Curtain Heading Styles

The heading determines the shape and rhythm of the fabric as it falls. A tightly pleated heading creates structured, defined folds, while a softer wave creates flowing movement. It also dictates fullness, which is how much fabric is needed to achieve the right drape. Heavier headings like the triple pleat use more fabric, while pared back styles like the single pleat or casual wave use less.

The heading affects the stacking space, which is the term used when referring to how much of the wall or window the curtains take up when drawn open. Fuller headings stack wider, while flatter styles need less room to stack. In rooms with limited wall space beside a window, this becomes a real practical consideration. The heading also determines hardware compatibility. Some headings require a specialised track, others pair beautifully with a decorative rod, and some work equally well with both.

Finally, the heading shapes the mood of the room. An inverted pleat sits crisply against modern architecture. A classic pinch pleat brings a traditional feel. A serpentine wave suits minimal, considered interiors. The fabric and lining are key factors in choosing the best heading. Selecting the right heading and fabric combination is one of the most enjoyable parts of a curtain project, and our consultants will guide you in making the best decision for your home.

The most pared back of the pinch pleat family. Single folds create regular, uniform pleats that project forward, with approximately 100mm of space between. The effect is a tailored heading with a quiet, contemporary feel. Single pleats use less fabric than other pinch pleat styles, making them an efficient choice for wide windows and modern interiors. Typically requiring 60% to 70% fullness, single pleat curtains are compatible with both tracks and rods.

The balanced, mid-size option in the pinch pleat family. Like its single pleat relative, bi-pleat has space of approximately 100mm between each pleat but uses two folds to create the pleat. The result is a refined, balanced heading that allows a good level of fullness and structure. Sometimes called a double pleat or Dutch pleat, the bi-pleat is one of our most versatile styles, suiting interiors ranging from modern new builds through to classic villas. Typically, it requires around 80% to 100% fullness, is compatible with both tracks and rods and showcases patterned fabrics beautifully.

The classic member of the pinch pleat family. A more formal heading, created in the same way as other pinch pleat styles, but with three folds incorporated into each pleat. Sometimes called a French pleat, the triple pleat creates fullness and structure and is often the heading of choice for traditional interiors. It does have limitations with fabric and lining combinations, as the pleat can be problematic to form when the fabric combination is too bulky. Typically, triple pleat requires around 110% to 120% fullness and looks great when paired with decorative rods.

A cousin to the pinch pleat family, this heading is created with a generously sized single pleat and filled with Dacron to create a rounded detail. The finished effect is a refined shape reminiscent of a champagne flute. It can work equally well using a plain fabric and placed within a contemporary interior, or with a more traditional patterned fabric to dress an interior with a classic style. Fullness required is around 80% – 90% and the goblet pleat can sit on either a track or rod.

A contemporary heading where small tucks are created at approx. 120mm intervals and sit to the rear of the heading. These are then tethered together with a tape to create a rounded curve, which sits forward between each tuck. The New York pleat shares the inverted pleat's clean, tailored effect but is more economical with fabric and has a slightly more casual feel. Typically requiring around 65% - 75% fullness, it sits best when at the ceiling or suspended below a track or rod but can be used with wall mounted tracks also.

A flat fronted, tailored heading where deep pleats fold behind the curtain. It is sometimes called a reverse pleat or box pleat. The inverted pleat sits beautifully within both modern and classic interiors; it looks best with a generous amount of fullness and works equally well with sheer fabrics or heavier weaves. Suitable for both tracks and rods, it typically requires around 80% to 100% fullness.

A precise, continuous S-shaped curve along the heading, created with a specialist track or rod. Tethered glides within the hardware create the uniform spacing and S wave effect. The serpentine wave works equally well in minimal, architectural interiors or contemporary homes where a simple and uncluttered look is the goal. It does require a little more depth at the window and takes a more generous space to stack the curtains back than many other headings. Serpentine wave can be made using either 80% or 100% fullness and the heading must sit beneath the track or rod.

A softer, more relaxed take on the wave heading family. The casual wave creates a gentle, informal curve across the top of the curtain, ideal for everyday interiors where an uncluttered finish is preferred. With no pleating needed, it is one of our most fabric efficient styles, suiting both heavy and lighter weight fabrics beautifully. There are some limitations when using with unlined sheer fabrics, as additional steps need to be taken to disguise the curtain hooks. Typically, it requires around 60 to 70% fullness.

A classic heading where specialised tape is sewn to the fabric and gathered into evenly spaced narrow pleats that resemble a row of pencils. The pencil pleat is less commonly chosen for modern homes but still has a role to play as a simple, easy to work with style. Because the curtain can be gathered to a variety of widths, pencil pleat allows flexibility to swap curtains around on windows. It can be un-gathered to allow for laundering or storing and simply gathered back into place. Typically requiring around 75% to 100% fullness, it works with both tracks and rods.