Inverted Pleat Curtains
A tailored, contemporary curtain with generous fullness, inverted pleat offers a sophisticated finish with timeless appeal
Custom Inverted Pleat Curtains for New Zealand Homes
We custom make inverted pleat curtains for homes throughout New Zealand, with every curtain made to measure in our McKenzie & Willis workroom.
The inverted pleat is one of our most versatile and elegant heading styles. Featuring box pleats, it creates a clean, streamlined front while allowing the fabric to fall in deep, generous folds below. The result is a tailored, architectural look that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Suitable for virtually all fabric types and lining combinations, the inverted pleat is the perfect heading for homeowners seeking a polished, sophisticated window furnishing.
What Makes Inverted Pleat Curtains Different
The Look
Inverted pleat curtains are defined by their flat front and beautifully controlled folds. Box pleats sit behind the face of the curtain at intervals of approximately 110mm apart. The result is streamlined and tailored at the curtain heading while allowing generous folds of fabric to cascade beneath.
The heading can be made in a standard 100mm high pleat, or with a more generous height. A combination of both can look stunning when used on a double track or rod system, with the deeper heading at the front and the smaller heading on the rear.
The clean lines make this heading equally at home in modern architectural interiors and more traditional spaces. It offers a tailored finish without feeling overly formal, creating a sense of quiet luxury that complements a wide range of decorating styles.
The Practical Side
Inverted pleat curtains typically use 80–100% fullness, creating generous folds and a rich, tailored finish. The style works with almost any fabric, from linens and textured weaves to sheers and heavier wovens, and suits every lining option, including bumph interlining. The structured heading holds its shape over time. Patterns can be partly hidden within the pleats, so your consultant may suggest another heading for bold designs, but stripes look particularly smart, with each pleat placed at the same point on the stripe.
The Pricing
While Inverted pleat curtains requires a little more fabrics than some other styles, they can still be surprisingly affordable. McKenzie and Willis can create beautiful custom made inverted pleat curtains starting from just $240 per metre of window. This price includes a premium sewn-in blackout lining and a finished curtain height of up to 2.7 metres. We also offer an extensive range of fabrics within this price category, allowing you to achieve a sophisticated custom-made look to suit your budget.
Your consultant will recommend the ideal fullness, lining and fabric combination based on your window size, chosen fabric and desired finish.
Similar Heading Style Options
New York Pleat Curtains
A softer, less structured alternative to the Inverted pleat. New York pleats create gentle curves along the heading while maintaining a tailored appearance, making them an ideal choice for a contemporary look.
Casual Wave Curtains
A relaxed wave-style heading with soft, flowing folds and a more informal character. Casual Wave uses less fabric and creates a lighter, more effortless appearance than the structured inverted pleat.