Curtain Headings: A Style Guide

Curtain headings are a crucial element to how your curtains will look and operate. Unfortunately, many curtain shops just opt for the simple S-wave due to the ease of manufacturing, however we believe this is a disservice to their customers. The importance of curtain headings, and their interplay with different curtain fabrics, simply can not be overlooked.

In this comprehensive curtain draping style guide, we talk about the different curtain headings available and offer insights from an experienced curtain maker on the aesthetics and practicality behind each style. From classic pinch pleats to S-wave, each heading style embodies its own unique charm and adds a touch of elegance and functionality to your window dressings.

Whether you prefer a tailored and formal look or a relaxed and casual vibe, this guide will navigate you through the many options available. It will help you curate a space that reflects your personal taste and lifestyle and will resonate with both those wanting to learn about curtains and the seasoned interior decorator. So whether you are exploring curtain styles for bedrooms, curtain styles for living rooms or curtain styles for any other room, read on because the heading is crucial to any style.

Understanding the Importance of Curtain Headings

Curtain headings play a pivotal role in the overall aesthetic and functionality of window treatments. They not only determine how curtains hang and operate but also significantly influence the style and character of a room. The right heading can enhance the visual appeal of your curtains, creating a polished and cohesive look that complements your interior design. Whether you prefer a formal, structured appearance or a relaxed, casual vibe, the choice of heading is crucial in achieving your desired ambiance.

Moreover, curtain headings affect the way light enters a room. Different styles have varying degrees of fullness and drape, impacting both privacy and light control. For example, a pinch pleat heading provides a more tailored look and allows for better light control, while a pencil pleat heading creates a softer drape that can diffuse light in a gentle manner. Understanding these nuances helps in selecting the right heading that not only enhances aesthetics but also meets practical needs.

Additionally, the importance of curtain headings extends to their compatibility with different types of curtain hardware. Some headings are designed to work exclusively with specific track or rod systems. This means that when selecting curtains, one must consider how the heading style interacts with the chosen hardware. By recognizing the significance of curtain headings, you can make informed decisions that elevate your home decor and ensure that your window treatments are both beautiful and functional.

Choosing the Right Curtain Heading

When it comes to choosing the right curtain heading for your home, several factors come into play. First and foremost, consider the style of your interiors. Traditional spaces may benefit from classic headings like pinch pleats or goblet pleats, which evoke a sense of elegance and sophistication. On the other hand, modern or minimalist designs may find alignment with flat or ripple headings that offer clean lines and simplicity. Evaluating your existing decor will provide a foundation for selecting a heading that harmonizes with your overall aesthetic.

Next, think about the functionality you need from your curtains. If you desire a high degree of light control, look for headings that can create a fuller drape when closed. Pinch pleats, for example, allow for excellent light control while adding depth to the fabric. Conversely, if you prefer curtains that can be drawn open easily, consider eyelet or tab-top headings, which slide effortlessly along the rod. Assessing your lifestyle and usage will guide you to the ideal heading that meets both practical needs and style preferences.

Lastly, do not overlook the fabric choice when selecting a curtain heading. Heavier fabrics may require sturdier headings to support their weight, while lighter materials can work well with more delicate styles. It’s also essential to consider how the heading interacts with the fabric during washing or maintenance. Some headings may become distorted if washed improperly. Therefore, ensure that the heading you choose is compatible with your fabric, and be prepared to follow specific care instructions to maintain its integrity. By taking these aspects into consideration, you can confidently choose a curtain heading that enhances your home’s decor and meets your functional requirements.

Box Inverted Pleat curtain heading

These curtain headings, also known simply as inverted curtain heading, are a stylish and contemporary option for window treatments. They offer a bridge between traditional and modern curtain heading styles and are becoming increasingly popular for Perth households. They are particularly suitable for blockout curtains but also work with sheer curtains.

What is a Box Inverted Pleat curtain heading?

A box inverted pleat heading features pleats that fold inward at the front of the curtain, creating a flat, tailored look. The extra fabric is contained behind the pleat, giving the curtain a neat and structured appearance.

Key Features

• Tailored Look: The inverted pleats provide a clean, crisp, and sophisticated look, making them suitable for modern and contemporary interiors.
• Flat Front: The pleats create a flat front on the curtain, which can showcase patterns and fabrics beautifully.

