Heading types include the pencil pleat, inverted pleat, gathered pleat, eyelet, tab top, triple pleat and double pleat. Many people choose to use eyelet or tab top curtains with their curtain poles, however, in some cases, eyelet curtains may not fit certain poles. This isn’t a problem though -you can easily have the heading type of curtains changed. You can change the curtain heading to suit your new curtain fixing pole, or you can even change the heading type to alter the way that the curtains hang (for smaller windows, a pencil or gathered pleat can be very effective).
Do you have a pair of old curtains that you would like to use again, but they’re the wrong heading size for your new curtain poles? If so, we provide a wide range of curtain and blind alteration services. Curtains Made Simple can change the heading type, lining type and dimensions of your curtains or blinds. Email us to find out more.
Here are just a few of the heading types you can find on curtains:
Pencil Pleat
The pencil pleat curtain heading is a classic, simple style. It can be a more elegant alternative to a simple gathered heading. Generally speaking, standard pencil pleats are 7.5cm (3”) deep - however, a curtain alteration company can deal with different specifications. The pencil pleat is very popular, and can be found on many modern curtain designs. Pencil pleats are suitable for both poles and tracks. If you buy curtains with pencil pleats, you will need to pull the heading tape strings at the end to form the pleats before hanging your curtains.
Tab Top
The tap top curtain heading allows for a simple and relaxed curtain style. Generally speaking, the curtain will be straight, with limited bulk - too much fullness can cause bunching and will distract from the curtains’ simplicity. Standard tabs measure 7cm wide by 10cm deep and they are suitable for poles up to 35mm diameter. However, if you have a larger pole, a curtain alteration company can enlarge the tabs accordingly. Some people may find that curtains with tab tops are not as easy as other heading styles to open and close - however, this entirely depends on the size of the tab, the type of curtains and the pole. Tab top curtains are only suitable for use with poles.
Eyelet
The eyelet curtain heading is modern, unfussy and extremely neat. This design is commonly used on modern day curtain designs. Using regular even pleats, this heading style requires the least amount of space at either side of the window to stack back. You can buy eyelet curtains in various sizes, though the standard eyelet size is 40mm and this size is suitable for all poles of up to 35mm in diameter. Eyelet curtains are not recommended for use with blackout curtains as light can still enter the room through the eyelets. Eyelet curtains are only suitable for use with poles.
Goblet
Goblet pleat curtain headings have a rich and formal appearance. This style looks amazing with woven fabrics or jacquards - it adds a touch of elegance to your curtains. When coupled with luxurious rope or fabric tiebacks to pull curtains your back from the window, the overall appearance is timeless. Ideally, curtain hems should drape along the floor at either side of the window by about 15cm for the best visual impact. Goblet pleat headings can be used with a curtain pole or a curtain track using drapery hooks.
Pinch Pleat
Pinch pleat curtain headings are simple, yet very elegant curtain headings. For maximum effect, use a medium weight curtain so that the pleats are not too thick or bulky when made up. Generally, groups of 3 pleats are spaced apart across the curtain heading. They are pinched together with a simple stitch at the base and fan out at the top. For a hand-made, vintage twist, you can accentuate the base with a covered button. The pinch pleat is a formal, crisp heading - it works well with tailored soft furnishings. Pinch pleat headings can be used with a curtain pole or a curtain track using drapery hooks.