it's a curtain — not a drape. (Don't worry, we didn't know either!)

RELATED: "Queer Eye" Star Bobby Berk Shares His 4 Go-To Interior Design Rules

Carson and Thom also outlined the three types of curtain lengths. The first, most popular, length is when the curtains just touch — or "kiss" — the floor.

"It's a very tailored, clean look," Thom says. "It elongates the room."

The second length option is about two inches off the floor. "Think of it like pants," Thom continues. You can go for the tailored look, or one that's a little more relaxed.

Either one would look great in a living room. It just depends on your decor and the atmosphere you're trying to set.

The last option is called puddling. "It's a softer, more romantic look," Carson explains. "It's a little bit more old-fashioned."

Puddling is ideal for a bedroom because of its elegant feel, but that doesn't rule it out for a living or dining room. As Thom points out, there are different levels of puddling depending on how much length you want.

"The more puddling, the more luxurious, the more opulent, the more romantic it feels," he says.

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