Benefits

• Elegant Appearance: The structured pleats add a touch of elegance and formality to any room.
• Versatile Fabric Compatibility: Inverted box pleats work well with a variety of fabrics, from lightweight sheers to heavier materials like velvet
• Maximized View: When opened, the curtains can be pushed back completely, allowing for an unobstructed view

Ideal Uses:

• Formal Spaces: Suitable for any area where you want to make a statement with a refined and elegant window treatment.
• Living Rooms: Adds a touch of sophistication and elegance, making your living room feel more formal and polished.
• Dining Rooms: Enhances the formal atmosphere, perfect for hosting dinners and gatherings.
• Bedrooms: Provides a luxurious and serene environment, ideal for creating a restful retreat.
• Home Offices: Helps create a professional and focused workspace with a clean, tailored look.

Tips for Choosing Box Inverted Pleat Curtains

• Fabric Choice: Opt for medium to heavy-weight fabrics that hold pleats well, such as velvet, brocade, or thick cotton. These materials will enhance the structured look of the pleats.
• Use Quality Hardware: Invest in sturdy curtain rods or tracks that can support the weight of the fabric and maintain the pleats’ structure.
• Lining: Consider adding a lining to your curtains. This not only helps with light control and insulation but also gives the curtains a fuller, more luxurious look.
• Installation: Hang the curtains high above the window frame to emphasize the height of the room. This creates a more dramatic and elegant effect. Tall soldier headings look best when they just touch the floor or have a slight break.
• Accessorize Thoughtfully: Use simple, elegant tiebacks or holdbacks to gather the curtains when needed. This can add a touch of sophistication without detracting from the tailored look.

Pinch Pleat curtain heading

Pinch pleat headings, also known as French Pleat, are a classic and elegant choice for window treatments. There are a few different versions of pinch pleat curtain headings, and each version can vary in pleat size, however are normally 10 centimeters long, or 15 centimeters long. Pinch pleat curtain headings are suitable for both blockout curtains and sheer curtains.

What is a Pinch Pleat curtain heading?

A pinch pleat heading features pleats that are pinched together at the bottom of the heading, creating a tailored and structured look. The pleats are sewn into place, ensuring they remain evenly spaced and maintain their shape.

What is a double pinch pleat curtain heading?

A double pinch pleat, also known as a twin pleat, has two pinches at the bottom of each pleat, offering a fuller and more structured appearance. It uses about 2 times the window’s width in curtain fabric.

What is a triple pinch pleat curtain heading?

A triple pinch pleat, also known as a French pleat, features three pleats pinched together at the bottom of the curtain heading. This creates a luxurious and opulent look with a high level of fullness. It uses about 2.5 times the window’s width in curtain fabric.

Key Features

• Fullness: The double pleats provide a balanced look that is neither too full nor too flat. The triple pleats provide a more rich and full appearance, making the curtains look more luxurious.
• Appearance: The double pleats add a touch of sophistication and are suitable for both traditional and contemporary settings. The triple pleats add a touch of formality and are suitable for more traditional or elegant settings.

Benefits

• Space-Saving: Pinch pleats stack back to a tight and smaller stack when open, taking up less space compared to some other pleat styles.
• Tailored Look: The structured pleats give the curtains a neat and polished appearance.
• Durability: The sewn-in pleats ensure the curtains maintain their shape over time.
• Customizable Fullness: The double pleats allow for a moderate level of fullness, making them suitable for various room sizes and styles. The triple pleats allow for a high level of fullness, making them suitable for larger rooms and grand settings.

Ideal Uses

• Living Rooms: They add a touch of elegance and can complement a variety of decor styles.
• Dining Rooms: The tailored look enhances the formality of dining spaces.
• Bedrooms: The neat pleats create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Tips for Choosing Double and Triple Pinch Pleat Curtains

• Fabric Choice: Heavier fabrics like velvet or brocade create more defined pleats, while lighter fabrics like cotton or linen offer a softer drape.

Double and triple pinch pleat curtain headings are excellent choices if you’re looking for a classic, elegant window treatment that offers both style and functionality.

