Curtain Headings Explained: Finding The Right Look for Your Space
Picking the right curtain heading for your interiors is one of those ‘small’ choices that quietly set the whole mood of a room. Start with the details, what sort of vibe are you wanting in your room perhaps formal, modern or maybe relaxed, there will be a curtain heading that leads you into what you want your space to feel like. Curtain headings aren’t just a finishing detail they will affect how your curtains look, how they function and whether they even work within your space.
Pinch pleat is a heading which features tightly gathered folds that are pinched together to create a tailored and elegant appearance. The gathered folds can either be doubled or tripled to create the pinch. Each pleat is defined and permanent, it can’t be loosened like pencil pleat and the fabric falls in deep, vertical folds beneath each pinch heading. This style lends itself to a more formal setting, elegant and polished, and can be hung on poles or tracks.
Wave headed curtains are a modern heading which allows curtains to hang in wide, even folds creating a soft and contemporary look. The waves of fabric continue consistently all the way down the length of the curtain and they will look the same if they are open or closed. They require a special track, with evenly spaced gliders and are ideal for larger windows as they stack back neatly allowing more light through the window.
Cartridge heading is a modern, tailored curtain heading which features neat, soft rounded pleats. Because the fabric falls in smooth vertical tubes they drape beautifully and create a rich luxurious look. They are good for both traditional or contemporary interiors where the finish is polished and architectural. This heading would be hung on hooks so would suit either a track or a pole.
Eyelet heading features metal rings sewn into the top of the curtain, allowing them to slide easily along a curtain pole. This heading offers a relaxed, casual but modern look which opens and closes smoothly on the pole. They aren’t particularly decorative but are very functional and they stack back neatly which is always a bonus with a large window.
Gathered is also often referred to as cottage pleat, it’s a soft, relaxed and informal look than pencil pleat headed curtains and is suitable for smaller windows. Its appearance is all about gentle gathers rather than defined pencil pleats, think light, floaty and charming rather than tailored. The heading is suitable for all types of fabric and can be used with both tracks and poles.
Pencil pleat is a classic and versatile heading that creates neat, slim folds resembling a line of pencils, where it takes it’s name from. This heading is suitable to use with both tracks and poles and works well with all sorts of different types of fabrics. It creates a soft, slightly ruffled look rather than sharp, structured pleats. The overall look of pencil pleat is classic and traditional.
What curtain heading would work best for you? Get in touch if you would like a quote for handmade curtains made in our curtain workroom.