The “heading style” of your curtain, or the way in which it is sewn at the top, has an important bearing on the finished design. Not only does the type of heading influence the overall look of your curtain, it has more practical considerations such as the way in which the fabric falls and how compactly the fabric stacks when pulled to one side.
Generally speaking, modern curtain designs suit a minimalist heading which creates a more structured and streamlined fall in the fabric. Examples include the S-Fold, Eyelets and Inverted Pleat. Traditional styles of pleating are more detailed and decorative. Examples include Pinch Pleat (Double and Triple) and Goblet.
S-FOLD
The S-Fold heading showcases the latest trend in curtain styles, offering a streamlined and symmetrical alternative to more elaborate pleated curtain headings. The “S” shape is formed by sewing the fabric flat on to the heading tape, then the finished curtain is hung on special carriers which are dedicated S-Fold track or rod, such as Oslo Series 65, Oslo Series 50, Oslo Series 51 and Oslo Series 58.
At Decorators Market, we offer custom S-fold curtains with white snap tape, black snap tape or clear wave tape. Our clear wave tape differs from snap tape because it uses hooks in stead of press studs, but the finished look of the heading is the same.
A key consideration for all S-Fold curtains is that it requires more stacking room than most curtain heading styles due to the extra carriers. When calculating the desirable length of your track for an S-Fold curtain, Decorators Market recommends adding 20-30% to the width of your window. This will allow the fabric to sit off the glass when the curtain is open and ensure maximum light flow in to the room.
DOUBLE PINCH PLEAT AND TRIPLE PINCH PLEAT
Pinch pleat headings are traditionally the most popular style of curtain heading due to their versatility. This style can be used on all types of conventional hanging systems and creates a uniform, neatly stacking curtain fold as opposed to unstructured or gathered headings. At Decorators Market, we believe that the pinch pleat style is best suited to solid curtains.
EYELET
An eyelet curtain heading provides a simple contemporary look and is used in conjunction with a traditional curtain pole, such as the Oslo Series 61. Like all curtain poles, brackets are required at regular intervals and an eyelet curtain cannot pass over a bracket. This means that eyelet headings are usually limited to smaller windows where no more than 3 brackets are required.
Decorators Market does not recommend eyelet curtain styles for sheer fabrics as the metal eyelets require a stiff heading. This style works best with solid fabrics in conjunction with a quality lining.
PENCIL PLEAT OR GRATHER TAPE HEADING
Pencil pleat or gather tape headings feature compactly sewn, narrow pleats (the width of pencils!) which create an unstructured and casual look, ideal for cosy bedrooms and living areas. This heading style is extremely versatile, working well with printed or and plain fabrics in both sheer and unlined curtains.
INVERTED BOX PLEAT
The inverted box pleat is a simple and structured heading style, well suited to modern and streamlined interiors. The neatly inverted pleats are designed to sit flat under the rod, so this heading style is best suited to a curtain that will be closed most of the time (for example, a static sheer curtain or a room divider). The flat pleats will naturally resist tight stacking.
TAB-TOP
The tab top treatment gives drapes an informal feel, ideal for bedrooms. This style is seen at its best with light, simple fabrics, and in neutral colours or pastel shades which will provide contrast with the rod. This style is especially suitable for sheers or voiles, or where drapes will not be regularly pulled open and closed as tab tops are not the easiest drapes to pull across the rod.
GOBLET
The tab top treatment gives drapes an informal feel, ideal for bedrooms. This style is seen at its best with light, simple fabrics, and in neutral colours or pastel shades which will provide contrast with the rod. This style is especially suitable for sheers or voiles, or where drapes will not be regularly pulled open and closed as tab tops are not the easiest drapes to pull across the rod.
KNIFE PLEAT
The knife pleat heading is a neat and simple curtain heading suitable for both lined or sheer drapes. Knife pleat headings are an ideal choice for sheer curtains which are to sit behind lined drapes as the pleats sits flat and stack compactly when open. This heading style is also a great choice for those who are looking for a simple and streamlined pleating which will suit modern interiors.
Curtain Heading Quick Reference Guide