S-wave curtain heading

S-wave, also known as wave or ripple fold headings, are a modern and stylish option for window treatments. They are suitable for both blockout and sheer curtains.

What is an S-Wave curtain heading?

An S-wave curtain heading creates a smooth, continuous wave effect along the top of the curtain. This is achieved using a special track system with gliders and a heading tape that allows the fabric to fall in soft, uniform folds. We do not believe S-Wave curtain headings are suitable for traditional or heritage houses.

Key Features

• Modern Aesthetic: The sleek, flowing waves provide a contemporary look that complements modern interiors.
• Smooth Operation: The gliders in the track system ensure the curtains open and close smoothly, making them easy to operate.
• Consistent Waves: The heading tape and gliders maintain evenly spaced waves, giving the curtains a neat and tidy appearance.

Benefits

• Elegant Look: The continuous wave effect adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to any room.
• Versatility: Suitable for both sheer and heavier fabrics, allowing for a range of light control and privacy options.

Ideal Uses

S-wave curtain headings are perfect for various settings, including:

• Living Rooms: They create a chic, modern look that enhances the overall decor.
• Bedrooms: The soft waves contribute to a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
• Offices: Their sleek design adds a professional and polished touch to workspaces.

Tips for Choosing S-Wave Curtains

• Track System: Ensure you have the correct track system with gliders designed for S-wave headings.
• Fabric Choice: Lightweight fabrics like voile or linen create soft, flowing waves, while heavier fabrics like velvet offer more defined folds.
• Space-Saving: Be aware that S-wave headings do not save space when open. Despite using less fabric than other curtain headings, they use more curtain runners and therefore do not stack as tightly as other curtain headings.

S-wave curtain headings are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a modern, elegant window treatment that offers both style and functionality.

Pencil Pleat curtain heading

What is a Pencil Pleat Heading?

A pencil pleat heading, also known as a ‘Gather Heading’, features tightly gathered folds that resemble the size and shape of a line of neat pencils. This type of heading is created by pulling cords in a tape sewn into the top of the curtain, which gathers the fabric into neat, uniform pleats. It is one of our most popular heading choices and works beautifully in both heritage and modern homes.

Key Features

• Versatility: Pencil pleat curtains can be used with a variety of curtain rods and tracks, making them suitable for different window types and room styles.
• Adjustability: The pleats can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the cords, allowing you to control the fullness and width of the curtain.
• Classic Look: This heading style offers a timeless, elegant appearance that works well in both traditional and contemporary settings.

Benefits

• Easy to Hang: Pencil pleat curtains are straightforward to hang, as they can be attached to hooks or rings on a rod or track.
• Uniform Appearance: The evenly spaced pleats create a consistent and tidy look, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the room.
• Customizable Fullness: Pencil pleats allow you to adjust the fullness of the curtains and create your desired look by varying the amount of fabric used.

Ideal Uses

Pencil pleat headings are suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

• Living Rooms: They add a touch of elegance and can be paired with various decor styles.
• Bedrooms: The adjustable fullness allows for a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
• Dining Rooms: Their classic look complements both formal and casual dining settings.

Tips for Choosing Pencil Pleat Curtains

• Fabric Choice: Heavier fabrics like velvet or brocade create more defined pleats, while lighter fabrics like cotton or linen offer a softer drape.

Pencil pleat headings are a great option if you’re looking for a versatile, classic curtain style that can adapt to various settings and preferences.

European Relaxed curtain heading

Not many curtains shops in Perth can make European Relaxed curtain headings, but we find them to be an increasingly popular style.

What is a European Relaxed Curtain Heading?

European Relaxed, also known as Euro Relaxed, is a popular choice for those seeking an informal and elegant look for their windows. These headings are designed to create a soft, natural drape with minimal folds, allowing the fabric to fall gracefully.

Key Features

• Soft, Natural Drape: The relaxed heading creates a gentle, flowing look with minimal folds, allowing the fabric to hang naturally.
• Informal Elegance: This style provides a laid-back yet sophisticated appearance, suitable for both modern and traditional interiors.
• Minimal Fabric Use: Compared to more structured headings, relaxed headings require less fabric, making them a cost-effective option.
• Natural Fabrics: Often made with materials like linen, which enhance the relaxed style and add a touch of organic beauty.
• Versatility: Suitable for various window sizes and can be integrated with electric, battery, and smart-home systems.

