Curtain Headings – The Low Down

Curtain headings might seem like a minor detail, but they play a significant role in shaping the look and feel of a room. Each type of heading brings its own aesthetic and functional benefits, making it important to pick the right one for your space.

Pleated Headings

These are our top pick, thanks to their handcrafted, bespoke finish. Pleated curtain headings are created by inserting a stiffened layer of buckram between the face and lining fabrics. The fabric is then hand-pinched and stitched to form each pleat. You can tweak the overall look by adjusting the stiffness and height of the buckram, ranging from a formal style to a more relaxed vibe.

We often double the interlining inside our pleats to achieve a thick, luxurious finish. A shallow buckram (10-12cm deep) helps avoid an overly stiff appearance. We also like to leave the tops of the pleats open, especially with French pleats, when the curtains are positioned in front of the poles. This way, you get a glimpse of the pole above a soft, slightly thicker heading.

Hand-pleating allows us to choose which part of the pattern to highlight and how to distribute it across the curtain's width. Different pleat types, such as French pleats (triple or double), cartridge (single), top pinch (euro), goblet, box, inverted box, and tête de Versailles, offer various looks to suit your style.

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Gathered Headings

Hand-gathered headings are perhaps the oldest and most traditional of all curtain headings. I often encountered these during my time with the National Trust. There's something inherently charming about the slightly uneven, organic look of a hand gather, which can be created to any depth, with or without a lovely ruffled stand-up.

Like pleated headings, these can be made with lined or interlined curtains and look equally beautiful on a soft, unlined linen for a romantic, breezy effect. Hand-gathered headings typically feature a hand-stitched brass hook on the back, making them a bit of a commitment since they aren't easily adjustable. They are also time-consuming to create, making them the most expensive heading option, with hand-smocking being the most intricate form.

Alternatively, gathered curtains can be made using tape, with the most common being the pencil tape. Here, pleats are formed by pulling cords in the tape to evenly gather the fabric. While often associated with ready-made curtains, when done well and combined with interlining or a ruffle top, they can be an economical solution that also offers flexibility in width and length—ideal if you plan to move them to another window someday.

Gathered headings, whether hand-made or tape, offer a more relaxed look and don’t allow for pleating to pattern. This means that with heavily patterned, two-tone fabrics, you might end up with uneven blocks of pattern, so it's worth considering this before choosing.

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Wave Headings

Wave headings are a modern, minimalist option where the curtain hangs in soft, even waves across its width. This style uses a specially designed track system and works best with lighter fabrics that flow smoothly. Wave curtains create a clean, contemporary look, perfect for modern homes and spaces with large windows. They also stack neatly, making them a good choice where wall space is tight, and they require less fabric than gathered or pleated headings.

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Eyelet Headings

Similar to wave headings, eyelet curtains offer a modern, minimalist, and somewhat masculine look. As the name suggests, they are made by inserting a layer of buckram into the curtain heading and then punching 40-60mm eyelets through the tops. The curtain is then threaded onto a pole, creating deep, uniform folds. When done right, with interlining and larger eyelets, eyelet curtains can make a dramatic statement in a room. They’re also a great option for spaces with limited stack back and where fabric usage needs to be kept minimal.

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Rod Pockets

Most commonly used for sheer linen café curtains or dormer poles, rod pocket headings have become a staple on Instagram. These curtains have a sewn-in pocket at the top, through which the curtain rod is threaded. This style is simple and informal, often seen in traditional or cottage-style interiors. Rod pocket curtains can be difficult to open and close regularly, so they’re best suited for windows that don’t need frequent adjustment. They work well with lightweight fabrics.

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Wrapping Up

Curtain headings can dramatically affect the overall look of your space, depending on the fabric, purpose, budget, and hanging method. Once you’ve chosen your fabric, it’s important to carefully consider which heading style will best achieve your desired look and functionality. Whether you prefer the formal elegance of French pleats or the modern simplicity of wave headings, there’s a style to suit every taste and room décor. Understanding the characteristics of each heading type will help you choose curtains that not only enhance your windows but also contribute to the overall ambiance of your home.