The Most Popular and Fashionable Curtain Heading Styles

The Most Popular and Fashionable Curtain Heading Styles

In our article we will summarize the most fashionable styles of curtain headings used in New Zealand, and tips on when to use each one of them. Note that there are some small variations between manufacturers as to the exact meaning and manufacture of heading types and their names, so you should check with your chosen supplier to ensure your requirements are clear.

Pencil Pleat:  Pencil pleats are the most common simple pleating system using heading tape, enabling the curtain material to be easily gathered. Use it with tracks or rods, in bedrooms or living areas. It's suitable for all fabric types, and generally provides a simple, casual look and is usually inexpensive.

Pinched Pleat:  (sometimes called 'French Pleating') Knife pleats pinched in groups of three (or sometimes just two, or even single), with spaces between which spread when the curtain is extended. It reaches full potential when used on track rods. Suitable for all fabric types, and its classic look makes it best suited for formal rooms of the house.

Tab Top:  Offers a less formal, modern look. It usually goes with a decorative curtain pole. Uses matching, coordinating or contrasting fabric for the tabs. The top of the curtain should go well above the top of the window frame.

New York Heading:  (sometimes called 'wavetop' or 'flat finish') It simply introduces a fixed point at which the fabric will bend when the curtains are open. Its main advantage is that this type of drape uses less fabric, and takes up less room when stacked back.

Inverted Pleat:  As the name suggests, this is pretty much an inversion (back-to-front) of the Pinched Pleat, with the doubleknifed pleat flattened facing the window. This provides an elegant flat expanse of fabric in the heading when fully extended. Use with track rods. This is great with ample textured fabrics, and is ideal for apartments and these days gives a very contemporary look.

Eyelet-top Heading:  Metal rings are punched into the heading using a special device, usually about six to eight eyelets per drop, making it normally a more expensive option. This type of curtain doesn't need as much fullness of fabric so it stacks back to a minimal space. The rod needs to be fitted well above the architrave.