Benefits

• Cost-Effective: Using less fabric can reduce costs while still achieving a stylish look.
• Easy Maintenance: The natural drape and minimal structure make these curtains easier to maintain and clean.
• Adaptable: Works well in different settings, from casual living rooms to elegant dining areas.
• Enhanced Light Control: The soft folds allow for better light diffusion, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Customizable: Can be tailored to fit specific design preferences and window dimensions.

Ideal Uses

European Relaxed curtain headings are perfect for various settings, including:

• Living Rooms: They create a chic, modern look that enhances the overall decor.
• Bedrooms: The soft waves contribute to a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
• Offices: Their sleek design adds a professional and polished touch to workspaces.

Tips for Choosing European Relaxed

• Choose the Right Fabric: Opt for natural fabrics like linen or cotton, which drape beautifully and enhance the relaxed look. Avoid heavy or stiff fabrics that might not fall as gracefully.
• Use a Simple Rod: A sleek, unobtrusive curtain rod works best with this style. Avoid overly ornate rods that might clash with the relaxed aesthetic.
• Consider Lining: If you need more privacy or light control, consider adding a lightweight lining to your curtains. This can also help the fabric drape better.

Tall Soldier curtain heading

You likely haven’t heard of Tall Soldier curtain headings before, but they are worthy of consideration.

What is a Tall Soldier Curtain Heading?

Tall soldier curtain headings, also known as tailored pleat headings, are a sophisticated and structured option for window treatments. They are 15 centimeters log and have a pinch pleat at the top and bottom of the heading. They create a clean, formal look that works well in both contemporary and traditional settings.

Key Features

• Structured Appearance: Tall soldier curtain headings have a neat, tailored look with evenly spaced pleats that run vertically from the top of the curtain, creating a uniform and polished appearance.
• Height Emphasis: These headings are particularly effective for tall windows or rooms with high ceilings, as they draw the eye upward and emphasize the height of the space.
• Fabric Efficiency: While they require more fabric than some other headings, the result is a luxurious, full drape that adds a touch of elegance to any room.
• Versatility: Tall soldier headings can be used with a variety of fabrics, from heavy drapes to lighter materials, allowing for flexibility in design and function.
• Compatibility: They work well with both traditional curtain rods and modern track systems, making them a versatile choice for different types of window treatments.

Benefits

• Elegant Look: The structured pleats provide a sophisticated and formal appearance, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the room.
• Enhanced Light Control: The full drape of the curtains helps with better light control and privacy.
• Durability: The structured pleats help maintain the shape of the curtains over time, ensuring they look good for longer.
• Customizable: Can be tailored to fit specific design preferences and window dimensions, offering a personalized touch to your decor.

Ideal Uses

European Relaxed curtain headings are perfect for various settings, including:

• Living Rooms: They create a chic, modern look that enhances the overall decor.
• Bedrooms: The soft waves contribute to a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
• Offices: Their sleek design adds a professional and polished touch to workspaces.

Tips for Choosing Tall Soldier curtain headings

• Measurements: Tall soldier headings look best when they just touch the floor or have a slight break. They look best when hung high above the window frame as it emphasizes the height of the room and creates a more dramatic and elegant effect.
• Use Quality Hardware: Invest in sturdy curtain rods or tracks that can support the weight of the fabric and maintain the pleats’ structure.
• Lining: Consider adding a lining to your curtains. This not only helps with light control and insulation but also gives the curtains a fuller, more luxurious look.
• Accessorize Thoughtfully: Use simple, elegant tiebacks or holdbacks to gather the curtains when needed. This can add a touch of sophistication without detracting from the tailored look.

Goblet Pleat curtain heading

Goblet pleats are a luxurious and elegant curtain heading style, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any room.

What is a Goblet Pleat Curtain Heading?

Goblet pleats are named for their unique shape, which resembles an upside-down wine goblet. This is achieved by creating a cup-shaped fold at the top of the curtain. They are suitable for both blockout and sheer curtains.

