Curtain Headings Explained

There are many different curtain headings and choosing the right one for your curtains can seem rather daunting.

Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect curtain headings to create the style you are looking for.

Pencil Pleat

As the name suggests a pencil pleat heading is best described as a line of pencils in a neat row. This heading gives a neat finish to your curtains at a reasonable cost. The pencil pleat tape needs to be gathered to your required width. 

A versatile tape which can be used with a track or pole and is generally supplied with three hook positions allowing some flexibility when hanging them. 

We can supply a pencil pleat heading in 3" or 6".  We recommend 3" for short curtains and 6" for full length curtains. 

Pencil pleat curtains look stylish in contemporary or period homes.

Single, Double or Triple Pinch Pleat

A pinch pleat heading will certainly give a stylish permanent pleat to your curtains. 

It is important to carefully measure your track or pole as curtains are made to an exact fit. If you have your curtains made using our bespoke made to measure service they will have hand sewn pinch pleats using buckram to help form the pleats.

Although you can use with a track or pole, pinch pleats look best when hung beneath a pole. This heading gives a lovely tailored finish which is equally at home in a modern or traditional setting.

Eyelet

Eyelets give a contemporary finish to your curtains so are best suited to a modern home. 

Eyelets (metal rings) are threaded through your pole and are available in a number of finishes to suit your décor, for example silver, chrome or brass. Once hung your curtains will fall in soft even pleats.

Professionally made eyelets will use buckram for stiffening. If you are making the curtains yourself you can buy a kit which will give you a special heading tape and metal or plastic rings. 

Eyelets can only be used with a curtain pole and are not suitable for bay windows or for use with valences or pelmets.

Wave

Wave headings need a specialist pole or track and are ideal for a contemporary home. This is a stylish heading which gives a soft rippling effect. Looks stunning when used in a room which has a wall of glass or a large window. 

Stacks back very efficiently so helping to maximise the light. We can supply tracks and poles up to 12 metres wide, accommodating large windows.