FAQs
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Different Types of Curtain Headings
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TYPES OF CURTAIN HEADINGS
Pencil Pleat
Pencil pleat heading is traditionally the most common and popular form of curtain style. It is created by using pencil pleat curtain tape which is sewn onto the top of the curtain and then evenly pulled or drawn together using the draw strings to form a uniform pencil width ruched effect. The ‘drawing in’ of the curtain tape allows for the curtain to fit the width of the window while also providing fullness and drape to the fabric. Generally, curtains are made 2 to 2.5 times wider than the window and then ‘drawn in’ to fit.
The pencil pleat curtain tape is usually supplied in a 3” width but can also come in 6”. This type of heading can be used with a traditional curtain rail / track but can also be used with a curtain pole using the pole rings.
Pinch Pleat
Pinch pleat curtains can have either a double or, more commonly, a triple pleat heading. The pleats are secured by hand at regular intervals along the top of the curtains to create a luxurious and sophisticated look. The area between the pleats is flat and smooth when the curtains are closed.
Pinch pleat curtains can, once again, be hung using a traditional curtain rail / track or a curtain pole / rod using the pole rings. The curtains are generally made 2.25 to 2.5 times wider than the window with the hand created pleats ‘drawing in’ the fabric to fit. Once again, the curtains are generally full and this adds to the level of luxury.
Eyelet
Eyelet curtains are a more modern addition to curtains styles. The eyelets are large metal rings which are set into the fabric at regular intervals. The eyelets are used to thread the curtain directly onto the curtains pole. The curtains sit in a smooth wave effect where the curtain fabric almost snakes its way through the curtain pole. The eyelet curtain lies in a much softer fold than a more traditional curtain.
Eyelet curtains are generally more suited to a modern or contemporary style of room and the pole designs have a big part to play in the overall effect of the look of the finished curtains. Eyelet curtains are generally made 2 times wider than the window.
Tab Top
Tab top curtains are made with fabric loops attached to the top of the curtains spaced at regular intervals. The loops are usually made from the same fabric as the main curtain but can also be made using a contrasting fabric. The curtains are hung by threading the fabric loops / tabs through the curtain pole or rod. Only a rod or pole can be used with this type of curtain.
Once again, the pole or rod design plays a big part in the overall look of the finished curtains. This style of curtain is particularly suited to unlined or sheer curtains and the fabric is usually 1.5 times wider than the window.
Goblet
Goblet style curtains are a formal or traditional type of curtain heading created by hand to look like actual goblets. Like pinch pleat and pencil pleat headings, goblet heading uses approximately 2.5 times the fabric than the width of the window. This creates a luxurious full effect with a dramatic drape. The area between the goblets is flat and smooth when the curtains are closed, just like the pinch pleat style.
Goblet style curtains can be hung using a traditional curtain rail / track or a curtain pole / rod using the pole rings.