Key Features

• Formal Appearance: This pleat style is considered one of the most formal and opulent, making it ideal for grand living spaces, formal dining rooms, or any area where you want to make a statement.
• Fabric Requirements: Goblet pleats require a significant amount of fabric to create the full, rounded pleats. This results in a rich, voluminous drape that adds to the luxurious feel.
• Support and Structure: To maintain their shape, goblet pleats often use buckram or another stiffening material inside the pleat. This helps the pleats stay upright and retain their distinctive form.

Benefits

• Elegant Look: The structured pleats provide a sophisticated and formal appearance, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the room.
• Enhanced Light Control: The full drape of the curtains helps with better light control and privacy.
• Durability: The structured pleats help maintain the shape of the curtains over time, ensuring they look good for longer.
• Customizable: Can be tailored to fit specific design preferences and window dimensions, offering a personalized touch to your decor.

Ideal Uses

Goblet Pleat curtain headings are perfect for various settings, including:

• Formal Living Rooms: Enhances the elegance and sophistication of formal living spaces.
• Dining Rooms: Perfect for creating a grand and opulent atmosphere in dining areas.
• Bedrooms: Adds a touch of luxury and refinement, making bedrooms feel more cozy and elegant.
• High-End Commercial Spaces: Suitable for hotel lobbies, traditional restaurants, and other high-end commercial settings where a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere is desired.

Tips for Choosing Tall Soldier curtain headings

• Choose the Right Fabric: Opt for heavy, luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk, or brocade to maintain the structure and enhance the dramatic effect of the pleats.
• Measurements: Goblet pleats look best when they just touch the floor or have a slight break.
• Use Quality Hardware: Invest in sturdy curtain rods or tracks that can support the weight of the fabric and maintain the pleats’ structure.
• Lining: Consider adding a lining to your curtains. This not only helps with light control and insulation but also gives the curtains a fuller, more luxurious look.
• Accessorize Thoughtfully: Use simple, elegant tiebacks or holdbacks to gather the curtains when needed. This can add a touch of sophistication without detracting from the tailored look.

Curtain Fabrics

A critical component of how a curtain looks, is the curtain fabric. As has been touched on above, different curtain headings are sometimes more suitable for certain curtain fabrics. And certain curtain fabrics are better suited for different curtain headings. A good curtain shop will have a huge range of curtain fabrics for you to explore, and be able to inform you which heading most suitable for the fabrics you are interested in. The interaction between the curtain fabric and heading will determine how the curtain moves and sits when open and closed. This applies to both the pattern of the fabric, and the material of the fabric.

Which Curtain Heading for Pelmets?

Curtain pelmets, also known as Padded Pelmets, are used as a decorative feature with curtains, and are highly effective when used with blockout curtains as they stop light seepage from the top of the curtain. Originally they were used to conceal the curtain rods.

If you intend to have a curtain pelmet, then we recommend a pinch pleat curtain heading as, when open, they have a smaller and tighter stack.

Which Curtain Heading for Swags and Tails?

Curtain swags and tails are used as a decorative feature with curtains and have a history dating back centuries. They are considered elegant and sophisticated.

If you intend to use swags and tails, then we recommend a pinch pleat curtain heading because when they are open they will have a smaller and tighter stack. This will be more visually appealing.

Motorised Curtains

All curtain headings are suitable to be used with a motorised curtain system, however as pencil pleats do not stack tightly, they are the least suitable.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the world of curtain headings is rich with options that can dramatically influence the look and feel of your home. From understanding the importance of these headings to exploring the various styles available, it is evident that they play a crucial role in interior design. Whether you are drawn to the elegance of pinch pleats or the simplicity of eyelet headings, there is a style that will resonate with your personal taste and enhance your living space.

Choosing the right curtain heading involves a careful consideration of your interior style, functionality, and maintenance needs. By matching headings with your decor, you can create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere that reflects your individuality. As trends evolve, staying informed about the latest innovations and styles will empower you to make choices that not only elevate your home but also align with your lifestyle.

Ultimately, curtains are more than just a practical necessity; they are an essential component of your home’s aesthetic. By investing time in understanding curtain headings and selecting the right style, you can unlock the full potential of your window treatments. Embrace the versatility of curtains, and let your creativity flow as you transform your space into a haven of comfort and beauty.

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to get in touch and ask.